Did he just say ‘black laspberry’ Jell-O?

Be among trailblazing marketing pros at Brandweek this September 23–26 in Phoenix, Arizona. Experience incredible networking, insightful sessions and a boost of inspiration at ADWEEK’s ultimate brand event. Register by May 13 to save 35%.

Fellow ad guy Ransom at the Mental Floss blog dug up this bizarre Jell-O ad, reportedly from the 1960s. I’ll stop short of saying it’s overtly racist, mainly because I’ve seen Breakfast at Tiffany’s. But it’s definitely a strange look at how Americans viewed the Chinese back in the days of black-and-white television. I could get on my soapbox about how pop culture still has no qualms about stereotyping Asians, but I’m too distracted by the fact that this ad claims the spoon was invented so people could eat Jell-O.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in