A lot is happening in the local beer can discourse as of late. As a result, Tusket Falls Brewing Company has pulled its Hanging Oak red IPA.
In the past few days, the image of four Tusket Brewing beer cans has been making the rounds on social media, including the controversial Hanging Oak. The label depicts the synonymous oak with a noose hanging from one of its branches.
People were quick to point out that the image of the noose invoked lynching—a violent practice which historically targeted (and continues to target) Black people.
One less-than-convincing argument in defence of the illustration is “white people have been hanged too.” Others say the tree has historical meaning in Tusket Falls: butchers would hang animal carcasses there.
Tusket Falls Brewing Co. Has a beer called Hanging Oak with a picture of a noose hanging from a tree on the label.
They think people won’t notice the lynching implication of this beer? They are being raked over the coals for this. It is all over social media. Shame on TFBC.— DonaDesigns (@MzDIS) January 21, 2018
Jeff Raynard: Who would make a connection between a noose and hanging black people?
Everyone: LITERALLY EVERYONE, DUDE— Julie Wright (@reddogcw) January 23, 2018
According to their FB page, it apparently has to do with a local tradition of hanging an animal from a tree in order to slaughter it. Even if it doesn’t have to do with lynching humans, I can’t see why you would want to invoke the image of slaughtering animals on your beer cans!!
— Summer Whitesell (@LinimentCake) January 21, 2018
However, as Norma Lee MacLeod noted on an episode of Maritime Noon, “If it was a tree that was used for hanging meat, wouldn’t there be a meat hook, not a noose?” During that interview, brewery owner Jeff Raynard said he was keeping the can, unconcerned with what he felt was a small number of people getting offended. He appears to have changed his tune, as a recent statement on Facebook says the brewery is yanking the label:
“We sincerely apologize to everyone that may be offended by the name and imagery on our can. It was never our intention for it to be insensitive or to evoke feelings of racism. We have decided to discontinue this label.”
So, it appears marketing a beer with an image of a noose—which one would reasonably associate with murder or suicide—was a bad idea. Who knew?
This article appears in Jan 18-24, 2018.
I honestly would not see a noose and immediately think “hanging black people”. Lots of people were hung in the past of all races (as you’ve already pointed out in the article as if to somehow invalidate that glaringly obvious point). I think most rational people (of all races) would agree that it’s actually a bit racist to assume the image of a noose = hanging black people. Unless I am missing something? Was that specific tree or area notable due to something related to black people being hung?
Rebecca, do you have a bot that adds a dislike for every like on a comment you disagree with or do you have to do it manually? Also, if you can, please answer my question about if I am missing something with regard to the history of that tree being used to hang black people?
To respond to the comment above…
its actually almost comically common to associate a random noose in a tree with black people.
Lynch mobs loved them
I think it was in poor taste for this company to think anyone would see that image and not be offended,common sense is a flower that doesn’t grow in everyone’s garden sadly.
I absolutely cannot stand this ignorant writers snarky remarks, obviously someone who thinks they are above everyone else and on the moral high ground. Maybe if you actually researched the history of the tree, you could write an article without being a smarmy jerk. The tree was used for hanging criminals, and the particular event depicted on the back of the can, was not only a criminal, but a white man, and had an interesting backstory to it. It is part of Tusket areas history, and the fact that the only people offended by this Image are essentially being offended FOR the people that dont care, shows no validity in these claims. Do you people honestly have nothing better to do all day than to whine and complain about a small town brewer showing his areas history?
The image of this noose is not synonymous with black people or oppression or violence against one specific race. This noose,the hanging oak, is part of the history of Tusket, the court systems and the laws that govern this country. The oldest courthouse and gallows in Canada are just a short distance from that tree. Back then it served as a tool to deliver justice for crimes like murder and other violent acts.The fact that a brewing company chose to place it on their product is probably not the wisest marketing tactic but nevertheless it is part of our history. A history that cannot be erased just because some people are offended. The justice system has come a long way since then thank goodness. Let the image serve as a reminder not to f… Up.
I didn’t think of lynching black people but then, I’m a logical person who doesn’t overreact.
The can image notwithstanding, I refuse to give my money to stupid people. After hearing the interview on cbc, I’ll be sticking with Nine Locks, Propeller, etc.
What a stupid name and graphic to put on a can of beer