Uncle Ben’s rice. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Following Quaker Foods’ wildly overdue decision to fully rebrand Aunt Jemima, a growing number of food companies are now reconsidering their own use of racist caricatures.
On Wednesday, after Quaker Foods announced it would be scrapping the branding on its pancake mixes and assorted flavored syrups, the companies behind Uncle Ben’s, Mrs. Butterworth’s, and Cream of Wheat all released their own statements announcing their intention to swiftly review their racist branding.
The companies also took the opportunity to reiterate that they unequivocally condemn racism and aspire to be part of the solution. In its statement, B&G promised to “proactively take steps to ensure that we and our brands do not inadvertently contribute to systemic racism,” and Conagra Brands acknowledged that the company’s “actions help play an important role in eliminating racial bias.”
The statements lack specifics regarding the extent of their rebranding or when to expect them. Here’s to hoping none of them try to demonstrate their commitment to fighting racism with any ill-advised symbolic gestures, like, say, promoting a fictional racist caricature to be chair of the company.
Don’t these brands actually lift the Black people? I love these foods. They are childhood brands and bring a good feeling to me when I see them. Is this White privilege?