Sambo’s on Cabrillo Blvd in Santa Barbara | Robert Young/Flickr/Creative Commons License
By Lauren Bray, edhat staff
Local restaurant Sambo’s plans to change its name and rebrand following calls to boycott for its racist name.
Santa Barbara resident Rashelle Monet started a petition on change.org earlier this week to change the name of the historic restaurant due to its racist roots.
In American history, the term “Sambo” has been used as an identifier of a Black man, specifically in a degrading context in literature and minstrel shows.
“Sambo, the typical plantation slave, was docile but irresponsible, loyal but lazy, humble but chronically given to lying and stealing,” historian Stanley Elkins wrote. “His behavior was full of infantile silliness and his talk inflated with childish exaggeration.” Education specialist Jessie Birtha explained that “the end man in the minstrel show, the stupid one who was the butt of all the jokes, was Sambo.” [KCET]
The restaurant chain started in Santa Barbara in 1957 by Sam Battistone Sr. and Newell Bohnett. They combined Battistone’s first name with the first two letters of Bohnett’s last name, and called the diner Sambo’s opening June 17 on beachfront Cabrillo Boulevard. They offered bottomless, inexpensive cups of coffee for 10 cents and a full breakfast for $1.25.
On the walls were seven paintings of the story of “Little Black Sambo,” a retelling of the popular children’s book Little Black Sambo that was written by Helen Bannermen, a Scottish woman living in India. The book was published in America in 1900. With each reprinting, illustrations became more caricatured and offensive with the story being reset in Africa or the American South, reports KCET.
There were 40 Sambo’s Pancake Houses by 1965, during the civil rights movement, with handmade murals on the walls and Sambo dolls sold in every location, even Sambo masks given to each child. At its height, Sambo’s had 1,117 locations in 47 states.
As the chain grew so did objections. Civil rights leaders and city councils began to object as protests and lawsuits in the 1970s challenged the name. The owners pushed back contending it’s based on the founder’s names and only a small portion of people have an issue with it, but they also changed the name of some restaurants to “No Place Like Sam’s” and “Jolly Tiger.”
Financial issues and company restructuring led to eventual bankruptcy that forced the chain to sell or close all locations, except Santa Barbara where it still stands today under the original “Sambo’s” brand.
In 2014, Battistone’s heir and Sambo’s owner Chad Stevens told The Daily Beast, “We do get the occasional complaint. They want us to know the controversy of the name. And yet for every complaint, there are about 1,000 people who say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe it’s still here’ — or ‘Open another one in our town.’”
Monet’s petition to change the name garnered over 2,500 signatures as of Thursday with the plan to protest as she reached out to local officials.
Santa Barbara County Supervisor Das Williams reached out to Monet stating, “Few people have ever accused me of being capable of being silent, but I accept your challenge. The name has always bothered me, despite knowing that the origins had to do with the owner’s nickname. It still strikes me as being a bizarre anachronism that is hurtful because of the history of that term.”
On Thursday morning, Monet took to Facebook to announce Sambo’s owner had reached out and wants to change the name. Sambo’s then took to their own Facebook page to make an official announcement stating they will be changing the name of the restaurant and while the future name is uncertain, it will not be Sambo’s.
“Our family has looked into our hearts and realize that we must be sensitive when others whom we respect make a strong appeal. So today we stand in solidarity with those seeking change and doing our part as best we can. We will block out our sign with a message of peace and love as soon as possible and we are looking to work with the community to determine how we go forward. Please join us in this message of peace and love.
Also please know we do not tolerate racism or violence. We are committed to being part of a long-term solution. And we ask our customers and neighbors to join us in that pledge,” the restaurant stated.
“I also got a call from the owner of the restaurant and he has decided to rebrand! Due to Covid-19, the restaurant has already been suffering and I DON’T want to see it suffer more. He has at least $20,000 in branded inventory as well as an estimated $15,000 in cost to rebrand the restaurant! HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO TAKE A FINANCIAL HIT FOR STEPPING UP AND DOING THE RIGHT THING! If 3,500 people donate $10 we can all get through this and inspire change together! Here is the link to the GoFundMe account,” she wrote.
One of the leaders of the local chapter of Black Lives Matter responded to the fundraising effort to help Sambo’s rebrand saying the effort to rebrand is applauded but the community should not raise money for it.
