Obama Fingers

German frozen foods company Sprehe has released a new fried chicken tenders product called "Obama Fingers". The product's name has sparked outrage among the African American community, but Sprehe insists that Obama Fingers were meant to be "an homage to the American lifestyle and the new U.S. President."Spiegel Online: German Fried Chicken... (March 11, 2009)

It's racist and inappropriate. We should do all that we can to see to it that no [company] disrespects the first black President.—Councilman Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn)NY Daily News: Finger lickin' furor... (March 16, 2009)

It was supposed to be a homage to the American lifestyle and the new U.S. President.—Judith Witting, Sprehe sales managerNY Daily News: Finger lickin' furor... (March 16, 2009)

Without a doubt it does raise concerns that are rooted in the history of racism and stereotypical types of characterizations of African Americans. It reminds us that [Obama's] victory does not automatically end that which we've been struggling against.—Sen. Bill PerkinsNY Daily News: Finger lickin' furor... (March 16, 2009)

Since Barack Obama captured the attention of the world with his messages of change and hope, many companies have flocked to use the new president's image to market their products. German company Sprehe has attracted recent attention for their Obama Fingers product, but they are far from the first company to use President Obama's name to try to sell their product. A company called Obama Condoms sells condoms with Obama's face on the wrapper complete with a campaign quote. Other companies are offering Obama dolls, t-shirts, underwear and soap-on-a-rope.Spiegel Online: German Fried Chicken... (March 11, 2009)