It is not a joke: the icecream jingle is "problematic" and needs to be changed

As the Western World in general is sinking into a delusional culture war against the reasoning and values that have made our societies strong, the American icecream band Good Humor did not want to be left behind and decided to join the fight against racism . For this an enemy has been found: The ice cream jingle.

This is how the company announces it on its website:

“Turkey in the Straw” is one of the most iconic ice cream truck jingles today. However, many people don’t realize that this familiar tune has racist roots.

Turkey in the Straw’s melody originated from British and Irish folk songs, which had no racial connotations. But the song itself was first performed (and gained popularity) in American minstrel shows in the 1800s. Some songs using its same melody contained highly offensive, racist lyrics.

Throughout the 19th century, minstrel songs like Turkey in the Straw were commonly played in ice cream parlors, and later, adapted as ice cream truck jingles.

While these associations of “Turkey in the Straw” are not the only part of its legacy, it is undeniable that this melody conjures memories of its racist iterations."

"We’ve teamed up with legendary rapper, music producer and founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, to reimagine the ice cream truck jingle for a new era – a melody that brings joy to every community. We’re making this song available to ice cream truck drivers nationwide and providing education on how to replace “Turkey in the Straw” in their music boxes. Listen to RZA’s new track here, or hear it blasting from an ice cream truck near you!"

"Ending systemic racism and social injustice is a challenge that requires multiple interventions. Racial issues are human rights issues and everyone has a critical role to play in creating systemic change. We know that changing a song alone will not solve racism, but it is one immediate and simple step we can take.

We are proud to be part of Unilever and its family of brands who have pledged more than $8 million in 2020 to organizations and activists working for social justice and racial equality including Black Lives Matter, National Urban League, National Bail Fund Network and The Bail Project."

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Doesn't this jingle bring you racist memories or the urge to segregate people based on their skin color? Of course it does! Just listen to it and prove me wrong!

Source: Good Humor/YouTube