The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / A Politically Incorrect TV Promo Ad You'd Never See Today

**Posted by RadioActive** September 22, 2024 10:21 am

I came across this ad in an old 1955 TV Guide and immediately thought, "Wow, that would never run today." I can only imagine what the reaction would be if this were published now. Never mind the "Whiteman and The Indian" reference. Lon Chaney, who played the Native American, was not even Indigenous!

It's definitely a sign of how much things have changed.

**Posted by RadioActive** September 22, 2024 10:23 am

Speaking of politically incorrect, this 1975 ad would also not pass muster these days. The "R" word is definitely no longer one that's allowed, let alone in a promo. Ironically, it was for a good cause.

**Posted by newsguy1** September 22, 2024 12:57 pm

I see Geraldo was collecting money for Republicans even back then

**Posted by Dial Twister** September 22, 2024 5:41 pm

newsguy1 wrote:
I see Geraldo was collecting money for Republicans even back then

Ouch! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

**Posted by RadioAaron** September 22, 2024 5:47 pm

newsguy1 wrote:
I see Geraldo was collecting money for Republicans even back then

Fantastic.

**Posted by Shorty Wave** September 23, 2024 9:09 am

newsguy1 wrote:
I see Geraldo was collecting money for Republicans even back then

Nasty, but made me laugh! Thanks newsguy1!

**Posted by jughead jones** September 23, 2024 9:10 am

Awesome!

**Posted by RadioActive** September 23, 2024 9:41 am

There are other Canadian radio ads from the 50s that I've found that I would never dare to post here. They depict Black people in some of the most offensive ways possible, including a series of "Little Black Sambo" stereotypes. Some also involve extreme stereotypical depictions of Indigenous people. And then they say why you should listen to them. The stations included are CJON in St John's, Nfld. and CFRB right here in Toronto.

From a modern perspective, it's simply incredible to contemplate that this was not only normal, but these images were being used to advertise radio stations! Thank God those times have changed. But it's astounding to think this stuff was once acceptable.

**Posted by mace** September 23, 2024 10:06 am

Does anyone remember when Pillsbury introduced Funny Face powdered drink mix in 1965 to compete with Kool-Aid. Two of the flavours were Injun Orange wearing a single feather and Chinese Cherry complete with buck teeth and slanty slits for eyes. A year or so later they were replaced with Jolly Olly Orange and Choo-Choo Cherry.

**Posted by RadioActive** September 23, 2024 10:44 am

Some of these are unbelievable.

**Posted by mace** September 23, 2024 11:19 am

RadioActive wrote:
Some of these are unbelievable.

A few thoughts. Welch's Grape Juice/Jelly replaced Winston as a sponsor of the Flinstones after Pebbles was born. The Johnny Seven OMA was advertised endlessly on Network Saturday Morning Cartoon shows in 1964-65. Did you recognize the young boy at the end of the Funny Face drink ad? Johnny Whitaker who played Jody on Family Affair.