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It probably wouldn't be particularly brutal teasing, but the association wouldn't go over very many people's heads. I don't mind the syrup connection very much, but what does bother me is the next jump that my mind makes to the racial overtones of that particular avenue of advertising. I could get over the syrup thing no problem if not for the associated racism and sexism.

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I hate to defer to Wikipedia all the time, but it has a knack for very nicely putting my thoughts into words. On Aunt Jemima it says:

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The phrase "Aunt Jemima" is sometimes used as a female version of Uncle Tom to refer to a black woman who is perceived as obsequiously servile or acting in, or protective of, the interests of whites.

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And also:

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One important characteristic of the Aunt Jemima trademark is its stereotypical depiction of black women as servants. Aunt Jemima was characteristic of most advertising with black women as a reminder that their place was in the kitchen, and the majority of advertising was associated with food.

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I don't know why this particular matter bugs me so much since there are plenty of racist and sexist things out there, but it's one of those things that just sticks in my proverbial craw.

This message was edited 2/12/2007, 8:10 PM