Racism in Asian Marketing Hit

Six U.S. congressmen accused a Taiwan company of perpetuating racial stereotypes by marketing a locally produced toothpaste named “Darkie,” the American Institute in Taiwan said today.

In a news release, the institute said the congressmen, citing the toothpaste as an example, told Taiwan’s authorities and business community that “xenophobia and racism” would never be tolerated.

The institute is the unofficial U.S. representative office in Taiwan in the absence of diplomatic relations.

The statement, initiated by Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), was issued two days after the six-member Congressional Government Operations Committee left for home following a three-day visit to Taiwan.

“Darkie” toothpaste is one of many examples of racism in consumer products in Asia, the statement said, adding that governments in Asian countries should stop such racial stereotypes. The yellow package of the toothpaste bears the English word “Darkie” and a Chinese equivalent, as well as a drawing of a grinning black minstrel.