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Lyle’s golden syrup tin to have lion logo removed

(158 Posts)
Primrose53 Tue 20-Feb-24 09:19:05

www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1868440/lyles-golden-syrum-victim-wokeism

Just saw this on TV. I have a tin in my cupboard and will keep it for ever now.

I can vividly remember the day our teacher at primary school told us the story of Samson and the dead lion on the tin with bees buzzing around him.

Our little school had just 3 classrooms. I was in the middle room so it must have been about 1961/62. It was a sunny day and our teacher stood with his back to the window. The sun shone in over his head and I could see trees in the background. He held up a tin of the syrup which he had borrowed from our school kitchen and pointed out the lion. He then told us the story and I remember telling my Mum about it when I went home.

Now it’s going because it may offend some snowflakes and we are having just a lion’s face that looks like a cartoon instead.

buffyfly9 Thu 22-Feb-24 14:33:26

Call me sad but this has made me look in the depths of my cupboard to find my tin to check on the state of the Lion. I confess I had never really looked but it's too late as I must have thrown it out as it was probably out of date. I have an unopened plastic Lyle's Golden Syrup that I must have replaced the tin with. It shows a lion on its side with what looks like rain around its head, in fact you could mistake it for a horse apart from the tail. To me it still looks dead; Thanks Primrose, I am obviously not as observant as I thought I was.gringrin

Fairycakes Thu 22-Feb-24 14:35:50

SeaWoozle, I wasn't having a goat you by the way. I was genuinely interested, as a lot of folk are quick to critisize Christianity, while supporting other religions that have failings of their own.

Shirls52000 Thu 22-Feb-24 14:46:11

Woke is an adjective derived from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning "alert to racial prejudice and discrimination". Beginning in the 2010s, it came to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities such as racial injustice, sexism, and denial of LGBT rights.

The term «woke» is very misused and misunderstood and is definitely not «stupid» it’s the way most decent human beings behave and I for one am happy to be woke and removing the picture of a dead lion from a tin of syrup seems like a positive step forward

SeaWoozle Thu 22-Feb-24 14:52:33

Fairycakes

*SeaWoozle*, I wasn't having a goat you by the way. I was genuinely interested, as a lot of folk are quick to critisize Christianity, while supporting other religions that have failings of their own.

And I apologise sincerely if I came across as rather defensive. Whilst I (generally) respect folk for their faith and beliefs, I will also call out those who are using them to be divisive, hurtful and twist words to suit their own agenda. Be those words ones from the bible or ones from the mouths of people around them. And whilst I will always defend the right to free speech, I will also defend the right to respond. And I will always put my hand up if I am wrong, but will defend myself or others if I know I am/they are right.

undines Thu 22-Feb-24 14:56:26

Always thought the lion was sleeping after snaffling so much sweet syrup! Never saw the bees! Can't see the point of it all - except yes, of course, price will go up!

CoolCoco Thu 22-Feb-24 14:59:24

I understand it was a commercial decision by the company not made because of complaints of trauma, but because it was a bit old fashioned and maybe they want to improve their sales at the end of the day. I doubt whether 20% of the population know the Bible story, and most people don’t buy the product because of the picture on the tin. All those moaning about it should direct their anger at the company and go out and purchase more of the product to replace the 10 year old tin of the sugary stuff at the back of their cupboard.

Milest0ne Thu 22-Feb-24 15:18:09

Auntieflo

I wonder when and where, all this 'woke' stupidity will end?

Am I alone in thinking "woke"is a new idiotic superfluous word we don't need? Do I want to know what it signifies?

Milest0ne Thu 22-Feb-24 15:22:51

Shirls52000

Woke is an adjective derived from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning "alert to racial prejudice and discrimination". Beginning in the 2010s, it came to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities such as racial injustice, sexism, and denial of LGBT rights.

The term «woke» is very misused and misunderstood and is definitely not «stupid» it’s the way most decent human beings behave and I for one am happy to be woke and removing the picture of a dead lion from a tin of syrup seems like a positive step forward

I didn't see your post. Sorry. I still don't think it is a word I am likely to use as it doesn't sound right to me

Missiseff Thu 22-Feb-24 16:26:14

Got to almost 62 years old to be told the lion's been dead all these years. I never looked closely enough & never heard the story. I'm glad they're changing it!

EmilyHarburn Thu 22-Feb-24 16:48:15

The story behind the lion
1883. Lyle had strong religious beliefs, which is why the tin's famous logo depicts strongman Samson's 'lion and bees' from the Bible's Old Testament, registered as Lyle's trademark.
and
Scotsman Abraham Lyle, who founded the product, was inspired by a Bible story in which Samson kills a lion and returns to find bees have built a hive in its carcass. The product's tagline - 'Out of the strong came forth sweetness' - alludes to Samson's riddle to his wedding guests about the source of the honey.

So perhaps it is time to move on.

