Getting Rid Of Branding Is Only Destroying History | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Getting Rid Of Branding Is Only Destroying History

Removing iconic images and items from everyday life isn't going to stop people from hurting one another.

56
Getting Rid Of Branding Is Only Destroying History

Everyone by now knows what happened with George Floyd and the ripples his death has had on society, and while I have my opinions on what went down between Floyd and the police, that is not what this is really about. I get that people are angry and are standing up for what they believe in. I have no issues with that but the flood of TV shows going off air, companies rebranding, and more is ridiculous.

Protestors took to the streets seeking what they needed. Whether it be justice or something else, I'm not too sure. The protests ignited controversy of law-based shows and people called for action. In the wake of this outrage, both Cops and Live PD have been cancelled.

These shows portrayed police in their everyday lives doing their jobs and put tons of lives in dangerous situations no matter which side who agree with in the matters at hand. While many think the cops on these shows are giving people an inside look into how the police actually function, others are angry that the arrest, brutality, or even death of members of the public could be caught on camera.

indiewire

Then, people began targeting shows that portray the different view of the police. And the ironic bit is I'm not even talking about a real human cop. The children's television cartoon Paw Patrol was hit next and people began demanding it be taken off the air because of portrayal of a police pup named Chase. What gets me upset about this is that it's a cartoon about a dog who rescues cats and people are shouting that it should be euthanized, right off of the television.

Nick Jr.

Looney Toons was the next to announce a stance on gun violence citing the removal of firearms from iconic cartoon characters Yosemite Sam and Elmer Fudd in a new version of the classic cartoons which will air on HBO. They have switched Elmer's rifle to a scythe for him to chase Bugs Bunny around with, which is even worse. Removing a gun in favor of a giant weapon typically depicted being carried around by death is a strange choice to make.


www.gunsweek.com

If you thought that was where it stopped, you are sorely mistaken. The next was a company who choose to stand up by removing another iconic image from their packaging. Quaker Oats has stated they will be getting rid of Aunt Jemima's name and image from their iconic syrup. Yep, you heard that right. Protestors have made it, so we are losing an image that has been around since the 1980s.

Bangor Daily News

But this isn't the first time this has happened. Earlier this year, I reported on how Land O' Lakes butter chose to remove the Butter Maiden, an Indian woman from their butter packages.

Facebook

Following Quaker Oats announcement, Mars Company announced they would be rebranding and reevaluating the packaging, and message, of the Uncle Ben's rice. Uncle Ben's has been named as such since the 1940s, even longer than Aunt Jemima and is just as iconic.

Fox News

Now, Cream of Wheat's company, B&G Foods, is also considering a review of it's famous packaging which depicts an actual chef who from the 1930s who has been on their packaging for many years.


Amazon

Where do we draw the line? Do we wait until everything is in a plain package that can't offend anyone? Do we wait until all the television shows have been removed from the air because they have something offensive in them? When do we decide that the protesting is being taken too far?

While I believe in people standing up for themselves, I also don't believe we should completely eradicate our own history in the process. That is what these iconic images and characters are or will become, a part of our history. And to do away with history is wrong.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193765
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17000
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459423
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27501
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments