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To: The Quaker Oats Company

Removal of 'Aunt Jemima'

The Quaker Oats Company needs to be held accountable for its racist roots and address the branding issues that exploit and tease those responsible for the success of the company. In doing so, the image of 'Aunt Jemima' on the product box should be removed. The redesigning and updating of the figure in recent decades is nothing more than figuratively dressing up racism and literally giving a black character created to be a coon a makeover. In addition, the company must compensate the descendants of Anna Short Harrington and Nancy Green for failing to share revenue made from input in the product's recipe and their roles as the 'real life Aunt Jemima.'

Why is this important?

Aunt Jemima rightfully has been called one of the most exploited and abused women in American History. The brand's roots are in praising and pushing the stereotype of the submissive, asexual, unattractive black 'mammie' who, with a smile, took care of her white boss's children and neglected her own. Although the company has updated the image on the box, the sting remains. Along with the confederate flag, Aunt Jemima has deep roots in racism and needs to go.

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Updates

2020-06-17 13:37:52 -0700

25 signatures reached

2017-08-22 20:30:35 -0700

10 signatures reached