A heated discussion has arisen around a popular Christmas market beverage, dubbed "Lumumba." Historian and previous Green Party councilor from Bautzen, Annalena Schmidt, voiced her stance that the name is racially insensitive. The label has been at the center of xenophobic discussions in recent years.
On social media, Schmidt posted, "Patrice Lumumba represents the struggle for independence in Africa! He was assassinated! How can you name a 'cocoa with rum' drink after him?"
In fact, this chocolate and rum mix originates from Lumumba, Patrice Émery Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Republic of Congo. Tragically, he was executed in 1962 at Katanga province, with Belgian officers present.
While the beverage was reportedly consumed as early as the 60s, it remains unclear who created it and when, as well as why they chose Lumumba's name.
Schmidt is firm in her opinion, stating, "The name of the drink is a blatant display of racism!"
The controversial moniker stirred up a passionately charged online dispute, engaging nearly two thousand users. One comment insisted, "I hope this moniker becomes socially unpalatable, and it will be discontinued."
Contrarily, others remained puzzled, sharing sentiments such as, "Because he was executed, does that make it racist? I can't fathom what else to say, aside from thinking it's fabulous to name a drink after an eminent figure."
Furthermore, one defender argued, "This type of criticism only serves to minimize or overlook the true and egregious forms of racism that manifest in our daily lives."
Another commentator asserted, "Those who attempt to label everything as racist deserve their fair share of criticism too."
Also worth noting, the name "Lumumba" is often referred to as "dead aunt" in northern Germany. This reference dates back to an ancient Föhr island legend, where an urn containing a deceased resident was found in a cocoa crate.
This Christmas season, "Lumumba" will once again be served at various markets alongside mulled wine and the like. Schwepps, a popular drinks manufacturer, even offers a recipe on its website, but acknowledges its questionable choice of name.
Schmidt, noting the ignorance of its historical significance, likened the name to Mohrenkopf or gypsy sauce. Undeniably, manufacturers have taken action in the past when their product names contain racial stereotypes due to potential sales declines.
Despite Schmidt's controversial status in Saxony, she remains adamant that the historical background of the drink has been forgotten by many. Although she doesn't necessarily advocate for a name change, she believes it resembles derogatory titles like Mohrenkopf and gypsy sauce.
Sources: [1] Bild, [2] Bild, [3] Bild.
Enrichment Data: The provided search results did not reveal any specific reference to a "Lumumba" beverage. However, Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, played a crucial role in African politics and history. It's possible that Lumumba's name is used as a moniker for different cultural or alcoholic beverages in various regions or countries, as the debate over the name's origins and race significance remains inconclusive. (Enrichment Data was not directly integrated into the base article, but those interested in learning more about the historical context of Patrice Lumumba or the controversy surrounding the name "Lumumba" can further research this topic.)
