Stamps in the News

I found the various articles on this subject interesting, and the typical lacking of information & balance that prevails in online "journalism". Strong in opinions, but shockingly lacking comments from the 3 parties involved in producing the set: Correos (Spanish postal service), SOS Racismo (a federation of Spanish anti-racism non-governmental organizations, and El Chojín (Spanish anti-racism activist and rapper), possibly from embarrassment? Correos was asked, but did not (or I should say has not issued a response, as far as I have read). I wonder if anybody asked SOS Racismo or El Chojín?

If one focuses on face value as all the articles have done, then yeah, there is clearly a link between shade and face value -- ironic yes, but intentional? I seriously doubt the anti-racist activists SOS Racismo or El Chojín had that intention or even took that possibility into consideration -- and they would be the ones who should be most sensitive. But granted, once the link between value and shade gets promoted, I would agree that the general consensus would be a "racist" link. People tend to follow the crowd, or the people who shout the loudest. And none of the articles insinuate intentional, but rather insensitivity to racism (ironic, given the participation of SOS Racism and El Chojín).

As a philatelist (and a non-white), I do look at more than face value. In increasing face value, the stamps correspond to the rates A (domestic <20g), A2 (domestic 20g-50g), B (Europe), and C (other international). If I ignore the stamp topical, my initial reaction is always, the A rate stamp will get the most usage/exposure to the public. I don't see any articles point that out.

If one is looking for arguments for racism:
-- one can state that high value stamps are often reserved for "more" prominent personalities/events, but as collectors we also know that's not always true
-- one can point out stamps used more often will have lower/minimum catalog value, so the A rate stamp is less valuable
-- if you reverse the order of the face values, one could argue that putting the darker shade at high value reduces its exposure

Does the issue have ironically racist connotations? Yes, now that "someone" points out the irony. But I think if you reversed the order, same could be said. If you made them all the same face value, then which shade gets the preferred corner position (and which corner position is the "preferred")? If you made just one stamp, which shade is on the left/right? Bottom line, if you're looking to point out racism, you can find an argument.

I, for one, would like to hear from SOS Racismo or El Chojín, and what they were thinking, before I can come to a conclusion. JMHO

Interesting article, nonetheless. Thanks for posting it, coastwatcher!

OK, finally an article with responses from the creators of the campaign: Spain's postal service ends its skin color-inspired stamp campaign that made the lightest stamps the most expensive

A far more informative article than many of the other online articles.

So apparently, it was intentional -- designed as a protest that people with darker skin are valued less by society.

Obviously, I'm just a simple stamp-collector who missed that completely. Shows what I know.

Here is the CNN quote of El Chojín (real name Domingo Edjang Moreno):

So the complaint is actually about the manner in which they chose to protest racism. Racism is real, having grown up in the South, I've experienced it -- but nothing compared to what I've seen blacks have to endure. But I guess even protesting racism, you can't make everybody happy.

If it gets regulatory approval, the cost to mail a first class letter in the US will soon jump from 55c to 58c. Full story here.

The Universal Postal Union has decided not to register the "Azerbaijan 2020" postage stamps issued by Azerbaijan in their database, as those stamps contradict the relevant provisions of the Union Convention and Code of Conduct. More here.

It never ceases to amaze how countries that suffered such atrocities under Soviet rule were so quick to initiate their own atrocities once gaining independence.

Yeah, heaven forbid anyone should actually learn anything from history.

Well, at least they made sure that informed delivery was working in the USPS Mobile App before they discontinued the Informed Delivery App availability. Sounds like common sense, but with USPS... ?!?

But now I'm a little curious. Will the Informed Delivery App still work, or will USPS block access? I ask that because there are numerous legacy apps that still work fine for awhile -- all that has happened is that the download was removed from app stores, and in most cases technical support and software updates ceased. Sometimes operating software/browser will block the discontinued app/add-on (e.g., Flash Player), but you can still use it on older browsers fine although you won't be able to personalize the global settings.

Mozambique Abolishes Public Postal Service

Is this an indicator of things to come for other postal services throughout the world?

It looks as though the British Indian Ocean Territory is well on its way to becoming a dead country, at least philatelically speaking. The BBC is reporting that the Universal Postal Union has voted to ban all stamps issued by BIOT for international mail. This comes about due to the claim on the islands by Mauritius. Full BBC story here.


British Indian Ocean Territory Scott #s 44-47 issued in 1972