Trevor Noah’s take on the controversy was perfect.
When it comes to representation of people of color in popular culture, how they’re seen is just as important as if they’re seen. That’s why a recent tweet by Marvel Comics writer Saladin Ahmed is so important. Ahmed noticed that on the back of a Corn Pops box there was an illustration featuring dozens of yellow Corn Pops characters frolicking in a shopping mall, while the only brown one was the janitor.
“Hey @KelloggsUS why is literally the only brown corn pop on the whole cereal box the janitor? This is teaching kids racism,” Ahmed asked Kellogg’s, the manufacturer of Corn Pops.
\nhey @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\n
Ahmed believes the illustration promotes a stereotypical message to children: People of color are all blue-collar workers.
\nyes 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\n
Kellogg’s quickly responded to the tweet and announced it would be changing the artwork immediately.
\nKellogg 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\n
Ahmed thanked Kellogg’s for their quick response:
\ngenuinely appreciate the rapid response
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 24, 2017\n
But not everyone was happy with Ahmed’s tweets and Kellogg’s response. An army of Twitter users began attacking Ahmed calling him a “crybaby” and telling him to “get a job.”
\navoiding my mentions which are particularly full of upset racist dipshits right now. sorry if this means I’ve missed your non-dipshit words.
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 25, 2017\n
\nso many folks taking time to tell me I have too much time on my hands
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 26, 2017\n
so many folks whining online that people whine online too much
lol
\nIf you don’t add people of color it’s racist... now if you do add them it’s racist. Make up your mind!
— Patty Thomas (@PattyThomas10) October 26, 2017\n
\nMaybe you are the racist. You decided it was racist. That doesn't make it racist. Maybe your angry racist. If it was a janitor what's wrong
— James Taylor (@GAMERJTAYLOR13) October 26, 2017\n
\nBoy, it's not my fault your skin is dark. Get over it, get a job.
— Henry Betancourt (@SpiboaX) October 26, 2017\n
Trevor Noah had a brilliant take on why the illustration can only be seen as racist.
\nthe Daily Show led off last night talking about my tweet about Corn Pops what is life pic.twitter.com/JUc1jOTYZv
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 27, 2017\n
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