“Sambo’s needs to rebrand but they need to do that on their own dime,” said Simone Ruskamp in an online video message. “Sambo’s changed their name before and then they changed it back… they are committed to dehumanizing Black people. We will not pay them to do the right thing.”
Ruskamp suggested for those who would like to help, to understand who is involved in the specific action, and if it is supported by the Black community. She urged allies to join a student-lead protest demanding racial justice that will take place at 12:30 p.m. near Stearns Wharf on Sunday, June 7, with a march at 2:00 p.m.
Several hours after this article went live, Monet updated her post to state the fundraising account has been removed and shared a screenshot of a response from Sambo’s.
“A group under the leadership of Rashelle Monet have kindly started a gofundme page to pay for the rebranding of the store. We did not ask Rashelle to do so, nor will we take any of the funds. We suggest Rashelle determine where those funds can be used for [the] good of our community,” the post read.
The fundraising page was deactivated after reaching $2,570.
[Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with a response by the local chapter of Black Lives Matter and Sambo’s Restaurant]
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Interesting – from Wikipedia
“The once-popular Sambo’s restaurant chain used the Helen Bannerman images to promote and decorate their restaurants, although the restaurants were originally named after the chain’s co-owners, Samuel Battistone and Newell Bohnett.[5] The word and the choice of a black icon by the chain had such negative connotations that, despite the actual origin of the chain’s name, they were contributing factors in the chain’s demise in the early 1980s.[6][better source needed]”
Much more meaningful, given the slant of your usual post, would be to re-brand yourself as Chocolate Chip, although I’m sure you’d insist on white chocolate.
Back when Sambo’s owner Chad Stevens ran the Restaurant Chads they had one fo the very best martinis in town. And the little muffins they served before meals were wonderful.
CHIP – you serious? Surprising to hear that from you, but if you’re being serious, great! If not, I appreciate the sarcasm.
GOODLANDGOODLAND – The owner isn’t asking for $$, the person, Monet, who started the petition is asking for the community to help the owner do the right thing.
Good.
We need to get rid of Alameda Padre Serra – I’d rather it be named after a letter or a tree.
I hope the restaurant keeps the historic Sambos name
And the story above has some details about the racism.
Another what-about argument meant to divert attention from the Floyd murder and its ramification. Don’t fall for it.
I agree, APS is another totally unacceptable name. We should start a committee to evaluate all the street and place names in town. The committee could develop standards for what is considered offensive, identify all offensive street and place names, and then develop new names to replace them all. Together we can cleanse or city these hurtful names that evoke the terrible destruction and oppression brought to this land by the Europeans.
That’s one way to avoid being looted and spray painted.
FERNALDPOINT – Why? What difference will it make if it changes? Still the same food at the same prices, just without the offense to others.
I think the fact that SB’s population is still 80% white and for some reason minorities cannot afford to live in all areas of SB also needs to be examined. Is SB racist? Is this a sign of a bigger issue with lending, discrimination in hiring, in this town or nationwide? Why aren’t there more minorities living on the riviera, upper east side and the like? Let’s not let this ball stop at Sambo’s, let’s dig deeper and do something to encourage a larger population besides whites in this town – and in all areas of town including Montecito.
Actually the story was about a dark skinned Indian boy who outsmarted a tiger. The original author probably saw the racism/discrmination in India against darker skinned indians – it still exists today [when I was there, the women would use skin lighteners and avoid the sun at all costs – and Indian friends of mine confirmed this bias]. So it probably was meant as a way to uplift the darker skinned Indians out of that stereotype as darker skin implied a poor outside laborer. It got perverted when someone in this country changed the story.
SB is 80% white? I’d have guessed the hispanic population was 30% minimum, if not 40% or more.
It took so long because it is a brand associated with good food. A lot of business comes from from returning customers who have a name associated with a great meal. I agree, it’s about time for a change of name for this restaurant. But, that would be the only reason I can think of why it has not been changed.
For recognition sake, they could change the name and use the same iconic letter bubbles.
Glad the article was updated to show Black Lives Matter does NOT support the online fundraiser to help with the brand change. This restaurant chain spent decades silencing Black voices and profited off it. They will pay for their own rebranding or they will close. Simple.
