Trumpy strikes back with yet another piece of useless trivia!
Ever wondered why Michelin Man is white? No, it has nothing to do with the patriarchy! And there was actually a small period of time he was actually black!
Also known as Bibendum, Michelin Man is one of the oldest and recognizable mascots. It was first introduced in 1894 and consisted of white tires because...tires were actually white back then!
Michelin Man in 1898, Public Domain
It was in 1912 when carbon was introduced in the tire recipe when they started to be black and more durable. The company changed Michelin man briefly to a black color but the decision was soon taken back
Rubber tires were originally gray-white, or light or translucent beige. In 1912, they became black when carbon was added to them as a preservative and strengthener. The company changed Bibendum's colour to black as well, and featured him that way in several print ads. They decided to abandon the change, citing printing and aesthetic issues (not racial concerns, as is commonly believed). source
And that's how Michelin man came to be white. And then black. And then white again!
Here's a link to Wikipedia if you want to read more on the history of this popular icon!
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