Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn’t wear pants.
This is a false urban legend. In the late 1970's Finland was cutting costs, so the Helsinki Youth Affairs board decided to cut back on purchasing comics for the youth center. Since hobby and sports were given top priority, Donald Duck got the boot!
The infamous myth all began when the man responsible for the decision (Markku Holopainen), was standing for parliament. A rival party had leaked information to the press, dubbing him "the man who banned Donald Duck from Helsinki". The local press expanded and ran with the story, while the international press added the rest.
It makes for one great story in history, however it is just that: a story.
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What are your thoughts on this subject?
35 Comments
Scott Sumone
most europeans are much more liberal about being naked than americans will ever be....mores the pity.....
Owen Tucker
I when to the store yesterday and forgot my scarf which resulted in my getting a stiff neck. Now my wife wants me to go stand in the yard without me pants.
Cheryl Love
Funny how he wears no pants but comes out of the shower wearing a towel.
earlepg
Although I've heard this story, I had to go with false since it seems that Europeans are more liberal than Americans in regard to nudity.
Player
Mythed this one.
Player
But he does wear a towel coming out of the shower.
Conrado De Leon
In my part of the world, ironically, Walt Disney charecters diodn't come directly from the USA buit from... Britain! The significant difference was the name of Goofy, who was "translated" to British vernacular and callled Dippy. Some Spanish-speajçking countries, also bucked at first at Donald, and tried to call him "el Pato Pascual", but they soon gave up the intent..
Suraya Choudhury
I put True !
Al Cole
I have always heard the myth. Missed this one.
Richard S. Levine
Vaguely remembered this incident, so I said yes, oops!
Tom Seigo
Terri Spurgin Halpern, Yeah Jack, what are you talking about!?
Tom Seigo
Guessed wrong!
Kitty White
My turn to get wrong response. I pushed true and it said I hit false. Maybe I hit it wrong.
George Oliver Prince
Tried to outguess this one and failed
Vaughan Smith
I guess this is one of those trick questions where the very fact that it is asked makes you suspect the answer is "true." I applied reverse logic & got it right. It reminds me of the Secret Service agent who saw a man in a crowd acting suspiciously. He shouted, "Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse." Questioned later, he said, "I couldn't remember the name of that damn cartoon, I MEANT to say, 'Donald, duck!'"
Carl Belken
Urban legend. It sounds like it could be true but is not.