"At the height of the century we are in, I believe that all children pout and do not have to smile in the photos." This is how the designer of the poster of one of the candidates for children's queen of the Arrecife Carnival, Osvaldo Cabrera, responded after the criticism launched by the women's association Tiemar. Cabrera has stated that "he is not going to withdraw the poster" and has defended his work. Faced with the opinion of Tiemar, who considers that this type of posters with "girls loaded with makeup and inappropriate clothing" "perpetuate an image of a stereotyped girl-woman", the designer maintains that he does not see "the poster excessive or sexist, nor that the girl is sad in the photo as they say."
Therefore, he has stressed that "as long as the parents allow it, the poster will remain there." In fact, after learning about Tiemar's position, Cabrera has assured that he contacted the parents of the girl who appears on the poster. "They asked a lawyer if he would have to delete the photo and he said no. They also asked a policeman and he also said no. The only thing is that they recommended that we not get involved in social networks. As long as a judge doesn't say so, the poster will remain there," he stated.
In any case, the author of the poster has insisted that he sees "no problem in the photo" and has recommended, in allusion to the members of the women's association, that "if they have a problem, look the other way."
"I don't think parents should be disrespected"
Cabrera has acknowledged that he was surprised by the situation and the numerous opinions expressed on social networks. In this sense, he has stated that the poster "may or may not be liked by people, but I don't think parents should be disrespected." In addition to contacting them, Cabrera plans to do so with the Department of Festivities as well. "They are also being blamed, when they don't make the poster. I made the poster," he pointed out.
For his part, the Councilor for Festivities of the Arrecife City Council, David Duarte, asked on Radio Lanzarote-Onda Cero if the City Council is going to adopt any type of measure, has stated that "this is a matter that does not affect the City Council at all. It is a matter between a designer who has designed a poster and the parents." The councilor has also clarified that "the Arrecife City Council does not contemplate that type of posters. Not even crazy."
Duarte has explained that "every year there has been a children's Carnival queen, to accommodate children in the Carnival. But always in a children's environment. That is what is sought from the area of the City Council. The rest that comes out through social networks or comes out there, that will be the parents or guardians who will have to agree." The councilor has added that "what is celebrated is a children's party and an election of a children's queen. That is the only thing that is celebrated. A fashion show is not celebrated."
However, from the municipal group of Somos Lanzarote they have also stated on Radio Lanzarote their intention to ask a question in the next Plenary Session of Arrecife, which will be held in February, to inquire about the matter.
