Q: When is a dumpling not a dumpling?
A: When it is a Trader Ming Shu Mai!
Last month, following an online petition denouncing some TJ product naming as racist, ie Trader Jose (Mexican food), Trader Ming (Chinese food), Trader Giotto (Italian food) etc.
it was reported that TJ might change some of the product names.
As a follow up, last week, TJ issued a statement declaring it will not be changing any of the brand names, specifically:
‘A few weeks ago, an online petition was launched calling on us to “remove racist packaging from [our] products.” Following were inaccurate reports that the petition prompted us to take action. We want to be clear: we disagree that any of these labels are racist. We do not make decisions based on petitions.’
What are your thoughts? Do you consider the packaging (and contents!) to be racist or fun?
For me, I’m happy they are sticking with what is successful
To me, it’s fun. But I recognize that as someone who is not a member of a group who might be offended by the names, I might not be the best judge.
I actually read an article similar to the one you are referencing that went on to say that TJ’s has been looking at changing the names for awhile. It was sort of like they were saying we might change them, but not because of the petition or because we think they are racist. But maybe I misunderstood.
Edit: No, I didn’t misunderstand. Here’s an article that says they have been working on the name changes for awhile.
I think a lot of us are described by the generic whitebread brand name Trader “Joe” that the other variants distinguish from but, I agree, I don’t find them offensive or racist. However, if they don’t offend me because of some privilege I don’t see, but others are offended, then I’m happy to be re-educated.
I am someone who is extremely pleased to see the last of clearly racist names like the one for the team now known as the Washington Football Team, but I don’t really see how the Trader Joe’s names are in the same category. As long as there are no logos with stereotypical images, what’s wrong with playing with the names that way? Jose and Giotto and Ming aren’t derogatory nicknames or funny-sounding or anything.
This ^ but if it does offend folks, what’s the harm in changing the names? I’m not buying products because of some cutesy moniker. I’ll buy them because they look good. I’ll buy them again if they taste good.
^^agree. When I first read about the controversy, I wondered to myself ‘why those names would be considered racist’? Then I thought, well, you’re not a member of any of those groups so you shouldn’t be judging. I would be interested to better understand why they are offensive, assuming that they are to some.
I’m (half) Italian and Trader Giotto" does not offend me (truthfully, I shop at TJ’s and have never noticed it). But if that name or the others offends other people I’m all for changing.
@ucbalumnus , because a nip is a thing.
“A nip is a tiny bite, a cold feeling, or a strong taste on your tongue. … A nip can also mean a small sip of something, like hot chocolate — which is a good idea if you’re feeling a nip of a cold draft.”
Just because the word has been used by others in a derogatory way doesn’t mean everyone automatically thinks of that usage first. In fact, when I clicked the link you provided, I had to think for a few seconds what on earth might be wrong with that.
Furthermore, there are no stereotypical people associated in the advertising for Cheese Nips. If we think cheese nips are objectionable, then by that reasoning, cheese crackers are too. I just think we have to draw a line somewhere.
They’re not using racial or ethnic slurs here. It’s clearly a variation of Joe, a common name, just in a different language to reflect the origins of the recipe. There was no nasty intent whatsoever. In this case those complaining need to develop a thicker skin. They’re probably not even TJ shoppers in the first place.
However, unintended offense can still keep a product from getting wider acceptance. For example, this imported food product is unlikely to get mainstream acceptance in the US with its current labeling: http://www.lwfoodcorp.com/Spices/target64.html
Seems like some of the “Trader ____” variants like Giotto and Ming are not variations of Joe or Joseph (although that probably has nothing to do with whether anyone considers them bothersome).
Glad they aren’t changing. At the rate the “professionally offended” are going one will not be able to even refer to anyone or anything other than their own culture or race without being labeled a bigot or some other slur.
A couple years ago an Irish American college student noticed that the dining hall had single serve boxes of Lucky Charms at the breakfast counter. As a joke he filed an anonymous complaint claiming that the cartoon Leprechaun was offensive to him as a person of Irish descent. The next week he noticed that the dining hall was no longer selling Lucky Charms. He filed it as a joke and he figured the college just removed the cereal to avoid any problems.
At least I got my daily dose of righteous offense in before the third cup of coffee. I hate it when it’s later in the evening and I realize I haven’t pontificated on what either offends me personally or what might offend someone, somewhere at some time.
I think the words nip and **** are homonyms (no offense!! ) As @Lindagaf pointed out, a “nip” is a tiny bite, etc while the offensive, **** is short for Nippon, or Nipponese which is the Japanese word for Japan. Two completely different words that are spelled the same and sound the same.