'Oba Mao' T-Shirts

UPDATE, November 13, 2009: Chinese greet 'Oba Mao' with flaming statue, fakes

The Chinese have learned English from his speeches and celebrated the way he rolls up his sleeves. Now President Barack Obama is finally coming, and he's being greeted with "Oba Mao" T-shirts and a statue of him that bursts into flames.

Sunday's arrival of a U.S. president admired for his charisma is already a source of profit and brief fame for some Chinese.

Strangest is the burning Obama, tucked away in a Beijing warehouse. Artist Liu Bolin hopes Obama can take time from his visit to drop by.

"He's so hot right now, so I wanted to translate that through my work," said Liu, who was inspired by the idea of the first black U.S. president.

The bronze Obama bust is modeled on Time magazine's "Man of the Year" cover and is speckled with holes for gas that ignites every couple of minutes.

It's a positive work, Liu said.

"Yes, setting something on fire can have negative connotations, but this piece represents energy and life that Obama has given to the world," said the 38-year-old, who made a similar piece for former revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.

"We're eager to see what he can do for China and U.S. relations."

One Beijing shop owner wanted to see what Obama could do for sales. Liu Mingjie created "Oba Mao" T-shirts, with the president wearing the uniform of the Red Guards, who caused chaos during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s.

"It's just kind of avant garde," Liu said of the images, saying they were no longer political, just fashion.

...Other inspired salesmen have used Obama for product "endorsements." One was for a knockoff handheld called the BlockBerry. Although the photo of the president showed his American flag lapel pin on backward.

The uniform of the Red Guards is no longer political?

It's just fashion?

American flag lapel pin on backward?

Right.
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Some Chinese capitalists have merged Obama and Mao to create some popular t-shirts and other gear.


From People's Daily:

A souvenir shop in the popular Houhai tourist area of Beijing has recently become quite famous because it is selling products with the image of U.S. President Barack Obama's face imprinted over that of China's late leader Mao Zedong, CCTV.com reports.

T-shirts and pouches with the "Oba Mao" design, a creative idea by shop owner Liu Mingjie, have attracted the attention of many foreign tourists.

"We usually sell souvenirs printed with historical figures," Liu said. "Oba Mao is my new creation. The souvenirs with this logo are quite popular among visitors, foreign tourists in particular."

The shop has sold thousands of products bearing the Oba Mao design since stocks arrived just over a month ago, Liu said.

I bet Anita Dunn would absolutely LOVE an Obama/Mao t-shirt.

Hugo Chavez probably would like one, too. And Fidel Castro.
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Video, from Breitbart.