8/5/2023 Simpsonville, Ky – A growing chorus of voices is calling out Purnell’s, a maker of pork sausages and other cured meats, over its popular “Old Folks” brand of breakfast sausages they say promotes negative stereotypes. Critics say the branding is “ageist” and offensive to senior citizens.
“It’s appalling that Purnell’s would callously use ‘Old Folks’ to market fatty, greasy sausage,” said retired teacher Harriet Elderman. “They might as well have called them ‘Geezers’ or ‘Fogies.’ What terrible attitudes to reinforce about aging!”
An online petition called “Rename Purnell’s Old Folks Sausages” has gained over 7,000 signatures. “This product name is an egregious example of age discrimination,” the petition states. “No one wants to eat something named after old people. Attaching ‘Old Folks’ to sausage evokes unflattering ideas about wrinkly skin and nursing home odors,” the petition continued. “No one should have to be reminded of aging when they sit down for breakfast.”
But Purnell’s is defending the name, which has been used since the 1940s. ” ‘Old Folks’ is a nod of honor to Fred B. Purnell; our founder. The term ‘Old Folks’ was his nickname because as a kid he liked to sit and listen to the stories of older people,” said company spokesman Mark Piggott. “Our ‘Old Folks’ sausage is one of Purnell’s top-selling items, popular with young and old consumers alike.”
Angry commenters have flooded Purnell’s Facebook page, demanding they change the label to something more respectful. “Retire Old Folks!” said commenter Art ‘Grumpy’ Stewart. “I don’t want my sausage reminding me of my mortality!”
“I’m 60 years old and I don’t want to be associated with a dang sausage!” complained Facebook user Bernie Gripes. “This is so insulting and reinforces hurtful attitudes about the elderly.”
Others have suggested less offensive names like “Prime Age Pork Patties,” “Silver Sizzlers,” or “Mature Links.”
For now, Purnell’s remains committed to the nostalgic branding. But with calls mounting for a more sensitive label, Purnell’s may finally have to put “Old Folks” out to pasture.
The Journalist BS 
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