@ 434 and just about everyone else. How does a simple name of a restaurant, a name that was created by taking parts of the two last names of the original owers, become offensive? Don’t like it? Don’t eat there. It’s not like they will go out of business because you don’t. I have been going there since I was about 5. That was 1975. Frankly most of you just look for reasons to cry foul and complain about something that isn’t there. Or make things up to further stoke a flame. So now you set your sights on a historic and locally owned restaurant? LOL Band wagon jumping much? Where were you and your voice before the protests? Why didn’t you shout out loud and protest in front of my friends restaurant until now, if it had “bothered” you so much? Band wagon jumers….just like when an musician dies, suddenly everyone is a big fan. So over this stupidity in this town. Go find a better hobby.
and that is the same story i read and remember clearly. he was also indian and not black. the black portion was added later on with one of many revisions from a publisher.
Hey Zero. Your friend owns a racist sounding tourist trap restaurant. SB can and should do better. By the way, the food sucks too.
@Zerohawk, go find a better town. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Too bad they are having to change their name. What a great and iconic restaurant for SB. Never once heard of a complaint from anyone local in 35 years. Those muffins mmmmmmm.
Use the same letters and call it MOSABS and add a character with a magic flute… or BOSSAM and add the Korean Pork dish to the menu..
Cant do BASSOM, because he was a famous police officer, and we are supposed to hate the police right now; apparently.
‘MABOSS…
1:45 – I think you bring up an excellent point. Wikipedia says that as of 2018, the population of California was just slightly over one third White. Back in 1960, that number was more like 90%. However, despite this dramatic demographic transformation white people are still massively over-represented in elected positions, high paying jobs, and property ownership. Perhaps a comprehensive affirmative action and land reform program is needed to achieve a more equitable distribution. Other countries have had excellent results with these types of programs. Changing names is a nice gesture, but if we really want to address the legacy of historical injustice in this country we need to take more concrete and substantive action, right?
Zero – and another thing – since it really” doesn’t matter” to you what the name is, why are you commenting? Maybe, it DOES matter to you. Maybe being forced to confront the feelings of those other than yourself is awkward and uncomfortable. If you truly thought it “doesn’t matter” what the name is, you’d be quiet. But you’re not, because it DOES matter to you in some way. Go ahead and say it, own it. Don’t pretend to be impartial or try to excuse your opposition to a name change because one black “friend” told you they don’t care. Own it.
Zerohawk hit the nail on the head – where were the protesters and the outrage for the last 20 years over their name? The armchair and keyboard warriors come out in droves when it’s convenient.
Fried Chickenstrips @ 2am . Yum 🙂
I goofed, this was supposed to be a reply to CORALINEJONES 2:33PM comment. “Most live in what many “whites” here consider undesirable and/or dangerous neighborhoods. SB is full of hypocrites. Black boxes on FB and holding signs doesn’t cut it folks.”
XPANDER – you and zero aren’t from here it seems. There has been calls for them to change their name a few times over the 40+ years I’ve been here since birth. This is not something new, but it is more pronounced given the current situation.
RYAN: Why can only whites afford to live in Hope Ranch, Montecito, the Riviera, etc.? Have you asked yourself that question? Is it a sign of a bigger problem/discrimination? Do the ppl who live there not want them there? Do they not want to live there? It seems strange considering there are many very successful and wealthy minorities including black folks in LA yet only the whites seem to come here. What is that all about?
Honestly, any tourists I have known that have seen the place have done a cringe. It is time.
Had breakfast there 2 years ago. A guy in our group wanted an apple juice, …. it was nearly 5 dollars. When he asked for a refill they wanted another 5. That location had people out on the street waiting for a table every morning…..I’m not sure they need the money for a name change. There are many people all around you that need the help more. …..And the name was insulting for a long time before now.
JUSTAGUY – you ADMIT the name was insulting. So why not change it? Just because it has been insulting “for a long time before now,” doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be addressed. In fact, that it has been offensive for so long is even more reason to change it. How is this even an issue? If the name bothers so many people, for so long, just change the damn name!
Born and raised my friend ; )
Born and raised my friend ; )
Hey Mike, my friends and I have been protesting. Taking breaks from our jobs without pay to do so. I didn’t realize we were supposed to get paid, where can I get my check? Take your conspiracy theories to other websites please.
