Image via theaustralian.com.au ///
Reflection of the times…
With the Black Lives Matter movement forcing more people and groups to check themselves in 2020, numerous businesses and companies are considering changing fundamental parts of their brands in response. Colonial Brewing Co in Western Australia is the latest to do so, considering changing it’s name due to the historical meaning of colonialism in Australia.
In a public statement, Colonial Brewing Co Managing director Lawrence Dowd has said that “We have had significant messages and comments regarding our name, we want you all to know: we hear you.” Adding on, in an Instagram story, Dowd stated that they are “in the process of reviewing and better understanding what this name means and hopefully we can land on a place where we’re all comfortable and making a considered decision about our future and where we’re going.”
So far, two Melbourne liquor stores have vowed to stop selling beer from the brewing company, criticising the use of the word ‘colonial’ and stating that “It speaks to a broader history of colonialism and colonisation that has caused irreversible harm to the First Nations people in Australia and Indigenous populations around the world.”
Continuing on, the owners said that “While we appreciate that the people behind Colonial Brewing had no malicious intent in their choice of brand name, words have power.”
Although notable figures such as WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA Indigenous Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt are surprised at criticism of the name and don’t see it as a major issue, south-west Indigenous tour operator Troy Bennell thinks that discussions like this are important, and help promote a dialogue about Aboriginal issues, stating that “To me, it is a name. But because everything happening at the moment, it’s getting people to talk a lot”.
It definitely is starting important conversations, and no doubt more will continue to be had as time goes on…
