Black popular culture

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Black popular culture

            Aunty Jemima, pancake mix and products have been in the market for more than a century. The image on them is that of a black smiling obese woman with a headscarf on her head holding a plate of pancakes. This image portrays black women as domestic workers who perform their duties gladly. In addition, given the fact that this product is from the nineteenth century, they were depicting the slaves who used to serve their masters with no protest. This product is stereotypical in the sense that it portrays black people as the only race that work as domestic workers and are content doing so. Another stereotypical aspect that comes out strongly is that this image portrays black people as inferior to other races and serving them is a great honor.

Obama waffles are American food product that was branded during the 2008 elections. The image is that of the current and first ever-black American President Barrack Obama in a turban smiling. This image is stereotypical in that it uses the background of his black father’s Islamic religion to sell the products. It also portrays African America people as not having personal identity but rather are identified with their background. Another aspect is that it is a tremendous deal for a black American person to be a presidential candidate since the stereotype among the other races is no black American can win an election.

The don’t cry brand of sweet potatoes has an image of a middle aged black boy kneeling down, one hand on the ground and playing with his face downcast. The image describes a hungry black boy who is too weak to play standing. The black image is stereotypical because it is portraying the black people as being unable to feed their families and their children are always in distress. Another stereotypical belief portrayed in the image is blacks are the most affected by poverty hence food problems arise. These images of African Americans on these products generate controversy because there are associated with racism that was brought by the slavery, which existed in the nineteenth century, and they were treated as being inferior to the white race.

Response to Student #1, Erin Hoyt

The image of the woman on Aunt Minnie’s food products, who is the owner, is a positive step for African American business owners to take charge and eradicate the stereotypes that exist on black images on products. The confidence that these two women have in their products is what they are portraying on their products. In addition, they are sending a clear message that this is who they are and are not going to let stereotypes stop them from achieving their dreams. This is the right attitude needed, to eradicate controversies that exist on African American images on food products.

Response to Student #2, Jade McCray

Uncle Ben’s rice is an achievement to the Houston farmer for his hard work of producing high quality crops and being recognized to have his name used on a product. It is a motivation to other African Americans to work hard and do their best because hard work is recognized by all. The crème of wheat product, where Rastus is smiling and very happy, is a positive sign that no matter what circumstances one is going through, one should always be positive. It is a lesson to the African American that one should look past the stereotypes, the image portrayed about them, and be glad with life.

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