How does that logic work out? No, I haven’t personally heard of a complaint about their name. Been going there off and on since I was a kid. I have always been aware of the name and the controversy, but never heard of a complaint about it. All my friends were born and raised here, just like I was. Still trying to figure out your logic how you have any idea at all, let alone a good idea about the people I hang out with lol.
Can just ONE person tell us why we should NOT change the name? Why? And no, “because it doesn’t matter” is not an answer. What adverse affect will it have on you or anyone you know if a restaurant that most of you admittedly don’t frequent changes it’s name?
Changing a name of a restaurant, especially one with a 60 year history and national recognition, can kill a business.
Why is there no quote from the owner that he is changing the name? “I also got a call from the owner” is just hearsay.
Political correctness has hit a new low with this. As Chip of SB says further downthread, (sarcastically? I’m not sure), perhaps it’s time to consider renaming a LOT of offensive local street and place names while we’re at it. Start with APS. Father Serra was reportedly NOT a nice man to the local Indians. Also, the name “Santa Barbara” absolutely must go. The Roman Catholic church was responsible for a huge amount of suffering by the indigenous people, and I’m offended that this lovely town carries the name of one of its saints. I’ll suggest Dolphin City or maybe Chaseville, to honor Pearl Chase. We certainly don’t want to offend anyone.
Data or evidence that riots are being “paid to happen” Or is that just Running Mike running his alt-right mouth?
And how, exactly, is it that you know all of my friends are “white” as you say? The logic astounds me. Thanks for that laugh, though! Needed it in these crazy times.
XPANDEX – there have been calls for them to change their name in the past twenty years – you must be young or new in town. Sounds like you side with the alt-right.
Get rid of that crappy Chromatic Gate while you’re at it pal.
Fernald – it “can,” but in a case like this, where a well known chain with a controversial name changes that name, it’s going to be just fine. Tourists don’t come to SB to dine at Sambo’s. Locals who know it will still go, even it the name isn’t offensive. It will be big news (as it has in the past) and everyone will know what happened. Yeah, if this wasn’t such a big issue, people might not know and then I can see business having to re-advertise, etc., but not here. So what is the REAL reason?
MiniBeast, you didn’t even read the article did you?
3:55 – Hahaha! Thank you for the excellent point!
Based on comments there are many posting here who will tap their foot to a Bob Marley song, but not have a clue to what any of the lyrics are or what they mean. Now that is culture!
I want to say you lost me at “For Pete’s sake.” But I thought, “Why not go ahead and take a ride down this slippery slope (oh, yes there it is) of spewing a bunch of irrelevant facts that simply reveal that you did not read the article and/or have no critical thinking on the issues it presents.” Relax, you can keep your spoons and books, or go ahead and sell them on eBay. A lot of serious curators are putting together collections that illustrate and educate future generations on the the history of racism in our country.
Running Mike is a great example of why our country is becoming so pathetic and failing in the most basic ways.”Paid to happen”. LOL.
MIKE – yes, white supremacists are being paid to infiltrate the riots to make it look like the left started the violence. It’s actually all over the news. Good to know you read that!
So far to go……
So what’s your point? Because a lot of other bad things happened, we shouldn’t address THIS bad thing? One thing at a time, please. But if you want to lead the effort on those other things, I fully support you. I am sure this is not your intent, though. Your intent is to preserve the status quo.
I have never eaten there in 22 years and would not because of the name. Satisfied?
ADAMRANT strikes again. Must preserve the status quo at all costs.
Sambos has (non hostile) occupied that location for decades. It’s just as much a fixture on Cabrillo as any other hotel down there. To see some young gal sway the owners to change the name is shameful! It’s a name based on the founders. Businesses need to stand firm. If she’s so amazing, she should start her own restaurant. I mean, should I as be offended by Farmer BOY!? Harrys? (might mean she’s hairy), Natural Cafe (does that mean they don’t wash the veggies), Casa Blanca (it’s not actually a white house).
I’m okay with the rebranding. I’m tired of explaining the name’s origins to out of town visitors.
