I was a bit surprised to be called “uncle” by a young Sikh man at work. His manner indicated respect.
I think removing the iconic black and native American is wrong-headed.
I would suppose that the appellation "uncle" (for elderly Blacks) was used in the pre-Civil Rights South chiefly to indicate affection or at least familiarity. However, I am sure that there were times when it was also used condescendingly and/or to deliberately offend. But then, in modern times, even the form of address of "sir" can - depending upon the context and with what inflection it is spoken - be offensive.
Thus, it's all about the intention and context.
I think removing the iconic black and native American is wrong-headed.
If such images (of minorities) in subservient roles or in exaggerated, stereotypical forms (viz. the "Frito Bandito") were predominant in advertising, I would at least be willing to consider revising them. But that doesn't seem to be at all the case!
In many instances - e.g., "Land o' Lakes" butter and similar brands, which evoke entirely positive associations - it seems wholly unnecessary and indeed harmful.
Regards,