Kellogg's apologises for 'racist' cereal box cartoon
Kellogg's has apologised after a Twitter user complained that the cartoon art found on one of its cereal boxes was 'racist'.
Saladin Ahmed, a Marvel comic writer, accused the cereal company of teaching racism, pointing out an illustration on a Corn Pop cereal box.
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"Hey @KelloggsUS why is literally the only brown corn pop on the whole cereal box the janitor? this is teaching kids racism," he tweeted on Wednesday.
hey @KelloggsUS why is literally the only brown corn pop on the whole cereal box the janitor? this is teaching kids racism. pic.twitter.com/Nh7M7IFawW
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 24, 2017
yes its a tiny thing, but when you see your kid staring at this over breakfast and realize millions of other kids are doing the same…
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 24, 2017
The illustration on the cereal box shows several yellow cartoon cereal pieces, all performing different activities, from juggling to bathing in a fountain.
One character, who appears to be dressed as a janitor waxing the floors, appears to be a darker shade than the others.
Kellogg's were quick to respond to Ahmed's tweet, apologising and saying that the artwork would be "updated and in stores soon."
Kellogg is committed to diversity & inclusion. We did not intend to offend – we apologize. The artwork is updated & will be in stores soon.
— Kellogg's (@KelloggsUS) October 24, 2017
today I used the computer in my pocket to get a cereal company to make their boxes less racist what even is the 21st century
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 25, 2017
Some online however, disagreed that the illustration was "racist."
Oh my God people, CORN POPS DON'T HAVE A RACE. #kelloggs
— Inez Stepman (@InezFeltscher) October 26, 2017
The year is 2075. Neo-Hiltler has devastated the world w/ two wars based on racial genocide. When asked why he only responds "Kelloggs." https://t.co/v4PFFfd6he
— NERKISH (@nerkish) October 25, 2017
Maybe he owns the place and taking care of business, or maybe he OWNS a cleaning company.Why diminish entrepreneurship? #makingupissues
— Deplorable Jen (@JenFL912) October 25, 2017
Perspective: janitor pop is only responsible one with a job who is also btw clothed and smiling. All the others look high and irresponsible
— Jerri Manthey (@jerrimanthey) October 25, 2017
Dark Pop doesn't really have a job. It's a drawing. None of the pops are real.
— gr8 caesar's ghost👻 (@ChrisCaesar) October 25, 2017
And many even attacked Ahmed on Twitter, he said.
more slurs and threats than usual in my mentions right now. I’d appreciate folks reporting tweets along these lines. I can’t read any more.
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 25, 2017
Plenty were in support of Kellogg's changing its artwork, though.
@KelloggsUS Thank you for doing the right thing and making a simple but profound change to your cereal packaging. Gotta have my Pops!
— bingbongbingbingbong (@Choice4Prez) October 26, 2017
u might not notice if ur not paying attention. Pointed out, it stands out so much. There's no way the artist didn't do this intentionally.
— fleurs sauvages (@fleurs_sauvages) October 26, 2017
The small things add up. This is wrong on so many levels. Glad you’re making it right.
— Avery (@IdFollowMe) October 26, 2017
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