Thread: A new look to remove racial stereotyping

Uncle Ben's, Aunt Jemima and Mrs Butterworth's products to get new look to remove racial stereotyping

We've seen statues of Confederate leaders and slave traders torn down as Black Lives Matter protests have flared up around the globe in recent weeks — and now corporations are making changes to the way they depict black people.

Four big companies behind popular US food products with branding rooted in racial stereotypes have announced they're making changes.

Mars, which owns the brand, said it was changing Uncle Ben's packaging as it had a responsibility to put an end to racial biases.

"As we listen to the voices of consumers, especially in the black community, and to the voices of our associates worldwide, we recognise that now is the right time to evolve the Uncle Ben's brand, including its visual brand identity, which we will do," the company said in a statement.

A 'hard look' at Aunt Jemima



Quaker Oats has also announced changes to its branding. The firm will rename the Aunt Jemima line, which features a smiling black woman on its packaging.

The product line includes pancake mix, syrup and cornmeal.



Mrs Butterworth's syrup



Similar announcements have been made by Mrs Butterworth's syrup and Cream of Wheat cereal.




Cream of Wheat



The most recent announcement about packaging changes came from the makers of Cream of Wheat, which has also been criticised for its use of the Uncle Tom stereotype.

B&G Foods said it was initiating "an immediate review" of its packaging, which has featured a black chef since at least 1918, according to the company's website.


Uncle Ben'''s, Aunt Jemima and Mrs Butterworth'''s products to get new look to remove racial stereotyping - ABC News