Many would have thought that over a hundred years since the creation of the Aunt Jemima logo rooted in racist ideals and the ugly racial history of soft drinks like Coke, brands would move away from using racist stereotypes.
However, the reverse is the case as brands continue to fall foul with consumers over racist imagery, perhaps in their bid to pursue creativity in their works.
From ‘monkeys’, ‘Nigga’, to ‘slavery’, scores of luxury brands have raised eyebrows with designs that have racist connotations.
Experts have blamed the situation on the increasing pressures facing the industry to push products to stores and online within short notices without taking time to thoroughly review products.
“There is such pressure on speed that there is no time for consideration,” said Allen Adamson, co-founder of Metaforce, a marketing firm. “When you are moving this fast, there is no time for perspective.”
The speed with which these mistakes are made is the same speed with which consumers take to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to lambast these brands. Brands would subsequently be compelled to apologise for their inability to be sensitive to cultures and black people in their operations.
The following brands have come under attack in recent times for some racist offenders:
