Oh, Sweden, what won't you do?

[Naem]

Sweden's a bunch of nig- er, nogger lovers. Apparently there's a bit of commotion over the name of an ice cream bar there... maybe Adron can tell us a bit more.

(Article translated from Swedish by Izy of SA)

Article, in Swedish
The launch of GB:s new ice cream Nogger Black is racist.
Atleast according to the organisation "Center against racism"
-We're not critical against the colour of the ice cream or the name Black, but the whole way of thinking in the commercial, says Amine Ek from the organisation to [Swedish Newspaper]

Since a while back GB Glace has been launching the licorice ice cream Nogger Black with posters all over the country. "Nogger + licorice = true" is written with what looks like chalk on black pavement. The name Nogger Black is printed with round letters that could be interpreted as graffiti-inspired. The original Nogger was manufactured in 1979 and is now part of GB:s "classics line". The name comes from it's nougat content.

REACTED IMMIDIETLY
Stig Wallin is chairman for Center against Racism. He reacted immidietly when he saw the campaign posters on Tuesday afternoon. -I read them as "Nigger + licorice = true". It was impossible to not look at it as racism, he comments. -Then as a coincidence we had a board meeting that same night and could act instantly.

SAYS TO BOYCOTT
If GB Glace doesn't stop the campaign Center against Racism intends to report the company to the Ombudsman against ethnical discrimination (DO). The customers are encouraged to boycott the company. -We're not critical against the colouration of the ice cream or the name Black, but against the whole way of thinking in the commercials. GB adds the black with the name Nogger, that associates with nigger and neger [Swedish for negro], says Amina Ek at Center against Racism.

A BIT FAR-FETCHED
-We take this criticism seriously even if it feels a bit far-fetched says Petronella Warg at GB Glace.
-Its really sad if the campaign is interpreted the wrong way. Of course we don't have a racist message.
According to GB Glace the campaign is designed to associate with street culture and not black culture.
-But of course we have to listen to what the consumers think.
So far GB Glace have recieved no other reactions on the campaign other than those from Center against Racism.
-We have 20 ethnicities in our factory that make the ice cream and noone has said anything.

FINANCED BY STATE
Center against Racism is a nationwide organisation with different groups that work against racism. The organisation was created in 2003 after a suggestion from the government. Center against racism was initiated in Stockholm a year ago by democracy- and integrationminister Mona Sahlin. The organisation is financed with government grants.
Translated by Izy of SA

[Adron]

LOL!

The original "Nogger" is a nougat filled and nougat covered ice cream. Just like this one, but nougat instead of licorice. I guess that guy never had a "Nogger" in the few years that have passed since the "Nogger" was introduced onto the Swedish ice cream market in 1978....

There's btw also a poll on the same site that hosts the article where visitors are voting about whether they think making a licorice version of that ice cream and calling it "Nogger black" is racist. Yes = Ja, No = Nej.

Here's last years (apparently not racist?) ice cream listing for that company:

[hismajesty]

Are there black people in Sweden?

[UserLoser.]

Are there Mexicans in Sweden?

[Adron]

Hmm, there are black people. Not too common, but a few percent or so around here. Mexicans I dunno, what's particular about them?

[UserLoser.]

Hmm, there are black people. Not too common, but a few percent or so around here. Mexicans I dunno, what's particular about them?

Nothing

[Adron]

Nothing

Then how would I know if they're in Sweden?

[Thing [vL]]

We have plenty of Mexicans here in Texas, I'll send you some.

[Naem]

We have plenty of Mexicans here in Texas, I'll send you some.

Thing2?

How's that schizophrenia coming along?

[Invert]

Hmm, there are black people. Not too common, but a few percent or so around here. Mexicans I dunno, what's particular about them?

Whats particular about mexicans you say? Well, they like Negro Frijoles!

Thats black beans in spanish.

[UserLoser.]

Nothing

Then how would I know if they're in Sweden?

You live in Sweden, right?  As some may say, there's too many around here

[Forged]

I really can't see how many mexicans would live in sweden.  If you want some just call me up though, I believe they are roughlly 50% of San Antonios population.

[Adron]

And here's the next ice cream suggestion:




Kokoskon = Cocoa-cone

[Newby]

LOL!

[Blaze]

Ohh my god. That is so hillarious.