The Shocking Truth Behind Uncle Ben's Rice

Uncle Ben's rice originated in the 1940s, a period marked by racial stereotypes influencing its branding. The name and imagery were rooted in the era's portrayal of African Americans, using stereotypical depictions that were common and troubling. Despite its success as a kitchen staple, the brand’s marketing leaned heavily on these problematic stereotypes.

Join us while we discuss the history of Uncle Ben's Rice
#history #blackhistorymatters #blackhistorysoulfood

Follow me on Instagram: @onemic_history

Sources:

[rodneycooke]

My view is history should not be erased! Everyone was woke and then upset after Aunt Jemima and Ben were removed. It’s our legacy and conversation to teach our children. We can’t hide everything, as if it didn’t exist. Black peoples just step out of our feelings!

[billlane]

First and foremost. I want to thank you. My brother for educating me and the masses.
I didn't know this history about the uncle Ben's rice. Also the anchor mama product, so thank you again. For this education and keep it up keep educating the people thank you.

[LeeHunt-munb]

Everything gets cancelled except the practice of racism. 🤔

[JS-ttxp]

These companies made billions off of black images and I know none of the families got many royalties. Imagine where black people could be financially if we could have gotten our cut of the business, sad.

[monicawhite-gant]

❤I'm so glad you spoke on this. It's about time that someone did. Kudos to you my Brother.

[MrTwentyvideo]

Thank you for your work in putting this together. 🙏

[Uncleed]

Sometimes we forget the people who's image is on the packaging were real individuals and not just a face on the box and many especially those who were Black faced a great many hardships.

[paulbuckle]

As a point of interest it was West Africans who first introduced Europeans to rice . West Africans had developed domesticated rice strains a long time ago and independent of Asian rice development .

[theactualfactsofwu-sabat]

Dang so much history that has been kept from us 😢Thank you!!

[genereynolds]

True Coming out now Uncle Ben rice thanks for sharing 🙏

[lordhriley]

But who was the black man, what was his story

[sunnyrobinson]

Put uncle Ben’s back on the box ‼️ He’s a black icon like the black man on the cream of wheat box ❤

[brian_atc]

I never saw Uncle Ben as a negative representation. The term "Uncle" can go, but I just want more black people on products (and company execs, etc) that are proud and well dressed. Using mixed race couples (like my parents) would be good also.
Fully understand other ads using us in derogatory or racist ways such as Aunt Jemima need to go.
But for me, put more black folks in advertising, etc that depict positive and strong examples.
I'm cool with the "Ben's Original" name.

[billammann]

I only viewed them as quality quality based product brand names.

[Pyrus]

So basically:
W: "Lets sell products with pictures of happy B on them so people will feel good about giving us their money."
B: "Stop making money portraying us as happy & docile while treating us like we shot your dog."

[f-the-land]

Rice growing was a culture of Southern Americans. Placing 'Black' American images on American products usually was used to authenticate them as being legitimate.

[iamwhoiam]

We are NOT African Americans! We are Indigenous Americans!

[kevinmaden]

I use to see the orange box of rice in the grocery store for years 👍

[Carolina_Panthers]

I needed the history of my uncle Ben rice

[jeffreyyounger]

Wow, very interesting 👏, thank you!!❤🎉😢😮