In the newspaper I read an article by Austin Murphy illustrating a mix of human motives. Back in 2005 Santa Rosa, California, commissioned dozens of artists to paint uncolored statues of characters found in the Peanuts cartoon strip created by Charles Schulz. About 70 statues, painted in 70 different styles, were then placed in strategic spots around the city.
Schulz and his family are the pride of Sonoma County.
Artist Maria Krahn painted a tan-colored reggae version of the Charlie Brown statue, most likely because she likes reggae and she has a half-Jamaican daughter.
The Rasta Charlie was seen in more than one spot but ended up in front of a store in Montgomery Village. It proved a draw for the store and remained there until now.
Recently a woman filed a complaint with the corporation that owns Montgomery Village, a huge, somewhat upscale shopping area. The woman stated that Rasta Charlie was racist, just Charlie Brown "in blackface." I believe she spoke of cultural appropriation.
On the basis of two complaints by one woman, the corporate management of Montgomery Village told the store that Rasta Charlie has to go.
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