We have gathered 22 Shockingly Racist Ads and I think that you’ll be amazed as much as we were. Below, you’ll find ads that span from 1910 to 2007. And they are some famous names below, such as Intel, Dove or Budweiser. And even the State Department used racist ads during WW2.
First of all, I’ve seen a lot of racist ads during my search that weren’t racist. In the hunt for finding racism in everything, some people confuse between ads that specifically target Afro-Americans (as were those fast food ads from the 1970s) and racist ads that usually depict Afro-Americans in an inferior position. That’s a big difference, and everyone should bear it in mind!
Now, every ad is followed by a short paragraph where I’m trying to explain why I think that ad is racist. I don’t believe that my explanations are undeniable true. So, you’re invited to question them in the comments section. Nevertheless, enjoy, be inspired and if you will like this article, then please share it with your friends or community! Many thanks! Cheers!
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P.S. You would probably like to see 35 Extremely Sexist Ads That You Should See and 25 Excellent Vintage Fast Food Ads.
Respect our work and the time we waste! Don’t copy our articles!
Intel (2007)
Why is it racist: Afro-Americans shown as athletes. Contrary to the popular assumption, Afro-Americans are not born to be athletes and only a few of them are good at it. For more on the phenomenon read BBC’s –“Is it wrong to note 100m winners are always black?”
Fairy Soap (1940s)
Why it is racist: “Why doesn’t you Mamma Wash You with Fairy Soap?” is clearly a malicious line and a subtle proposal from the “white” kid to the “black” one to wash with Fairy Soap in order to become white as he. Horrible!
Nigger Make-up (1930s)
Why it is racist: First, the word nigger. Second, the Afro-American guy is depicted as an extremely ugly, repulsive person; His physical characteristics are clearly exaggerated. And this happens in most of the ads from that era, as you’ll see.
Budweiser (1934)
Why is it racist: Another overused stereotype. Afro-Americans depicted as servants or waiters, whereas whites are portrayed as bosses and individuals who are socially hierarchical superior.
Dove (2011)
Why is it racist: Although Dove denied the allegations, this is clearly a racist ad. The problem here is with the words before and after and with the alignment of the three women models. Think of it as a timeline. On the left, moment 0 – we have an Afro-American; in the middle we have a Mulatto (the Dove effect is clear) and on the right we have an White. And of course, before ————> after.
Maxwell House (1950s)
Why it is racist: Afro-Americans depicted as servants or waiters, pouring coffee in a White women’s cup. Second, they are portrayed as being extremely ugly. Their lips are clearly exaggerated. And, more shockingly, if you look closely, they’re Whites disguised as Afro Americans!
Pears’ Soap (1920s)
Why it is racist: Take a look at that evil white kid’s face when it gives the soap to the Afro-American kid. What comes next is simply outrageous!
Revere Copper and Bras’s War Bonds (1944)
Why is it racist: An unbreakable stereotype here. The Japanese portrayed as cross-eyed. The irony here is that this guy learned from his own experience that they’re not physically inferior compared to the white race.
Monsanto Chemicals (1950s)
Why it is racist: Afro-American portrayed as cotton collectors. And we all know how painfully this relates with slavery.
Plymouth (1940)
Why it is racist: Afro-American depicted as a servant, waiter, bell boy, baggage carrier. A stereotype that is repeatedly used in the ads that will follow.
Kentucky Bourbon (1950s)
Borden’s (1940s)
Nigger Boy King Size (1950)
No comments here.
Monel (1939)
Nigger Boy King Size (1950)
Why is it racist: Well, first of all, the word nigger. Second ,the physical characteristics are exaggerated. Third, Afro-Americans seen as tobacco collectors.
First Call Ballantine Ale Beer (1948)
Gold Dust (1910)
Why it is racist: Afro Americans depicted as uncivilized and tribal. They are also servants to the “great” white explorer.
Kentucky Club (1941)
Why it is racist: Physical characteristic clearly exaggerated. Portrayed as uncivilized.
AC (1940s)
Why is it racist: see above
Gold Dust (1910)
Why is it racist: see above
Jell-o (1922)
Why is it racist: see above