Bingeworthy joins in on conversations happening on social media about watermelon and its shady history looking for answers on how the fruit became associated with black people and how it affects black Americans today.
Dark History| Part Two
I decided to explore some bingeworthy topics that I otherwise would never get to discuss on my platform. It was important to me during this series to find a balance between sharing meaningful stories all while remaining just as entertaining as I am when I get into pop culture news. That led me on the journey of uncovering some really interesting information about our beloved Betty Boop.
How Watermelon Became a Black Stereotype?
Shortly after winning their emancipation many black Americans often sold watermelons as their way to make that cash outside the system. And in doing so they made the fruit a symbol of their freedom and empowerment. Threatened buy our newfound freedom, some people worked together to shift the narrative and in a desperate attempt to reclaim their superiority and power, they created shows and released imagery in the media that made the fruit a symbol of childishness, and uncleanliness, and of all things laziness.
Corporate Watermelon Scandals
Princess Tiana Selling Watermelon
The year was 2012 just 3 years after Disney had just released a feature film for it’s first black princess who appeared as a frog thru most of the movie. And the company decided that it was a good idea to release a limited edition Dig N Dips collab with Princess Tiana peddling watermelon flavored candy.
Betty Boop Watermelon Contest
By now most of you have probably already seen my bingeworthy documentary about the problematic icon Betty Boop where I took a deep dive into her shady origins as well and explored the idea of Betty Boop actually originally being black and if you haven’t’ already be sure to check it out after this video here: https://youtu.be/GL9rBgCgaVU
In a not so subliminal 1930’s episode of Betty Boop that is now banned titled “Making Stars” a trio of stereotyped black babies named The Colorful Three can be seen singing a ridiculous song and being lured off stage with a watermelon.
Juneteenth Watermelon Salad
Yes in 2022 companies are still trying to associate watermelon with black people and it really makes you wonder why. I remember hearing about this and being so disappointed in how Juneteenth has been disrespected in different ways since it officially became US holiday in 2021. I can’t help but feel like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis definitely knew exactly what they were doing but let me know in the comments right now.
The Dark History of Watermelon | Dark History Episode II
Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:25 How Watermelon Became a Black Stereotype?
5:02 Corporate Watermelon Scandals
5:33 Princess Tiana Selling Watermelon
7:11 Betty Boop Watermelon Contest
9:22 Aunt Karen Calls out Creator on TikTok
10:26 Juneteenth Watermelon Salad
12:37 Justin Diego’s Final Thoughts
13:57 End Credits
Thumbnail Image Credit
“https://create.vista.com/unlimited/stock-photos/478261336/stock-photo-confident-young-african-american-woman/
