"Stereotypes" includes historical artifacts associated with Atlantic City Electric that were donated by Dr. Stanley Abrams and Larry Frankel. The exhibit was curated by Stockton University students Adrianna Schofield and My’air Henry.

 

The collection examines how corporate branding and advertising relied on racial stereotypes, revealing broader social attitudes and power dynamics of the 19th through the 21st centuries. Other widely recognized companies featured include Aunt Jemima, Cream of Wheat, Uncle Ben’s, Darkie Tooth Paste, Little Black Sambo’s, and Gold Dust Washing Powder artifacts from the museum’s collection.

 

African Americans have been depicted in U.S. advertising since the mid-19th century. Initially, most images were created by white advertising agencies and relied on negative stereotypes and caricatures. Introduced in 1889, Gold Dust Washing Powder was developed by the N.K. Fairbank Company became well-known for its brand trademark, the “Gold Dust Twins.” Two stereotypical African American children named Goldie and Dustie were featured prominently on the product and in advertising with the slogan “Let the Twins Do Your Work."

 

The use of such characters is an example of an era when companies used racially stereotyped images to promote their products. The well known Cream of Wheat’s brand mascot was modeled after a black chef who was only paid $5, while the company profited millions. However, increased black literacy and economic participation led to a more visible Black consumer market in the early 20th century. The practice came to be viewed as archaic and racist by the 1940s and 1950s, leading to many brands discontinuing caricatures in their advertising.

 

"Stereotypes" shows how negative imagery was normalized and circulated through consumer products with household names used by average Americans. The exhibit also includes cereal boxes from General Mills and Wheaties, illustrating positive stereotypes. Together, these artifacts prompt reflection on the lasting impact of these representations and the ways they continue to influence contemporary culture on a wide scale.

 

Sponsorship of the “Stereotypes” exhibit has been generously provided by Atlantic City Electric.

AAHMSNJ Atlantic City Museum Hours  
Wednesday-Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM