Twitter’s cancel culture may be targeting lawyer and comedian Ben Stein next. The 78-year-old shared a video of his secret “breakest-for-dinner” weapon, Aunt Jemima’s syrup, but unknowingly sparked controversy. When speaking on the syrup Stein notes, “now this used to show a large African-American woman chef.” The writer also mentions, “but because of the inherent racism in American’s corporate culture, they decided to make it a white person, or maybe no person at all.” But, what made Twitter users stab at Stein was his following comment on how he preferred when the bottle featured “a black person showing their incredible skill at making pancakes.”
After receiving years of backlash, the Aunt Jemima brand switched its logo and name in 2021. Critics were especially upset with the character logo, which they considered to be racially insensitive. Now going by Pearl Milling Company, parent company PepsiCo had announced that they are working to “ensure the new brand was developed with inclusivity in mind.”
Ben Stein Says He Misses The Old Aunt Jemima Logo
Actor Ben Stein says he misses the good old days when “a large African-American woman” was on his syrup bottle, but woke corporate culture ruins everything. pic.twitter.com/WkSXUDbRIj
— Ron Filipkowski
(@RonFilipkowski) February 21, 2023
Following in suit of other famous names who’ve been called out for inappropriate remarks, Stein was shut down on Twitter. “He turned out to be such a disappointment. I thought he was smart,” one user tweeted. Another added, “oh but I bet his ass would be screaming antisemitism if you clap back a Jewish trope.” While many threw backlash against the former speechwriter for Nixon, some gave him the benefit of doubt. “The syrup was better then, because it had more real maple syrup in it! I don’t know if he’s unwoke or just making a statement,” said one user.
Another prominent figure currently being called out for vocalizing controversial opinions is Kanye West, whose antisemitic remarks made him a target for Twitter roasts. The Anti-Defamation League recently reported that Ye’s “bigoted rants” were linked to 30 hate crimes across America. With Stein’s video garnering millions of views, it’s easy to see why Twitter users are quick to shame his seemingly racist comments. We’ve added some of the reactions for you to check out down below. As always, keep in touch with HNHH for the hottest news in hip-hop and pop culture.
Twitter Reacts
Aunt Jemima is trending because Ben Stein is sad reminiscing about his youth because the Pearl Milling Company decided to remove the racist imagery they used on their packaging?
— Charli Huxley (@ImKnotTheOne) February 22, 2023
My fellow Jewish people, when our people act racist, we MUST call it out. Ben Stein out here acting like a fool with his corn syrup. He does not represent THIS Jewish woman.
— Malka
(@Three3sMalka) February 21, 2023
Y’all knew that Ben Stein is racist.
— THEE/LA Badass #WUkraine #proabortion
(@calichicacine) February 21, 2023
