Name Changes

[Nancy5]

What are your thoughts on changing the names of Aunt Jemina, Uncle Ben, and Eskimo Pie?

[oldbuddy]

What are your thoughts on changing the names of Aunt Jemina, Uncle Ben, and Eskimo Pie?

Changing names will not change history. We still have an original copy of the children's book, "Little Black Sambo" and I am hanging on to it just in case when this nonsense is all over, it may be worth a small fortune.

[gtdoss]

I guess I'm kind of wondering how the names Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben stayed around as long as they did, as they were direct reference to slavery times when older slaves were called Aunt and Uncle by the master's children. But I was wondering a little bit about the Eskimo Pie one, until I looked up the term Eskimo and found out that it would used in a derogatory manner to reference the Inuit and Yupik peoples during a time of colonization in the lands they inhabited. It's interesting to go back into history and see what names brands that people have taken for granted as innocent, cute or folksy that actually have a terrible origin or background. 

[Mizzkizz7]

I guess I'm kind of wondering how the names Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben stayed around as long as they did, as they were direct reference to slavery times when older slaves were called Aunt and Uncle by the master's children. But I was wondering a little bit about the Eskimo Pie one, until I looked up the term Eskimo and found out that it would used in a derogatory manner to reference the Inuit and Yupik peoples during a time of colonization in the lands they inhabited. It's interesting to go back into history and see what names brands that people have taken for granted as innocent, cute or folksy that actually have a terrible origin or background. 

I never knew about Eskimo Pie..but I feel the other two names should have been changed.

[UGetPaid]

As long as the pancakes and rice still prepare and taste the same and remain available in my grocery store, I don't give two sh!ts about what they call it or whose fictional face is on the label. Changing the names and faces isn't going to change the reality OR the perception of current race relations, but if some people think it is going to help - I say let them have at it. I fear we will eventually come to the realization that we cannot erase every single instance of inequality or prejudice in our society merely by changing the labels and products, statues, flags, city and school names, etc. that some people (in many cases quite legitimately) find offensive.


Changing labels, is literally just that ... changing a label. Changing hearts (on BOTH sides of the issues) is a much bigger mountain to climb. By picking and choosing what names/labels/products are offensive, we are creating a slippery slope on the climbing side of that mountain.

[ancmetro]

        Why some people are so racist?
        Why they do not learn to get along with others?

[dreamyxo]

I hope they change the name of the Washington Redskins next.

[ktheodos]

I hope they change the name of the Washington Redskins next.

There has been discussion around that for years...maybe this is the catalyst? I doubt it, but we'll see...

[cateyes1]

Why all the changes now? I mean they have been around for many many years without and issue, why now?

[countrygirl12]

What are your thoughts on changing the names of Aunt Jemina, Uncle Ben, and Eskimo Pie?

Eskimo Pie?  They are changing that as well?  I think it is foolish.

[1imaginarygirl]

Land O Lakes already removed the Native American girl from their logo. If the name isn't explicitly offensive, like Uncle Ben's, I don't see why they couldn't keep the name and just remove the face from the logo.

And who even knows if Mrs. Butterworth is black or white or something else? She's no color, or potentially any color depending on the contents inside. Does Mrs. Butterworth make other flavors?

[elvisdo]

Name change isn't gong to do anything. There's an article about the family of the woman who portrayed Aunt Jemima that is against the move to change brand.

https://www.wistv.com/2020/06/20/family-woman-who-portrayed-aunt-jemima-opposes-move-change-brand/

[debidoo]

I think it is ridiculous.  Aunt Jemima's great grandson said is was an insult to her legacy.   People can't erase history and it is getting to a insane point.

[bretay]

i dont agree..i think people are going crazy..what is changing the name gonna do..those names are there for a reason...it is a symbol..that's all..nothing racist..at least i never seen it a racist..people are taking things too far..

[plennis]

Aunt Jemima was the first female black millionaire.  First black woman owned major/national business, I agree it is an insult to change the name.  That seems like very good history to celebrate.