The present owner, grandson inheritor, has had his sign and building vandalized multiple times by the “concerned citizens” who are “offended” by the name. If he bows to the pressure now it is going to be because he fears his building will be torched in the name of black power. Where does it all end? Books in the schools are now censored to remove “offending” words, or forbidden entirely. These impingements on freedom do not quell racism, any more than rioting is protest.
‘Peace, Love & Pancakes’.
You know how many times I’ve told to forget about I t. Don’t let it bother you. If you don’t like it don’t support it? Many. And imma white male.
Yes, all the rioting and violence is a result of white supremacists infiltrating otherwise peaceful and non-violent protests. ANTIFA has absolutely nothing to do with any of the violence and destruction that is occurring. ANTIFA is a peaceful organization that promotes change through exclusively non-violent means. No, ANTIFA had nothing to do with the violence, its all those white supremacists who are to blame…
I am offended by your suggestions. I would support either Dolphin Springs or Chase Cove.
4:56 – Maybe he should take a hint. People are offended by it. Change the name and everyone (well except the racists like you) are happy!
5:00-so you’re saying if you like the name you’re a racist? Hilarious. Fan flames often do ya? POSER.
I find the street named Indio Muerto offensive.
According to the article, the owner already decided to change the name. So, all your crying and stories of you “friends not complaining”are falling on deaf ears. It is moot. The name is changing. If you don’t like it, don’t go. Or better yet, go out and protest it so we can all see who you are!
Lucky, Lucky, Lucky… wow. There are just so many books you need to read. Here’s a good start: https://www.amazon.com/White-Fragility-People-About-Racism-ebook/dp/B07638ZFN1
How about rebranding as “Floyd’s”? It would pay homage to the times, and has the right number of letters for the current sign. And, one of the original owners was named Floyd.
I know my intelligence is debatable LOL and I’m subpar at best, but you stated:
Change the name and everyone (well except the racists like you) are happy!
Where does that statement indicate PROBABLY? Right, it does not. FACT. And here in lies the part of the problem. People PUSHING their ONE SIDED agenda. Good luck. So many Chiefs these days, they all know what’s best, don’t they. Enjoy.
Get rid of everything, not !
Sambos, has a rich history here…a restaurant family, not a racist family.
Glad to hear the family is not racist, but their restaurant name/brand/logo/marketing materials are. Change the name to Sam’s and continue on.
FINEFABRICS – ” I was racially color blind. I still am.” Fine, but you’re not listening to the cries for help by other races. Equally importantly, you and the other “non racists” here are missing the point drastically. No one said the business or the owners were racists, just the name of the place. Your memories are cute, but Sambo wasn’t just a children’s book (I read the same one at my Grandparents’ house many times and loved the “Tiger butter” part), it is a NAME that was used throughout our history to ridicule and insult African Americans. That name, not your memories, not the story, is OFFENSIVE to many people. Why don’t you just listen to them? You shut them out by crying foul over a simple name change. Hear their words, their feelings. Maybe if more people LISTENED to others, we wouldn’t be here with all this!
Kudos to the owners. Having a plaque made with the history would be appropriate. Is the place an historic landmark? It could be, when they change the name. We moved here in 1978. Saw that name on our first night here. I have never eaten there. I never said anything to anyone. If they change the name, I will go in. And so will my kids…..and my grandkids.
Is the Montoya family on the list of persecuted for honoring on June 6. You don’t know me or my actions.
It’s official, Sambo’s stated on their Facebook page they will change the name for good. Ed just posted an update in the article. This was needed, thank you Sambo’s.
FINE – uh, we ALL know everything you said, and that’s what I was responding to. Your words, your stories were posted here BY YOU and I still say, you’re not listening to those in pain. Until you are, stop pretending to care.
Really, if we post scurrilous images of Caucasians distributed by the Japanese during WWII would that mean that we just ignore the historical cause of this stuff? Is there any evidence that the restaurant chain wanted to adopt the awful caricatures? Was the original story about racism? Let’s not even ask.
Once again, you don’t know me, my post route 66 with family adventures, history and actions in the community, who I listen to or what messages I discount. What I will tell you, leveraging for a name change to a historical landmark, obviating the history of others is not the route to the change you are looking to make, if I’m reading you correctly.
Of course not. But if my name were Dick, I’d probably choose to go by something else by now.
I agree, it can kill a business….
