In a nation rooted in slavery, it’s not a surprise that many of the things we’re used to have some racist background.
“Turkey in the Straw,” for example is one of the most popular ice cream jingles in American history, but it was played in minstrel shows and can therefore be triggering to people.
In an effort to bring new life into the ice cream song, RZA partnered with Good Humor and recorded a new version he’s since uploaded on social media.
“Good Humor, they called me up and they was like, ‘We gotta do something about this, Riz,’” he said in his Instagram post. “We can change the dynamics. We can make a new ice cream jingle for a new era.”
“We wanted to make a melody that includes all communities,” RZA went on. “That’s good for every driver, every kid. And I’m proud to say, for the first time in a long time, a new ice cream jingle will be made available to trucks all across the country in perpetuity. That means forever, you know what I mean? Like Wu-Tang is forever.”
RZA then insists this new jingle “ is made with love.”
Following the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and a few others, companies rallied in support of Black lives, making brand changes that incorporate more inclusive practices and eliminate policies and products that were racially insensitive.
Back in June, PepsiCo, which merged with Quaker Oats, announced they would rebrand Aunt Jemima pancake syrup and mix as its logo is a picture of an African American woman dressed as a minstrel show performer.
Uncle Ben’s parent company Mars said the company was planning to make changes as well. The brand is named after the White Southerner’s practice of referring to black people as “aunt” and “uncle” rather than “Mr.” or “Mrs.” to the rice brand.