Taiwan’s ‘Darkie’ Toothpaste Draws Wrath of Congressmen

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

In a news release, the institute said the representatives, 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 after a three-day visit to Taiwan.

The other representatives were Texas Democrats Jack Brooks and Ron Coleman; Robert Wise, a Democrat from West Virginia; Edolphus Towns, a Democrat from New York, and Donald Lukens, a Republican from Ohio.

“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.

“If they want strong relations with the United States, they should understand this,” it added.

The yellow package of the toothpaste bears the English word “Darkie,” as well as a drawing of a grinning black minstrel.

Last year, after several American groups said the name was offensive, the government’s Tourism Bureau sent a letter to travel agents advising the public not to carry that brand of toothpaste abroad.

The manufacturer, Hawley & Hazel, says it does not plan to change.