.
February 13th, 2012
11:24 PM ET
Video: RidicuList: Decal controversy
A teen has been stripped of an art award because officials think his winning design could be interpreted as a gang sign. The sticker controversy lands on the RidicuList.
 |
Post by: Anderson Cooper Filed under: The RidicuList |
About this Show:
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
Subscribe to the podcast
Subscribe to the AC360 podcast on iTunes!
On Twitter
Search the AC360 blog
The kid isn't innocent, he is in school for trouble youth being placed there for a burglary in October according to CPD sources. Also he has multiple pictures on his Facebook profile of him flashing the gang signs which sticker is to alleged to have. Per the local CBS station, "Pulgar did acknowledge that his Facebook page, which has since been made private, had pictures of him flashing gang signs, but he said that was a “stupid” mistake from his past. He admitted he’s been in trouble before, but claimed working to win the contest was his way of trying to turn his life around." In addition the first comment on Facebook of the picture he posted of winning the contest was "mld love" MLD is the gang he is alleging affiliated with, Manic Latin Disciples. He may be trying to reform his life and tried to honor the fireman who saved his life from a fire when he was younger, but there is a lot more to this then just video of him crying.
This made me cry. How can supposedly educated people be so stupid and disgusting? I hope this kid never gives up his art, he is a talented young man and it is a terrible shame that he was treated so terribly for creating a beautiful work of art. I fully support this young artist and hope someday his work will be seen on the bumpers of cars from coast to coast, heck I'd buy one now. Keep your chin up Herby the best is yet to come!
I think the person who brought up the challenge should be asked to apologize face to face to the artist for the insane paranoia that burst the young man's bubble. Since when does one negative person have the power to take away a prize that a whole committee found worthy? Surely gangs were empowered by this action, if indeed there is a gang symbol that looks like this. Most people wouldn't know or care.
To take that art award away from that boy is a travesty. The mayor should publicly apologize to him for the poor judgement of the woman who did it. How can hands of all races lifted to the sky possibly be misconstrued as a gang symbol? How do these people end up in positions of authority?
I saw the show about the 15 year old losing his award for his drawing. Is there anyway to help him understand that it is not he who did anything wrong, but whomever made that very insensitive, rediculous statement about a gang sign should be removed from his position and never be allowed to work with or around young persons again. Please let him know that I believe he has talent and to never let anyone make him feel bad about his work. Thank you.
I have concerns that the airing of the child, whose artwork was misunderstood, will cause children to 'attack' him, was dissapointed in the airing of the entire segment.... I sincerely hope to be wrong.
Why didn't they ask him to just redraw the hands?
That is so sad! You could tell that kid pour his heart and soul into this piece. I hope the community rally's together and gives him some other opportunity to display the work.
As a proud Chicagoan I feel it absolutely necessary to chime in here. I held Anderson Cooper in a pretty high regard because of his well-thought, well-produced segments, stories and specials. But this is rediculous-I live in Chicago, I as well as the rest of us who live here have heard and read all too much about this issue. What Anderson FAILED to mention is that this is a child who proclaimed gang affilliation on his facebook page. This is the same child who has pictures of himself throwing gang signs and smoking weed on the same facebook page. His father is wanted by Interpol-yes, INTERPOL. He goes to reform school in hopes of getting out of 'the life' at 15!! The bigger problem is how did this get into the Top 10 to be entered into the contest in the first place.
Where's the proof? Other people from Chicago posted to this as well, but you're the only one claiming he's a gang member. BTW – a link from Faux News doesn't count...
Hang in there, Herbie. Whatever you do, don't stop drawing! You have a tremendous gift and you can inspire people. Use your gift wisely, make a difference in this world, and make every effort to prove these simple minded people wrong by being successful and happy. Be determined and don't give up.
Even if it is a gang sign, it should not matter. Art is a depiction of his or her environment.
This is beyond belief. I am aware we have to be careful, but there is a point of going to far. I think the City of Chicago should but up a hugh fuss (protest) against this decision. Sometimes the government are asses !!!!!!!!
Has someone started a college fund for this kid yet because I would like to donate to it. This is truly ridicules! What is wrong with the Chicago leaders and exactly who was it that brought the gang signs up? Did their candidate not win?
I am outraged by the lesson they are teaching our youth by doing this.
I am just in disbelief that the city clerk Susana Mendoza could have done that to this kid. She should be ashamed of herself! If she really thought she was doing the right thing by taking the award away, she shouldn't be in the position she's in! I thing chicago needs a new city clerk!!!!!!!
Regarding the Decal Controversy, it's rediculous when society cow-ties to their fears. By assigning and even acknowledging what may be considered a gang sign to a sincerely illustrated creation is giving authority to gangs. Really? Who's in charge here? By the way FEAR is an acronym of False Evidence Appearing Real! I believe great things are in Herbie's future once he gets past the City of Chicago's shameful behavior.
I think that someone should help him print his design anyway and then perhaps he could sell the stickers and use the proceeds to help him achieve the goals that he had when he won the award. His design is fantastic and he was so excited to be able to give recognition to people who had helped him, and to then give help to people currently in need that it seems like a shame that he shouldn't be encouraged and have that opportunity. Though I couldn't afford to pay very much, if there was any way for it to be possible, I would happily purchase a copy of his design to help him achieve his goals and to show him that people do recognize the value of his work.
That's terrible. That poor boy, working so hard on something, just to have it ripped away from him like that. What's worse is now thanks to the news running that "oh, hey, there's gang symbols in this picture", he's going to be associated as being a gangster. CANADA THINKS YOU'RE A WINNER HERBIE. 🙂
This is a very disappointing and sad story. To see a kid who drew a picture to honor those who saved his life have his drawing thrown out because some on claims it looks like a gang sign is very disgusting. If it gets set up to help him and sell his stickers for donations I'd put one on my car.
What is this world coming to?? Unfortunately, the bad has outweighed the good that we are now being overly suspicious of something as simple as art work from an INNOCENT CHILD. I am so appalled- it broke my heart to watch Herbie Pulgar crying on TV- I believe him and think whoever misconstrued his drawing should be ashamed. Come to New York Herb! We'll have your back!!!
I was watching the Rlist and seen what happened with innocent Herby, I was appalled! I have never in my life seen such a horrible act on a young child living with momma, who was trying so hard to do a great thing. I want to do something for him, even if it means getting a petition or something... I did send an email to that clerk, he was heartbroken!! why couldn't they have come up with a different solution and change the hands a little. That baby did that with his heart and soul..Is there something that we can do. She and that Mayor that allowed such an abdominal act, need to make this right! They also owe Herby an apology. We want our kids to be great people, however when they work so hard to do this, he was so hurt and that is his reward. It is not all about the sign anymore. It Is a call out for that Mayor and that clerk to publicly do the right thing for the right reason. I could go on, this just broke my heart for Herby. I have three sons. whom I am very proud of and OMG! I am proud of Herby