Love Bob’s Big Boy, in Burbank…It’s a chubby, freckled face icon..
Next, people will be after that !
@Finefabrics, this is a lovely collection of memories and I highly recommend you pen a memoir, or some short-form prose. Once it’s completed, have your grandchildren place it in your coffin, because that’s where it belongs. Your fond memories of a name that causes SO many others aside from you pain are yours, not ours. And they are no more important (arguably, less important) than the collective memory of pain and oppression that affect many. But tell us some more about your cool sun hat.
I really don’t think that all the chubby little man-boys out there have anything against the name Big Boy. (and they are called Cubs or Cubbies BTW, as in little Bears)
Genius.
My memories are my memories, and they are not attached to the name, but it is the brand of the restaurant independently and for good and clear reason independent of racism. We are a brand society today, and to demand, threaten and collectively target the restaurant to change its brand identity is destructive. I prefer constructive change.
@Alex, Don’t have to do any research, It’s in the actual article.. Not that the name has anything to do with that.
There were 2 houses on my street that recently sold. I had absolutely zero idea who was moving in until i saw them unloading the Uhaul. Do you know how much work it would take to get in deep with the local real estate agents, research all the potential buyers, reach out to all lenders, build a strong relationship with them, and then influence who they let buy the home and move in? That is insanity.
Thanks, soapbox, for letting me know the Bob’s Big Boy, icon, has fans…maybe a cult.
At least they won’t fat shame him and put him on a keto diet…lol I am way off topic..
What next?
Here’s the link to the original “Little Black Sambo” with original illustrations. It takes 5 min to read. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/17824/17824-h/17824-h.htm. I remember reading it as a kid . The story shows a HAPPY, RESPECTFUL, FUNCTIONAL family, with a love for eating lots of pancakes. In the story little black Sambo shows COURAGE, KEEPS HIS WITS, and OUTSMARTS 4 dangerous tigers and brings home a pot of butter for his family. This story presents Sambo and his family very honorably . Sorry to see the restaurant have to change it’s name.
My parents took us to Sambos for breakfast many times up in our town Northern California. I thought the murals on the walls were interesting, and I had no concept of anything as culturally insensitive. I was just an elementary school kid who wanted too much syrup on my pancakes. The one in Redding just faded away until I came to SB and I saw the lone one remaining near the harbor. I’ve never gone. I just wonder what we see now as normal and acceptable will be considered as vile and offensive 40 years from now.
KEYT says ” In the meantime they will put up a temporary sign that will read peace and love with a peace sign.”
“Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right.”
― George Orwell, 1984
And this didn’t happen until 2020?
Can we get comment from the owner assuring this will happen?
This is a great start, but we have a long way to go. There are so many names in this country that are hurtful. We can’t change the whole country, but we can make a difference locally and help start a movement. A great place to start would be the name of our city. Santa Barbara is a tribute to European colonialism, to Christianity, and to the oppression of the native population. We should start a movement to rename our city to something that doesn’t glorify that cruel and terrible period of history. I also think it is distasteful and offensive to name prominent streets after the colonists who inflicted so much harm to the native peoples who once inhabited this land. How can we continue to allow the oceanfront of our beautiful town to bear the name of Juan Cabrillo? Many streets are also named after the families who descended from the soldiers who founded the presidio. Talk about a monument to oppression and injustice. The names Carrillo, Cota, De La Guerra, Gutierrez, and Ortega need to go!
Especially since said owner is asking for community $$ to do it?
If Hooters is offensive to you, then start a movement.
CORALINE – so what? What do you think that proves/disproves about the hundreds of thousands of people that have been offended throughout the country for the past several decades about the name of this chain? Who cares what the manager’s race is? Does he/she speak for everyone just because they work at a place with an offensive name?
what kind of movement are we discussing here? 🙂 this post is crazy
I think we all know who Mark Snyder is now……
MP805 objectification of women which leads to violence against them
The original story takes place in India. There are tigers in India. Tigers do not exist in Africa.
