Aunt Jemima is getting a complete overhaul!
Quaker Oats has announced they are changing the name and the logo of the popular syrup and pancake mix because it is “based on a racial stereotype.”
Oh, really now?! And it only took 131 years to realize that?
Via NBC News:
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.”
“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.”
Kirby
Many are crediting singer Kirby for being the spark that has set Aunt Jemima ablaze once again!
She created a Tik Tok titled, “How To Make A Non Racist Breakfast,” where she details the history behind the Aunt Jemima logo.
Twitter Reacts
Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben, and Mrs. Butterworth are now trending on social media.
Peep the tweets below:
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