Thoughts on... HELLO KITTY
The recent announcement that Hello Kitty is not a cat but a British
girl has prompted an avalanche of comments, Tweets, Facebook and blogs
postings, and articles in magazines, newspapers and online websites. Everyone
expressed their utter disbelief that the world’s most popular and well-liked
feline is actually a mere symbolisation of a completely ordinary school-going
human being! I am enjoying (very very much) the writings that have been devoted
to this subject and I’m dipping my hand into this kitty cesspool as well.
I never fancied Hello Kitty at all but the news still came to me
like a slap on the face (as I’m sure it did to many fans). How did I miss this
conspiracy theory?! OMG. It was staring at my face the whole time!
That oval head – tres human!
That yellow button nose – so humanly cute!
That six strands of facial hair – how symmetrically exact! Studies have
shown that beauty comes from symmetry of the human face.
That flower/bow/accessory on her head – so befitting of her youthful
girlishness!
That pinafore – the emblem of a school-going kiddo!
Honestly, the one thing I find rather odd about this girl is her
limbs, which are blunt and resemble popsicles. However, I could be mistaken.
She could be wearing white gloves and thigh-high boots. It might be the latest
fad where she comes from.
This meant that I’ve been viewing things wrongly! My perspective is
faulty!
I would like to think that after this saga I’ve begun to see things for
what they really are now.
My thoughts, naturally, turned to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
(TMNT). So TMNT aren’t really turtles although it is very clearly stated that
they are in their moniker. But a moniker is a moniker. They are actually four
teenagers who, like any other (normal) adventurous martial-learning teens, seek
their kick down at the sewers. I mean, I’m sure there are kids who like to hang
out in cities and mingle with the upper crust but there are those that prefer the
grittier seedier side town, like the underground.
They are an underground rock band, which gives rise to the band name
TMNT. Underground rock bands love alternative names, something not of the
mainstream, to set them apart from the millions of other rock bands. One
disadvantage of being a rock band is that you get complaints from your
neighbours for practicing your gut-ripping soul-churning guitar riffs in your garage.
Hence, they have to go underground to practice. This goes hand in hand with
their love of the alternative, seeing themselves as fancy inhabitants of the
dark and smelly underground.
Also, which turtle would be named after famous artists? No animals
or reptiles have the intellect to appreciate art, much less know the creators
of art. Therefore, TMNT really are just four average teenagers with cool
alternative names who, when not practicing martial arts, hang out underground
doing their own “thang”. Look out for their debut single coming out soon.
Also, I think Splinter, is not a rat. Yes, he may resemble one with
his longish pointy nose, but I’ve personally have acquaintances who have rat
qualities in their features (I can immediately recall two). Yes, there is a
problem with the existence of his tail, but… it’s probably a rocker quirk. You
know how Slash likes his top hats and how young rockers like their kohl
eyeliners; Splinter likes to wear his tail.
I mean, if Hello Kitty can wear gloves and thigh-high boots all the time
and Korean boy bands can wear make-up I don’t see why Splinter can’t have his
tail. Splinter, or Master Splinter as the boys like to call him, is an
ex-rocker who is in a rock band himself. He is now their mentor and pseudo
agent.
So TMNT, not turtles ‘kay. They are teenagers with a rather rat-like
mentor. Make no mistake about it.
(Note: Admittedly this post
came a bit too late, after the whole Hello Kitty fiasco has blown over. But
better late than never I say.)
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