TALDF TAKES ACTION AGAINST OFFENSIVELY-NAMED PRODUCT
NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. AGREES TO STOP USING ANTI-TURKISH TERMINOLOGY
Washington, DC, June 4, 2009 – Alerted by a Turkish American that
distributors of Rubbermaid Commercial Products were selling an item
called a "Turk’s Head Toilet Bowl Brush," on April 7 the TALDF
contacted the manufacturer, Newell Rubbermaid Inc., protesting the
product name and calling for it’s use to cease. In our letter, linked
below, we noted that such a product name, "evokes an image highly
unflattering to any person who may consider him or herself a Turk. The
slur is not subtle: a toilet bowl brush being named after any race or
ethnicity ought to be considered insulting." We added that such
terminology is not only, "infuriating and hurtful to Turkish
Americans," it also "encourages ethnic prejudices and bigotries that
ill-serve our diverse and democratic society."
Two weeks later, Newell Rubbermaid responded, largely agreeing with
the TALDF’s position and vowing to make amends. It pledged to,
"educate [its] marketing and sales associates of the potential
derogatory connotations associated with the terminology…." The TALDF
commends Newell Rubbermaid for its quick and sensible response. The
TALDF, acknowledging that the complete cessation of this term will not
occur overnight, will follow up with the company periodically to judge
whether its efforts have been sincere and result in the the withdrawal
of the insulting term.
TALDF’s Letter [ ] | Newell’s Response to TALDF [ ]