It is unacceptable that a business like Hooters that objectifies, degrades, and demeans women can continue to operate in 2020. What this business does causes so much harm, that we can equate it to physical violence against women and respond accordingly. The very existence of Hooters is a testament to a long and shameful legacy of systemic sexism in this country and we need to put a stop to it! I think that we should set up a regulatory agency to evaluate all business license holders and ensure that any businesses that violate community standards for decency are shut down. I would suggest forming panels of experts from our great universities in fields such as women’s studies, ethnic studies, and gender studies. These experts could establish community standards and evaluate business license holders on a routine basis to ensure they remain up to date and in compliance. Businesses like Hooters that are found to be offensive or otherwise out of line could be promptly shut down and the business owners could then be held accountable for the harm caused by their selfish and greedy actions. We have a lot of work to do to overcome our country’s shameful legacy of sexism.
The Sambo’s in Davis, where I grew up, changed its name to Seasons in the early 80’s. There was a mural that wrapped around the interior walls depicting the story of a little Indian boy in a turban getting chased by tigers and outwitting them so they chased each other around a tree so fast that they turned into butter, which Sambo then put on his pancakes. I always loved that mural but I even as a kid I found the tiger-butter a bit off-putting. Their pancakes were always served with big scoops of butter and my grandparents had to reassure me it wasn’t tigers! At the time I didn’t know the history of the name Sambo as a slave name or caricature. After it became Seasons they put awful floral wallpaper over the mural and it felt like a Denny’s in there.
The fact that the story of “Little Black Sambo” originated with a British colonial stereotype about Indians doesn.t make it less racist in an American context. It was the same British who developed African slavery in their American colonies and made “Sambo” a stereotypical and pejorative slave name. This is a good move by Chad.
nope. maybe in your mind….but not in reality.
seems like a lot of pearl clutching happening here and a lot of unhinged responses…
MumboJumbo . Very clever. Feel free to read the text yourself. The text is about a Indian boy and is set in India. How many tigers live in the wilds of the United States? It is the American illustrations in the American versions of the book that are so horribly offensive.
BUMBLEBEE: “horribly offensive” – there, you said it. Now maybe you understand why African Americans are a little miffed by the name, and now more so, by the stubborn refusal of people like many here to accept that some folks are offended and want our society to change away from accepting “horribly offensive” names as just “fun” or part of “their memories.” Time to change folks, you can go kicking and screaming into the future or you can grow up and accept other’s deep rooted feelings.
BUMBLEBEE – jayzus…. you’re not getting it are you? No one is offended by the book. The offense that African Americans have been saying for years they are feeling is that the NAME Sambo is offensive as it has been used for a LONG time as a derogatory name for black people. How hard is this to understand? Not the book, not the restaurant, not the owners, not your memories, the NAME is offensive, regardless of the literary and artistic differences between a British and American version of a book that degrades African Americans.
The food is so so-so why would anyone eat there ‘often’?
“MOBASS” – that’s hilarious! Now if only I could get a tattoo of that on my arm, where could I go to get such a thing…..
2:53 : Thank you for helping me understand. In the original book, there is a Indian boy named Sambo in a story set in India. The book is then published in America. The illustrations morph Sambo and his family into African Americans that are horribly depicted. The name is now hated. Or is it the depiction that is so hated?
But what if all the editions had been illustrated with an Indian (from India) theme?
I used to eat there all the time when I was younger and working I remember “All you can eat fish Frydays.” One time when I was drunk I took the silverware with me when I left they chased me down the street and made me give it back.
Hi ShastaGuy, have you climbed Mt. Shasta via the Avalanch Gutch route? I’m curious and have been wanting to try it, possibly next April. Figured I’d ask because it seems like you grew up there.
When is Cracker Barrel going to be boycotted and forced to change their hateful and racist name?
Chip ROTFL. Funny in a SNL , way.
CSF: yes, I’ve summited Mt. Shasta via Avalanche Gulch. I can fill you in on important info to keep you safe and increase the probability of reaching the summit. Of those who attempt, on ~30% reach it.
CSF: Here’s the link to website maintained by the awesome climbing rangers on Shasta: https://www.shastaavalanche.org/ *** There’s info about all the climbing routes and many photos.
Anyone still defending the name is clearly in denial about the overt and subtle systemic racism the has become part of the fabric of our society. This was a racist trope before the restaurant was named and the owners knew full well when they chose the name it that it was a dogwhistle as well as a convenient portmanteu. And with the wink of an eye, generations have attached fond memories to a brand that was designed to perpetuate racism masquerading as a charming children’s story. I also loved the book as a child, but then I grew up and began to see past the fairy tale. The fond memory that I will take to my grave is the day this brand finally gave up the ghost.
