Slow Burn

Decoder Ring | I am Tupperware, I Contain Multitudes

Jan 15, 2025
Amanda Mull, a senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, and historian Bob Kealing, author of "Tupperware Unsealed," discuss the cultural legacy of Tupperware and its journey from a household staple to a symbol of empowerment. They explore how Tupperware parties revolutionized women's sales opportunities and reflect on the contemporary obsession with organizing, especially in the age of social media. The duo also highlights the emotional weight of home organization and how it serves as a coping mechanism in chaotic times.
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ANECDOTE

Brownie Wise's Start

  • Brownie Wise, a single mother, found success selling Stanley Home Products.
  • Discouraged from management, she discovered Tupperware.
INSIGHT

Tupperware's Invention

  • Earl Tupper, a chemist, invented Tupperware from polyethylene slag.
  • He designed airtight, resealable containers, initially unsuccessful in stores.
ANECDOTE

The Tupperware Party

  • Brownie Wise revolutionized Tupperware sales with in-home demonstrations.
  • Her 'burping' technique and relatable approach resonated with housewives.
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