New Post
Search
HelpWould a little Jemima be teased terribly in the U.S.?
I have such a fondness for the name Jemima but would she be forever teased? It seems that adults would remember the syrup Jemima but would children?
Archived Thread - replies disabled
1
Replies
Yeah! People would probably call her "Pancake" and nicknames like that!
1
1
I tend to think so. It's a shame too; Jemima/Jemma is so adorable.
1
I don't think so. You could always call her Jemma.
1
too bad, but as long as pancakes and syrup last, yes, teasing would happen.
1
People who tease are ignorant. Dont worry about them. Jemima is a beautiful, biblical name and you should be proud to use it.
1
I love it when people say "People who tease are ignorant, just ignore them." Those words are *never* spoken by somebody who is actually being teased.
We're not talking about just a funny name here. Jemima may have a Biblical origin, but unfortunately it has acquired racial connotations that are quite serious and that many people, black white and otherwise, feel very strongly about.
We're not talking about just a funny name here. Jemima may have a Biblical origin, but unfortunately it has acquired racial connotations that are quite serious and that many people, black white and otherwise, feel very strongly about.
1
It's Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix, and yes, most children probably would know about it. You can still buy it, can't you? I'm not a pancake lover but when I do make them I make them from scratch, so I'm not up on what mixes are available.
Also, the term Aunt Jemima is a very rude term to use in connection with a black woman now, so that could be a problem, especially if the little girl herself was black or if she was white and her schoolmates were black.
Don't forget Jemima Puddleduck, that's not exactly something I'd want to be associated with either. :)
That said, I do think Jemima is kind of cute, in a goofy, comical kind of way. Good for a cat.
Also, the term Aunt Jemima is a very rude term to use in connection with a black woman now, so that could be a problem, especially if the little girl herself was black or if she was white and her schoolmates were black.
Don't forget Jemima Puddleduck, that's not exactly something I'd want to be associated with either. :)
That said, I do think Jemima is kind of cute, in a goofy, comical kind of way. Good for a cat.
1
My first thought was Jemima Puddleduck, and it's a pretty strong connection. I never thought of the racist connotation Eilis mentioned, and I haven't heard of the syrup, but both of those are primarily American I think and I'm in the UK.
Having said all that, Jemima has a sound that's coming into style. With Madeline, Isabelle, Eleanor and Charlotte all in vogue, Jemima isn't too much of stretch. In another couple of years it could work.
Having said all that, Jemima has a sound that's coming into style. With Madeline, Isabelle, Eleanor and Charlotte all in vogue, Jemima isn't too much of stretch. In another couple of years it could work.
1
Here in Australia we don't really know about the syrup, so it isn't a problem. I think if you really love the name, then you should use it anyway. It's not like the syrup reference is such a terrible, or disgusting thing anyway.
1
I think of the syrup or the book Jemima J.
1
Thanks for all of the great responses, it's true that she did represent a dominant ideology of repression and servitude. I love the name so but would hate to upset or offend anyone!
1
I'm 42, American, and the name Jemima conjurs up the Beatrix Potter character of Jemima Puddleduck, not the syrup label. Also, the girl from "Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang."
But for my generation the majority would think of the syrup lady. Sadly, there are racial overtones here in the states to "Aunt Jemima." You might want to check with an African-American on how they see the name. A few years back on Saturday Night Live a skit featured characters named "Aunt Jemima" and "Uncle Remus" (or was it "Uncle Tom?") as spoofs on white stereotyping. I hate that a great name like Jemima has been sullied, but I can't ignore that it's there, sadly.
As a mn it probably wouldn't occasion any raised eye-brows. I've always thought that "Beatrix Jemima" was a sweet combination.
But for my generation the majority would think of the syrup lady. Sadly, there are racial overtones here in the states to "Aunt Jemima." You might want to check with an African-American on how they see the name. A few years back on Saturday Night Live a skit featured characters named "Aunt Jemima" and "Uncle Remus" (or was it "Uncle Tom?") as spoofs on white stereotyping. I hate that a great name like Jemima has been sullied, but I can't ignore that it's there, sadly.
As a mn it probably wouldn't occasion any raised eye-brows. I've always thought that "Beatrix Jemima" was a sweet combination.
1
I tend to think so.
It probably wouldn't be particularly brutal teasing, but the association wouldn't go over very many people's heads. I don't mind the syrup connection very much, but what does bother me is the next jump that my mind makes to the racial overtones of that particular avenue of advertising. I could get over the syrup thing no problem if not for the associated racism and sexism.
I hate to defer to Wikipedia all the time, but it has a knack for very nicely putting my thoughts into words. On Aunt Jemima it says:
The phrase "Aunt Jemima" is sometimes used as a female version of Uncle Tom to refer to a black woman who is perceived as obsequiously servile or acting in, or protective of, the interests of whites.
And also:
One important characteristic of the Aunt Jemima trademark is its stereotypical depiction of black women as servants. Aunt Jemima was characteristic of most advertising with black women as a reminder that their place was in the kitchen, and the majority of advertising was associated with food.
I don't know why this particular matter bugs me so much since there are plenty of racist and sexist things out there, but it's one of those things that just sticks in my proverbial craw.
It probably wouldn't be particularly brutal teasing, but the association wouldn't go over very many people's heads. I don't mind the syrup connection very much, but what does bother me is the next jump that my mind makes to the racial overtones of that particular avenue of advertising. I could get over the syrup thing no problem if not for the associated racism and sexism.
I hate to defer to Wikipedia all the time, but it has a knack for very nicely putting my thoughts into words. On Aunt Jemima it says:
The phrase "Aunt Jemima" is sometimes used as a female version of Uncle Tom to refer to a black woman who is perceived as obsequiously servile or acting in, or protective of, the interests of whites.
And also:
One important characteristic of the Aunt Jemima trademark is its stereotypical depiction of black women as servants. Aunt Jemima was characteristic of most advertising with black women as a reminder that their place was in the kitchen, and the majority of advertising was associated with food.
I don't know why this particular matter bugs me so much since there are plenty of racist and sexist things out there, but it's one of those things that just sticks in my proverbial craw.
This message was edited 2/12/2007, 8:10 PM
1
You know, I never thought "servant".
Just, "pancake maker".
Just, "pancake maker".
1
agreed
1
1
Unfortunately, I agree.
1
Well put.
I labored on how to express this same thought. You and Wikipedia did it much better than I did.
I labored on how to express this same thought. You and Wikipedia did it much better than I did.
1
I don't really remember it, and I'm 27 so I don't think it'd be a problem at all.
1
I'm 16 and all I can picture is the syrup, yes. I'm not sure if a younger person would remember having seen anything about it as I haven't seen a commercial for it in a while.
1
no IMO
1