The Controversial History of “Turkey in the Straw” – A Classic Ice Cream Truck Song

Summertime brings many joyous sounds – kids laughing, lawn mowers buzzing, and of course, the familiar jingle of the ice cream truck. But one classic ice cream truck song, “Turkey in the Straw,” has a surprisingly controversial history and racist overtones that many are unaware of.

This catchy tune was once a wildly popular American folk song, but has fallen out of favor due to its past associations with blackface minstrel shows Let’s explore the complex history behind this polarizing ditty

A Common Ice Cream Truck Jingle

If you’ve ever lived in an American suburb or city you’ve likely heard the iconic notes of “Turkey in the Straw” emanating from an approaching ice cream truck. It’s one of the most recognizable ice cream truck jingles frequently played from speaker systems along with classics like “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” and “Pop Goes the Weasel.”

With its fiddle-like melody and upbeat tempo, “Turkey in the Straw” is a perfect introduction to sweet, frozen treats for neighborhood kids who come running when they hear that familiar tune. But most are unaware of the song’s history.

Origins as an American Folk Song

While its exact origins are disputed, “Turkey in the Straw” first emerged in the early 1800s from the fiddle-playing traditions of various American folk cultures.

Early versions displayed the hodge-podge of influences forming American roots music – Scots-Irish fiddling mixed with African rhythms and German compositions. The tune was passed down and adapted into one of the country’s most popular folk songs.

Lyrics mentioning turkeys may have referred to turkey shoots, or turkey trots – group dances popular in the late 1800s. So why did a folksy fiddle ditty later prompt controversy?

Prominence in Minstrel Shows

The issue arose when “Turkey in the Straw” became one of the most commonly used songs in racist 19th century blackface minstrel shows. These shows featured white performers mimicking African Americans using black makeup and highly offensive African American stereotypes.

The simple, catchy melody of “Turkey in the Straw” made it the perfect accompaniment to the minstrel shows’ caricaturing of Black culture. The song set the tone and backdrop for despicable minstrel show acts across the nation for decades, linking it to profoundly racist performance art.

Re-Emerged as an Ice Cream Truck Jingle

After minstrel shows finally faded from American entertainment, “Turkey in the Straw” re-emerged in the early and mid-20th century as a children’s song and a standard ice cream truck jingle.

Modern ice cream truck drivers playing the tune were likely unaware of its former use in minstrel shows. But the racist connotations of “Turkey in the Straw” remain intertwined with American history.

Backlash and Bans on the Song

In recent decades, many have raised objections to “Turkey in the Straw” being used as an ice cream truck jingle when it was once a soundtrack to anti-black racism.

In some towns, including Santa Cruz, CA and Buffalo, NY, jingles like “Turkey in the Straw” have been banned from ice cream trucks over concerns about their racist roots. Others argue the song has moved past its prejudiced history and taken on a new life.

There are debates around playing the tune without referring to its origins versus retiring it completely. But the heated feelings show how deeply tied the song remains to America’s long tradition of hurtful racial stereotyping in entertainment.

Alternatives for Ice Cream Trucks

Due to the now-recognized racist connotations of certain classic jingles, many ice cream truck drivers have replaced them with more inclusive options. Kid-friendly pop, rock, classical, and original songs are commonly used instead.

Some trucks play hit songs like “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen or the catchy “Ice Cream Funk” by North Carolina band The Bazillions. Removing dated and controversial jingles helps bring ice cream trucks into the 21st century.

Legacy of Racism in Children’s Songs

The complex saga of “Turkey in the Straw” reveals a broader issue – racism and prejudiced mockery that was once inherent across many domains of American life, including children’s songs.

Examining this history allows us to remove problematic content and move towards more thoughtful music. Ice cream trucks can spread joy, not discrimination.

There are efforts to uncover and make amends for racially insensitive traditions like blackface minstrel shows. Scrutinizing past cultural artifacts creates opportunities for growth, healing, and greater inclusion.

While we can still debate the use of songs like “Turkey in the Straw,” what matters most is that diverse groups feel welcome and represented in theshared traditions and entertainment that bind American communities together.