Ben & Jerry's have apologized for icecream name

[beautiful_mess38]

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ice cream makers Ben & Jerry's have apologized for causing offence by calling a new flavor "Black & Tan" -- the nickname of a notoriously violent British militia that operated during Ireland's war of independence.

The ice cream, available only in the United States, is based on an ale and stout drink of the same name.

"Any reference on our part to the British Army unit was absolutely unintentional and no ill-will was ever intended," said a Ben & Jerry's spokesman.

"Ben & Jerry's was built on the philosophies of peace and love," he added.

The Black and Tans, so-called because of their two-tone uniforms, were recruited in the early 1920s to bolster the ranks of the police force in Ireland as anti-British sentiment grew.

They quickly gained a reputation for brutality and mention of the militia still arouses strong feelings in Ireland.

"I can't believe that Ben & Jerry's would be so insensitive to call an ice cream such a name and to launch it as a celebration of Irishness ... it's an insult!" wrote one blogger on www.junkfoodblog.com (http://www.junkfoodblog.com).
"I hope they don't try to launch it here in Ireland or I imagine they'll lose a lot of their fans."

Ben & Jerry's, a unit of Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever Plc, prides itself on its commitment to friendly business. Its mission statement includes a pledge to show "a deep respect for human beings inside and outside our company and for the communities in which they live."

[Yosemite_Wolf]

that cracks me up! The brits don't mind calling a beer drink "black and tan" but they get stroppy cos the Yanks named an ice cream such? silly brits!

[Cleis_the_11th_Muse]

Well actually it's the Irish that have a problem with it. And according to hearsay from a quick internet search it's best if you do not order a Black & Tan in Ireland. Instead you would ask for a Half& Half. Having not been to Ireland I can of course not confirm this.

My again quick research indicated that Black & Tan was used to describe the drink before it was used to describe those thugs of the same name. So while the usage is both proper and in line with the name used in the US market it's an unfortunate and someone insensitive name choice.

I don't think any one is considering it malicious or intentional. Seems to me it's a case of "We really don't like it could you please change it." Which some people like to call complaining. Whatever they are just expressing an opinion Ben& Jerrys is a big boy company and can handle the situation themselves making what they believe is the best moral (since they seem to be generally concerned with such things) and business decision. It's not like it be the first time a company made an unintentional mistake.

Cleis

[CatdaBrat]

"Black and Tan" is also the name for a type of famous hunting hound. I think it's unreasonable to expect others to do a complete and exhaustive search before naming a product, just to make sure that somewhere in the vast world, there aren't any folks who might get their shorts in a bunch.

It reminds me of the popular "thumbs up" gesture we so often use to indicate "good job." In many other countries, this has the same effect of "flipping the bird."

Names, words and customs just happen to mean many different things to many different people. I think too many folks are just looking to create conflict. I don't think the Ben and Jerry company should apologize for anything, except maybe to say, "Sorry you think everything is about you!"

[Ironhorse]

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif It's impossible in these times not to say or do something that won't offend some thin-skinned person. And it was only being marketed in the U.S. for crying out loud. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif

[BGW]

I agree with *Cat. Do gays in England ask for a F@g when bumming a cigarette? I realize this is a slightly different situation...am just pointing out that region and dialect as well as local colloquialisms means the name of a product is sure to offend someone...now, where did I put my UGGs??

[monkey]

Ben & Jerry's can do no harm in my eyes! Other than give me an ice cream headache, that it.http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_4_11.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxmk278CVUS)

[Yosemite_Wolf]

and when in a restaurant in Australia, do NOT ask for a napkin... ask for a serviette (say what?) You ask for a napkin and you will get some funny looks, esp if yer of the male persuasion.