A complaint to Kellogg’s this week that its Corn Pops box art is teaching children to be racist received a prompt apology and a vow to immediately implement changes.
A writer for Marvel Comics took to Twitter on Wednesday to ask why a Corn Pops scene included a brown anthropomorphic kernel performing janitorial duties among a group of others having fun. The company responded within hours with a promise to rectify the situation.
“Hey @KelloggsUS why is literally the only brown corn pop on the whole cereal box the janitor?” said Saladin Ahmed, who writes “Black Bolt” for Marvel. “This is teaching kids racism.” Ahmed then added, “Yes it’s a tiny thing, but when you see your kid staring at this over breakfast and realize millions of other kids are doing the same…”
hey @KelloggsUS why is literally the only brown corn pop on the whole cereal box the janitor? this is teaching kids racism. pic.twitter.com/Nh7M7IFawW
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 24, 2017
The company showed tacit agreement with his argument soon afterward.
“Kellogg is committed to diversity & inclusion. We did not intend to offend — we apologize. The artwork is updated & will be in stores soon,” the Kellogg account tweeted.
An expanded statement was released to USA Today shortly afterward.
“Kellogg Company has respect for all people, and our commitment to diversity and inclusion has long been a top priority,” the company said. “We take feedback very seriously, and it was never our intention to offend anyone. We apologize sincerely. The package artwork has been updated and will begin to appear on store shelves soon as it flows through distribution.”
Mr. Ahmed later tweeted that he appreciated the company’s “rapid response.”
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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