Don Flamenco - Reception - Effeminacy and Stereotyping

Effeminacy and Stereotyping

Don Flamenco has been described as a stereotype of Spanish people, as well as effeminate. In discussing the stereotypes of Punch-Out!!, GamesRadar editor Brett Elston stated that Don Flamenco was a stereotype of Spanish people, citing stereotypes utilized in the character such as being expert bullfighters, always having a rose in his hand, and his obsession with his good looks, comparing him to Spanish fighting game character Vega from the Street Fighter series. Fellow GamesRadar editor Mikel Reparaz stated that Don Flamenco is "the latest example of a stereotype Spaniards have struggled against for centuries – namely that we’re all fiery-blooded, severe-nosed flamenco dancer/matadors who trill every “R” and clench roses between our teeth at every opportunity." The Escapist editor Sumantra Lahiri commented that while Don Flamenco was less pathetic than French Punch-Out!! boxer Glass Joe, he "radiates an effeminate "pretty boy" persona by making constant references to his perfect hair and starting off each fight with a feisty Latin dance." He adds that this is a stereotype of Spanish people by Americans who viewed Spanish's rich European culture as such (it is important to point out, however, that Mr. Lahiri seemed unaware that the Punch Out series was developed in Japan, and not the United States. And these were Japanese views on cultural stereotypes).

MeriStation described him as being "Spanish stereotypical as they come," adding that he is one of the most "acute fighters of Punch-Out!!." He cites either "by being Spanish or his extra speed to string hits when he gets angry." They also discuss him in an article about Spanish in video games, stating that little has been done to change the character over the years. They described him as a narcissist, adding that the Wii version has "deepened the stereotype," stating that it provides an "even more cocky Don Flamenco, with slick hair and combat trousers in which proudly wears the colors of the Spanish flag." IGN editor Lucas M. Thomas described Don Flamenco as well as other boxers from the series as the "most flashy and funny rogues' galleries of heavyweight opponents to ever appear in any game", specifically describing him as effeminate. The Online editor Tony Frenzel described Flamenco as "flamboyant." An IGN description for the video game Cho Aniki, a video game with several homosexual undertones, made reference to Don Flamenco to demonstrate these undertones, stating that "you might have looked away from Don Flamenco's Spanish dancing". Cracked, in discussing the six most politically incorrect video games, listed Punch-Out!! for the NES as the second most. They cited several boxers for this, including Don Flamenco, who they called an "effeminate Spaniard". Eurogamer Spain stated that each boxer was representative of its region, describing Don Flamenco as a bullfighter and seductive. Eurogamer France described the boxers as crude caricatures of ethnic and national stereotypes, commenting on the "macho poses" by Don Flamenco.