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"from conception, the story of aunt jemima is two-sided. derived from the minstrel show, she was generally portrayed by men in blackface. but the song about her was composed by an african-american comedian in 1875."
-willajeanne mclean #ipculture #aals2021
-willajeanne mclean #ipculture #aals2021
"AA people were defined as outside the intended audience for most advertisements. thus, their images could be appropriated & used w/o concern for what, if any, they might think about such representations."
#ipculture #aals2021
#ipculture #aals2021
protests in the 60s led to an update of aunt jemima. her headscarf was traded in for a headband. but that didn't make the animus felt by many disappear. in 1989, she was again updated. in 1990, she got pearl earrings.
-mclean #ipculture #aals2021
-mclean #ipculture #aals2021
trademark owner: "we wanted to present aunt jemima in a more contemporary light while preserving the important qualities of warmth, quality, good taste, heritage, reliability." focus groups described as young grandmother, active in church, cook.
-mclean #ipculture #aals2021
-mclean #ipculture #aals2021
there were many calls over the years to get rid of this trademark based on stereotypes, but TM owners declined. after "non-racist breakfast" viral tikok vid, quaker finally committed to retire aunt jemima. but they haven't yet.
-mclean #ipculture #aals2021
-mclean #ipculture #aals2021
