Summary

Note: This object includes a derogatory slur. Such words and sentiments are not condoned by Museums Victoria which considers them to be racist. Historical distance and context do not excuse or erase this fact.

Black and white advertisement for N****r Boy Licorice, circa 1950s-1960s which demonstrates how racist African American stereotypes and slurs have been imported and reused in Australia. N****r Boy Licorice was produced through the 1950s and 60s by the National Licorice Pty Ltd, a company in the USA with a branch in Caulfield, Victoria. The National Licorice company was formed in 1902 through the merger of Young and Smylie, S.V. & F.P. Schudder and H.W. Petherbridge companies in the USA. It was renamed Y&S Candies, Inc. in 1968 and since 1977 has become part of Hershey's Foods. This advertisement represents one of many brands which used this offensive term to sell and promote products during the 1950s and 1960s.

Physical Description

Double sided yellowing paper with black print. One side has text advertising Nigger Boy Licorice. The other side shows a cartoon with four scenes advertising the licorice.

More Information