Stella14 Thu 22-Feb-24 16:50:43

What exactly are snowflakes? People who think differently to you? 🙄

Paperbackwriter Thu 22-Feb-24 17:19:12

I am so thick, I always assumed the lion was sleeping. I mean, really, why on earth would anyone imagine a dead one was good brand PR?

buffyfly9 Thu 22-Feb-24 18:08:56

I've just realised (from these posts) that what I thought was rain are in fact bees. Having been drawn into this discussion I now think that the Lion should go, it still doesn't look right on my plastic bottle and if it really is a dead lion being attacked by bees then I agree with others that it is a bit bizarre and inappropriate.confused

Primrose53 Thu 22-Feb-24 18:32:49

Stella14

What exactly are snowflakes? People who think differently to you? 🙄

Snowflakes are people who are always on the lookout for something to be offended about. They then try to push their opinions on to others because it makes them feel superior. When I was young they would have been called “cause criers” I think.

Emilymaria Thu 22-Feb-24 18:45:57

Dislike the term ‘woke’ intensely. It is a pejorative term given to people who care about equality, the environment, mental health issues, LGBTQIA’s+ rights - and, in fact, any areas of injustice. To quote the inspirational Cathy Burke: “I’d rather be woke than be a **”. Metoo#

TheHappyGardener Thu 22-Feb-24 18:57:22

BlueBelle

I abhor the words ‘woke’ and ‘snowflake’ they are usually hurled at people who have a heart
I never even looked close enough to know it was a dead lion with insects buzzing round it yuk yuk yuk I just thought it was a lion but now I know I m very glad they are getting rid of it horrible logo why would they want that
Whats the connection between a dead lion with insects round its body and Golden syrup ???

No, they are usually used to describe someone who manages to be offended by something that anyone with an ounce of commonsense would just ignore!!!

I find myself more and more living by the quote “I’m offended that you’re offended!”
🙄

SueDonim Thu 22-Feb-24 19:15:53

I’ve just remembered a funny/alarming tale from a friend about Tate & Lyle’s black treacle. She was at her granny’s cottage when they decided to make something that required black treacle.

Granny found an ancient tin and went to open it. As she carefully levered off the lid, the entire thing suddenly exploded, the lid was almost launched into space and the kitchen was showered with a sticky black tar-like substance. They searched for but never found the lid.

Many years later, granny had died and the family were emptying the house. They ventured into the attic to remove the clutter and behold, there was the lid of the black treacle tin, firmly embedded into a rafter!! Who knew old treacle tins were so dangerous? I’ve always given any tins I have all due respect, since then. grin

SeaWoozle Thu 22-Feb-24 19:32:03

Emilymaria

Dislike the term ‘woke’ intensely. It is a pejorative term given to people who care about equality, the environment, mental health issues, LGBTQIA’s+ rights - and, in fact, any areas of injustice. To quote the inspirational Cathy Burke: “I’d rather be woke than be a **”. Metoo#

LOVE Kathy Burke. And couldn't agree more. If woke means giving a toss about equity, our community & environment, people in minority groups, and speaking for those who don't have a voice, then I'm in. Call me "woke" all you like, but I absolutely not think I'm better than anyone else. As said previously, I'll defend anyone's right to free speech. But I'll also defend someone's right to respond. If you don't like the answer? Don't ask the question.

SeaWoozle Thu 22-Feb-24 19:33:03

SueDonim

I’ve just remembered a funny/alarming tale from a friend about Tate & Lyle’s black treacle. She was at her granny’s cottage when they decided to make something that required black treacle.

Granny found an ancient tin and went to open it. As she carefully levered off the lid, the entire thing suddenly exploded, the lid was almost launched into space and the kitchen was showered with a sticky black tar-like substance. They searched for but never found the lid.

Many years later, granny had died and the family were emptying the house. They ventured into the attic to remove the clutter and behold, there was the lid of the black treacle tin, firmly embedded into a rafter!! Who knew old treacle tins were so dangerous? I’ve always given any tins I have all due respect, since then. grin

Oh my goodness! I bet that took hours to clean up! And if I'd found the tin lid, I think I'd have to frame it! 🤣

Sarahr Thu 22-Feb-24 19:50:16

Out of the strong came forth sweetness. It's from the Bible, so I suppose it's another concession to others who might be offended. Well, what about everyone who is offended that it's being removed?

Primrose53 Thu 22-Feb-24 20:24:37

Emilymaria

Dislike the term ‘woke’ intensely. It is a pejorative term given to people who care about equality, the environment, mental health issues, LGBTQIA’s+ rights - and, in fact, any areas of injustice. To quote the inspirational Cathy Burke: “I’d rather be woke than be a **”. Metoo#

“Inspirational”? 😱. She is a foul mouthed, washed up comedienne. In fact her character Waynetta Slob is a nicer person than she is.

FranP Thu 22-Feb-24 21:19:53

I always thought it was a sleeping lion. Not been able to get the tin for a while - hate the plastic bottle.

SeaWoozle Thu 22-Feb-24 21:39:13

Primrose53. Are you OK? When I see posts such as yours (in your response to Emily Maria) I wonder what has happened to someone to make them seemingly so mean and full of bitterness towards total strangers?

And for what's it worth, Kathy Burke probably couldn't give a flying f* what you think about her. I'm certain she's heard it all before. Unkind, all the same.

Be well.

Primrose53 Thu 22-Feb-24 22:14:51

Not mean or bitter at all. 🙂. I said nothing directly to Emily Maria by the way. I think you will find Kathy Burke has said far worse things to people. It was my observation on Kathy Burke and she is famous for being foul mouthed.

FranP Fri 23-Feb-24 00:17:53

thought it was sleeping