I am very sorry that it takes me so long to respond to the new news as it comes out. Since my have a regular job to pay the bills it is hard to write as fast as the news comes out.
That said, the topic of this post is about the recent changes in logos and mascots that different companies have or in the process of getting rid of in response to the Black Lives Matter organization. By the way, from this point on I will be referring to the current Black Lives Matters movement as what it is, and organization. If it actually cared for black lives, then it would be destroying those communities or allowing blacks in law enforcement to die without recognizing them.
So the lefty is slowly strong-arming companies to remove, change, or disown the mascots that have been around for longer than I have been alive. First was the removal of the beautiful American Indian maiden on the Land O’ Lakes boxes. A drawing that was done by Patrick DesJarlait a Chippewa in 1972. Per his son in an interview with the NY Times, Robert DesJarlait, “She was never created as a stereotype.” Before that, the image was created by Arthur C. Hanson of an advertising agency in 1928.
More recently, Aunt Jemima was removed due to the current BLM movement, and then other companies started to fall in line. At this time Uncle Ben’s, Ms. Butterworth, and now Cream of Wheat have started to review possible options to change or remove their mascots. Some of which have changed over the years to appease complaints. For example, Aunt Jemima was originally modeled after Nancy Green. A woman that was born into slavery in 1834. She was found in 1893 at the age of 58 during a search for a live model for Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix. To me a perfect role model of someone that moved forward in life after living through slavery.
Years later the Quarter Oats bought the Aunt Jemima brand. During their time of ownership they changed the original branding of Aunt Jemima to a more modern appearance in 1989 at the brands 100th anniversary. The new appearance was more of a modern looking black woman to appeal to the changing times.
Today however, Quarter Oaks is not only removing the image of their past and current models, they are even renaming the brand after over 100 years. They could have used the history of Nancy Green and kept her as a role model of a woman that lived and overcame slavery. Especially at a time that black men and women had it extremely hard to find jobs.
On a side note, is Quaker Oaks going to change it’s name and mascot? I mean they are so worried about offending blacks… Shouldn’t they worry also about offending Quakers too?
At this time I have not heard if the other brands were going to remove their mascots or rename them. But it seems that with the current environment I see, they will. But my question would be where will it stop? Years ago they tried and did remove my favorite cartoon Speedy Gonzales because of others being offended by the small, and very fast mouse. As a Half breed Mexican / White I and my whole family loved the little guy. I guess many other did also and today I heard he may have a movie just for him.
This kind of leads me to other brands that use stereotyped images of other races. Just look at the mascot they use for Tapatio Hot Sauce?
Or Juanita’s Brand Foods…
My point is simple. Regardless what happens someone will be offended by an image of their race. At what point will we say enough with this culture of walking on eggshells to ensure we don’t offend someone? It is an endless cycle that will never change.
Aunt Jemima changing name, removing image ‘based on a racial stereotype’ from packaging
As protests rage, changes for Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben’s brand
Uncle Ben’s joins Aunt Jemima in brand overhaul amid concerns about racial stereotyping
As Quaker Foods Rebrands Aunt Jemima, Is There Hidden Racism In America’s Kitchens?
Speedy Gonzales Caged by Cartoon Network
Speedy Gonzales’ Relationship With The Hispanic Community
Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford shares the real reason the brand ditched its ‘butter maiden’
Land O’ Lakes unveils new packaging for its consumer-facing products
Cream Of Wheat Becomes Fourth Brand In 24 Hours To Revisit Packaging Over Racist Origins
Land O’Lakes Removes Native American Woman From Its Products
