Trader Joe’s takes heat over alleged ‘Racist’ labels for ethnic products: TikToker sparks heated debate
A TikToker named Kyi recently released a video criticizing Trader Joe’s over the controversial ethnic naming of some of its products. The video quickly gained traction, reaching nearly three million views, as Kyi uncovered various Trader Joe’s products with alternative labels.
In the video, Kyi expresses shock when she discovers that the frozen sack of Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken was labeled as Trader Ming’s. She turns to the camera, silently mouthing the words, ‘Wait a damn minute,’ capturing the attention of viewers.
This revelation led viewers to enlighten Kyi further, pointing out other product lines with similar controversial branding. Trader Joe’s California grocery chain features names such as Trader Giotto’s, Trader Joe San, Joe’s Diner, and Trader Jacques for their Italian, Japanese, American, and French food lines respectively.
Trader Joe’s faced backlash in 2020 when an online petition was launched, gathering over 2,300 signatures, calling for the removal of ethnic brand names that were deemed racist. Initially, the company agreed to remove names like ‘Trader Ming’s’, ‘Arabian Joe’s’, and ‘Trader Jose’s’ for Middle Eastern and Hispanic dishes. However, they later reversed their decision, opting not to change the names due to the petition.
Unlike the reaction in 2020, this time, people have responded to the video with support and humor. One TikTok user joked about a missed opportunity to call it Trader Zhou’s, while another expressed enjoyment of the name Trader Jose as a Mexican individual. Several commenters shared their own experiences, with one mentioning Trader Giottos and another theorizing that the names represented traders who sold their own cultural foods.
Trader Joe’s is known for its diverse product range, offering international flavors and specialty items. However, their choice of ethnic branding has sparked a conversation about cultural appropriation and the impact it can have on marginalized communities. The debate around these product names reflects a growing sensitivity towards racial and cultural representation.
As consumers continue to advocate for more inclusive practices, Trader Joe’s may face increasing pressure to reassess their approach to product labeling. The controversy surrounding the company’s branding underscores the importance of considering the potential harm that can be caused by cultural insensitivity.
While Trader Joe’s has yet to respond to Kyi’s video specifically, their historical stance on the issue suggests that they may be hesitant to make any immediate changes. As the conversation around cultural representation and branding continues, it remains to be seen how Trader Joe’s will navigate these concerns moving forward.
Overall, this TikTok video has reignited the conversation about Trader Joe’s alleged racist labels for ethnic products. It serves as a reminder that companies must be mindful of the messages conveyed through their branding and take into account the diversity of their customer base.