No problem with changing a restaurant’s name, but when they do those people-in-the-street interviews, it’s amazing what people don’t know. Given the public’s historical, geographical and literary knowledge base, I wonder what percentage of Americans under about 60 have even heard of the book “Little Black Sambo”. I can understand why some find the name offensive; I find “Hooters” both obscene and offensive.
OOPS–come on, seriously, how can you possibly say there is no malice in the name Sambos.
Have you read anything, anything at all on the history of the term and what it means to so many people. Okay, sure, let’s say the owners of the restaurant had no intent to identify with the racist history of the name, that they were completely ignorant of it. Well, guess what, people brought it up with them over decades–decades, and they still stuck with it.
Now, if I accidentally name my business with a word that has been used to denigrate millions of people over hundreds of years, and I did it accidentally, mind you…if people were to bring it up and educate me on that, I would say, wow, thank you, I literally had no idea and I would change it.
Do you not get that?
Good on them for changing the racist name.
You have it right, just like all the rest of us not looking to be offended by something.
Finally, on this topic. 161 comments on the name of a restaurant. So much pearl clutching. Oh, Lordy, why if the name of this restaurant changes, what next?!
And at the same time millions of people are speaking up to protect American citizens who are being harassed, assaulted and sometimes murdered under color of authority, by people paid with your tax dollars. But this is what people really want to get worked up about? A restaurant name?
Classic.
Or don’t, and just let it be a simple name of a good local restaurant.
CSF: if I get my act together I’ll post an article on the successful summit trip with my two brothers. I’ve actually made 5 summit attempts with the 5th one being successful. Getting to the summit plateau at 14,000’ then looking down onto the Whitney Glacier is a magnificent sight. We’ll figure out how to get in touch.
Hey STEVE O – I don’t doubt your not offended my the name, in fact, neither am I, but that’s not the point. The name is highly offensive to all African Americans apparently, so why not just to the minimum HUMAN thing and change the name? It won’t hurt you, it won’t erase your memories of the place, the food will be the same, everyone will still know where it is, the only thing it won’t still do is offend a large group of our fellow human beings. It’s really not so hard to do the right thing, unless you have no interest in hearing the voices of people who have been oppressed and discriminated against for hundreds of years in this country.
This is not Constructive change and the message has been completely lost.
Its no longer about the brutal wrongful death that shocked and saddened the majority of people.
The continued pressure is divisive, we need to come together to move forward.
Reverse discrimination going on in this community rooted in anger. The buisnesses have been thru enough.
This is a socioeconomic war and frustration about the Covid shut down. This dark movement has taken on a life of its own.
Well said LORAX, Couldn’t agree more. Thx.
Careful with your comments Mark Snyder, your employer could see them. People have been fired for saying much less.
It would be one thing if the owner decided to do it on his own but to be threatened with destruction of teh sign and possibly the restaurant itself as the backdrop, that just rewards violence.
Charges of reverse discrimination, really, Lorax? That is almost as laughable as your characterization of this “dark movement” as a war and then blaming it on a pandemic. Get a grip. I see this little ray of social enlightenment as a first small step toward those constructive changes you claim to seek.
Now do Hooters!
ALEXBLUE the pearl clutchers are the ones who are offended by the name. This is the “participation trophy” crowd come home to roost.
Who is Mark Snyder ?
Why not rename it to BOSAMS? They can just rearrange the letters. It would continue to honor the original owners.
Good one Rex.
False equivalencies? Could be, I dunno, like maybe two wrongs don’t make a right or what’s good for the goose is good for the goose? People want it both ways, but that only happens at Burger King where YOU can have it YOUR way. Go ahead, it’s not my place to destroy you because I disagree with you. Why can’t people see this?
I second the motion! It’s truly excessive in this thread.
I guess you feel getting more upvotes than downvotes is somehow getting crushed and destroyed? Seems like you have a skewed view of reality.
Another weak What-About argument put forth to distract.
I guess this is a sarcastic post? I wonder what you think actually does matter in this world?
I call a penalty on the egregious use of the term “pearl clutching” in these comments.