What Ethnicity is Super Mario?
The question of Super Mario’s ethnicity has been a topic of debate among gamers and fans of the iconic Nintendo character. While some believe that Mario is of Italian descent, others argue that he is of Japanese or even Mexican origin. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Mario franchise and examine the evidence to determine the ethnicity of this beloved character.
The Original Story
The first appearance of Mario in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong showed a character who was originally known as "Jumpman" and later became Mario. In this game, Jumpman was a carpenter who had to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from the clutches of the titular ape, Donkey Kong. At the time, Mario was not explicitly stated to be of any particular ethnicity.
Italian Connection
However, in the 1983 game Super Mario Bros., Mario was introduced to the Mushroom Kingdom, where he lived alongside his brother Luigi and Princess Peach. The game’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, has stated that he based the characters on Italian plumbers, which led to Mario being often referred to as Italian. [Source: Miyamoto’s Interview with Time Magazine, 1983]
Japanese Influence
While Mario’s appearance and name may be inspired by Italian culture, his character design and backstory are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Super Mario Bros. was developed by Nintendo, a Japanese company, and many of the game’s elements, such as the power-ups and enemies, have distinct Japanese influences.
Mexican Connection
Some fans have argued that Mario is of Mexican descent, citing his mustache and the similarity between his name and the Spanish word "Mario". However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and the Mario franchise has never explicitly mentioned Mario’s ethnicity as Mexican.
Luigi’s Last Name
Interestingly, in a 2015 interview, Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that Mario’s full name is actually "Mario Mario", and Luigi’s full name is "Luigi Mario". [Source: Miyamoto’s Interview with Game Informer, 2015] This has led some to speculate that the brothers may not be of Italian descent after all, but rather that their names are simply a play on words.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the evidence suggests that Mario may be inspired by Italian culture, his character design and backstory are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The question of his ethnicity remains a topic of debate among fans, and it is ultimately up to individual interpretation. Regardless of his ethnicity, Mario remains an iconic character who has captured the hearts of gamers around the world.
Table: Mario’s Possible Ethnicities
| Ethnicity | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Italian | Character design inspired by Italian plumbers, Shigeru Miyamoto’s statement |
| Japanese | Character design and backstory rooted in Japanese culture, development by Nintendo |
| Mexican | Mustache and similarity between name and Spanish word "Mario", no concrete evidence |
Bullet Points: Key Takeaways
• Mario’s character design is inspired by Italian plumbers.
• The Mario franchise is developed by Nintendo, a Japanese company.
• Shigeru Miyamoto has stated that Mario’s full name is "Mario Mario".
• Luigi’s full name is "Luigi Mario".
• The question of Mario’s ethnicity remains a topic of debate among fans.