No more 'Red Man'

[left-of-center2012]

The top-selling brand of chewing tobacco in the United States is changing its name and removing a stereotypical image of a Native American from its product packaging.

Red Man chewing tobacco, which has been sold in the U.S. for more than 100 years, is changing its name to America’s Best, starting this week. The owner of the brand, tobacco company Swedish Match, announced the change on Thursday. Red Man commands two-thirds of the premium-priced U.S. market in chewing tobacco, according to the company.

Red Man chewing tobacco has long been an iconic brand among chewing tobacco brands. For decades, Red Man chewing tobacco has been sold in packages featuring its brand name in bold red colors along with a prominent, drawn image of a Native American man wearing a feathered head dress.

The brand change comes as various companies, sports teams and other institutions have been reconsidering their use of stereotypical Native American imagery and names.

https://richmond.com/business/iconic-chewing-tobacco-brand-red-man-is-changing-its-name-and-getting-rid-of-its/article_09714484-8fc4-5c98-954a-48d01c04bb0e.html

[PCIntern]

1. It will however, still cause mouth cancer.

In 42 years of dental practice the only individuals who had oral cancer diagnoses under the age of 50 were people who had at one time chewed tobacco.

It is in my opinion the most dangerous habit for the individual which can be legally maintained. I have offered to purchase a carton of cigarettes to my tobacco chewers if they will please start smoking rather than chewing tobacco. I know that sounds nuts, but you have no idea the damage this does cause if you have never seen the photos post surgically. The people to whom I offer the cigarettes get the point, and I’ve never had to actually do that. Some actually quit chewing upon my entreaties.

[MerryHolidays]

3. I chewed once when I was in my 20s

I was out in the country, and a genial fellow offered me a chew, which I had never done before. I put it in my mouth ("between the cheek and gums" as they say), and the rest is gastrointestinal history: I swallowed a bit of it and promptly threw up.

I never, ever did it again.

[PCIntern]

18. Not uncommon to "vomit fast as a comet"...

Glad you didn’t continue to chew.

[MerryHolidays]

19. Agreed.

It was an awful experience. I grew up in a high school with several kids who chewed. After my ghastly experience, I never did it again. And now, after hearing from an expert like you, I'm glad that I never took up the habit.

[Sneederbunk]

2. America's Best? Why not Commander?

[SYFROYH]

4. Fond memories of Red Man, Boy Scout canoe trips,

And puking when stupid enough to swallow.

Ahhh, to be 13 again.

[hlthe2b]

5. Good to rename, but "America's Best" sounds like the kind of name Walmart would coin for

its own store brand. (Ignoring the obvious issues with oral cancer)...

[left-of-center2012]

6. And of course, the Walmart brand is

"Great Value"

[ProfessorGAC]

13. I've Been To A Couple Sites...

...that manufacture & package personal care products under the Great Value name. (I advised on the phase behavior of the finished formulas.)
I've seen the bottles being filled with my own eyes.
Go around the back of the warehouses & there are Walmart trailers being filled.
They are a hugely important customer for a lot of mid-size companies.

[Iggo]

7. Know your audience.

[Srkdqltr]

8. Red Man should be a man with RED hair and complexion.

One of those with big red noses and cheeks.

[Journeyman]

9. "America's Best" -- sounds like a cheese . . .

still, better than the old name, but not so persuasive from a marketing stance.

[left-of-center2012]

16. As you can see from the photos in the OP

It was already part of the original name.

[Shermann]

10. Did Native Americans even chew tobacco?

I've only heard of peace pipes, not peace pots.

[BannonsLiver]

11. It's important to be culturally sensitive while killing people.

[Groundhawg]

12. Nasty stuff.

[Thomas Hurt]

14. *ucker will be incensed! It is M&Ms all over again!

[Notek]

15. Hmm...

Isn't "America’s Best" a company that makes/sells eyeglasses?

[left-of-center2012]

17. As you can see in the photos in the OP

It was already part of the product's name.

[Notek]

20. Yes

The package says "America's Best Chew" which is fine. But the article is saying they have changed to "America's Best". That name was probably already copyrighted by the eyeglass company years ago. I'm confused.

[left-of-center2012]

21. Then I guess it will further confuse you

There is a motel chain called America's Best

[Notek]

22. Haha!

Wow!