Aunt Jemima brand to change name, remove image that Quaker says is 'based on a racial stereotype'

nbcnews.com ^ | June 17, 2020 | Ben Kesslen

[lowbridge]

The Aunt Jemima brand of syrup and pancake mix will get a new name and image, Quaker Oats announced Wednesday, saying the company recognizes that "Aunt Jemima's origins are based on a racial stereotype."

The 130-year-old brand features a Black woman named Aunt Jemima, who was originally dressed as a minstrel character.

The picture has changed over time, and in recent years Quaker removed the “mammy” kerchief from the character to blunt growing criticism that the brand perpetuated a racist stereotype that dated to the days of slavery. But Quaker, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, said removing the image and name is part of an effort by the company “to make progress toward racial equality.”

The picture has changed over time, and in recent years Quaker removed the “mammy” kerchief from the character to blunt growing criticism that the brand perpetuated a racist stereotype that dated to the days of slavery. But Quaker, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, said removing the image and name is part of an effort by the company “to make progress toward racial equality.”

“We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype," Kristin Kroepfl, vice president and chief marketing officer of Quaker Foods North America, said in a press release. “As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers’ expectations."

Kroepfl said the company has worked to "update" the brand to be "appropriate and respectful" but it realized the changes were insufficient.

[Karma_Sherab]

We need to get rid of fried chicken and watermelon also.
apparently, they are also racist

[wetgundog]

Keep the Quaker name, just post a picture of the San Fran Earthquake and Fire.

[rightwingintelligentsia]

I see there’s one for sale now on Ruby Lane.

[Red Badger]

Kareem O'Weet.................

[KC_Lion]

Dang it, you took my “increase in Black Unemployment” joke.

[Noumenon]

Replace it with Stacey Abrams. Because fat black gap toothed morons are clearly under-represented.

[reformedliberal]

Exactly and I’m aware of the black Americana collectors.

I’m watching a few Golli items to see if they sell or get hassled.

Content to keep it, for now.

[jonrick46]

I wouldn’t mind Reagan’s image on Mt. Rushmore.

[Clarancebeaks]

They could replace Aunt Jemima with a picture of Stacy Abrahms and no one would know the difference.

[Alberta's Child]

Here's the irony of this sort of corporate virtue-signaling:

If a company like Nike is still around in 100 years, I can guarantee you that their CEO will be out making public statements and groveling on 22nd-century social media technology about the company's shameful, sordid past in the late 20th and early 21st centuries -- when they used black athletes like Michael Jordan and Colin Kaepernick to sell their products, thereby perpetuating a "stereotype" of black Americans as nothing more than athletic versions of minstrel-show actors from the Jim Crow days.

You mark my words, folks ... LOL.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

They can replace her with Karen, who will be on the box screaming for the manager.

Or Michelle Obama in a turban. Come to think of it, old Barry looks a lot like the Cream of Wheat man.

[UnwashedPeasant]

I remember an interview where some black guy was asked if “Uncle Ben’s”
rice was racist. He replied that he thought the black character image of Ben was the company owner. He loved the brand and found it inspirational.

[Alberta's Child]

LOL. Sorry about that!

[bk1000]

Wow, first the Land O Lakes girl, now this. Yesterday, Snap, Crackle, and Pop were deemed racist. How long before the truth comes out about Cap’n Crunch?

[Mr Ramsbotham]

It was a universal blandface that was unquestionable.

How well I remember, having been a typesetter in the seventies and eighties. Helvetica (or one of its clones) and Times Roman, two of the ugliest typefaces ever devised, were all you needed for seventy-five percent of your work.

[Peter ODonnell]

Cousin Karen?

Teacher Sue?

Social Worker Sally?

The replacement list is endless.

Anyway, breakfast is white privilege.

[nd76]

Second most famous Black woman in history.

[Taxman]

Go Woke, Go Broke!

[Dr.Deth]

At least there's still

[snoringbear]

I’m old. Don’t need to read the article. I had all the books when I was a small kid. Got tossed over the years, multiple moves, etc. Wish I still had them.