黑人牙膏

Just a gem my cousin came across. We were discussing about Darlie and it's strange but true name, literally translated to "Black Man　ｔｏｏｔｈｐａｓｔｅ＂．　Ｌｉｔｔｌｅ　ｄｉｄ　ｗｅ　ｋｎｏｗ　ｔｈｅ　ｒａｃｉａｌ　ｃｏｎｎｏｔａｔｉｏｎ　ｂｅｈｉｎｄ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｐｒｏｄｕｃｔ．　Ｃｈｅｃｋ　ｏｕｔ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｅｘｃｅｒｐｔ　ｆｒｏｍ　Ｗｉｋｉｐｅｄｉａ：

At that time the original name was "Darkie". Darky, or darkie, is a racist term used primarily in the Northern United States and Britain to refer to black people. The package featured an image said to have been inspired by an Al Jolson performance, that of a wide-eyed, smiling dark-skinned Black male wearing a top hat and tie. Because of the contrast with very dark skin, it was a common perception that the teeth of people of African descent were exceptionally white.

The evolution of Darkie/Darlie Toothpaste

Due to changing sensibilities regarding race and racism and efforts by certain interest groups, blatantly racist branding practices, common in earlier decades, began to end in the 1950s. In much the same way the tobacco brand name Nigger Hair had become Bigger Hare, the name of the toothpaste was changed in English markets to "Darlie" after the 1985 merger. Along with the name change, the image on the packaging was altered to reflect a less stereotypical, more contemporary one in much the same way the Aunt Jemima trademark character has evolved over time.


Ｃｒａｚｙ！