Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben

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Listen to this article read aloud:
When I was a child, I was taught that my mother's best friend was my "Aunt" Kate.  There was no blood relationship, it was just a polite way for a child to address an adult who, although not a family member, had a close relationship to the child. "Aunt" and "Uncle" were words used to express an honorary or affectionate relationship.

In antebellum times, "house servants" often cared for the children. It would only be natural that there would be an affectionate bond between the child and the caregiver. It was polite and acceptable to use "Aunt" and "Uncle" when referring to these servants. The words were meant as an honor, but that does not change the fact that the "Aunt" or "Uncle" were often slaves!

To me, the words "aunt" and "uncle" are words that connotate affection and honor. But everyone has the right to be offended by whatever they choose. So I can see how someone with an itch to scratch could be offended by "aunt" or "uncle".

If it were only a change of brand names, it would not be so bothersome. The companies have the right to name their product whatever they want. But in the context of all of the other things that are going on, it becomes more than simply that.

I am uneasy when so much that has been around for my entire life is changed. It is as though I am being personally attacked. Flags, statues, books, heroes, even the very words that I grew up with are being tossed out. Really! What kind of an idiot would consider Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" as racist? Even worse, I am accused of being a "bad" person simply because I happened to grow up when and where I did. I do not like this feeling! I am angry!

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