In the late 1800s and early 1900s, bananas were a relatively new import in North America and Europe. Their elongated shape and the act of eating them, especially in public, were considered suggestive by Victorian standards, which emphasized modesty and propriety. This led to bananas being labeled “immoral” or indecent, particularly when consumed by women.
To counter this perception and boost sales, fruit companies launched a clever marketing campaign. They produced postcards and advertisements featuring women eating bananas in everyday, wholesome settings. These images were designed to normalize the fruit and detach it from its taboo reputation, reframing bananas as a healthy, family-friendly snack.
The campaign worked. Over time, bananas shed their controversial image and became a staple of Western diets. Today, they’re one of the most consumed fruits globally, with little trace of their once-scandalous status. The story serves as a quirky reminder of how cultural norms, and clever advertising, can shape public perception.
#banana #thehistoriansden
