Paul Robeson

Deborah · July 6, 2012

I've been wondering if there was a real Paul Robeson, so I Googled. Quite a life, quite a story.
I didn't see any mention of why a tomato would be named for him. Anyone know?

Tania · July 7, 2012

Paul Robeson was very famous/popular with the Communist government in the former Soviet Union, because of his affiliation with Communism and anti-US political beliefs.

Everything Soviet scientists named or wrote about had to be 'politically correct' (otherwise they'd be risking exile or even labor camp), so this is probably why they named a tomato after Paul Robeson - this was a very politically correct name at that time.

FILMNET · July 7, 2012

Yes, given to him or named for him, its a truly wonderful Russian Black tasting tomato also.My Fav.

PA_Julia · July 7, 2012

I'm growing Paul Robeson this season.
I've heard this tomato tastes wonderful.

Julia

Tania · July 7, 2012

It is also one of my favorite tomatoes. I am growing it this year again.

FILMNET · July 7, 2012

here is one ripe on left side, to right was another PR Plant volunteer. saved seeds never grew again right.

Deborah · July 7, 2012

Thanks. I need to make it clear that I am PRO American. I think Mr. Robeson's disapproval of our government was due to the poor treatment of African-Americans.

Mojave · July 7, 2012

Possibly my favorite black tomato. Very, very tasty and quite productive.

Personally, I see nothing un-American about Mr. Robeson, I can't say the same for Joseph McCarthy who played a big part in demonizing him.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmast...-the-actor/66/

Deborah · July 8, 2012

Good article. I was referring to other websites that mentioned his appreciation of Communism.

July 6, 2012	#1
Deborah Riding The Crazy Train Again Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: San Marcos, California Posts: 2,562	Paul Robeson I've been wondering if there was a real Paul Robeson, so I Googled. Quite a life, quite a story. I didn't see any mention of why a tomato would be named for him. Anyone know?

July 7, 2012	#2
Tania Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Anmore, BC, Canada Posts: 3,970	Paul Robeson was very famous/popular with the Communist government in the former Soviet Union, because of his affiliation with Communism and anti-US political beliefs. Everything Soviet scientists named or wrote about had to be 'politically correct' (otherwise they'd be risking exile or even labor camp), so this is probably why they named a tomato after Paul Robeson - this was a very politically correct name at that time. __________________ Tatiana's TOMATObase

July 7, 2012	#5
Tania Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Anmore, BC, Canada Posts: 3,970	It is also one of my favorite tomatoes. I am growing it this year again. __________________ Tatiana's TOMATObase

July 7, 2012	#8
Mojave Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2012 Location: SF Bay area Z9a Posts: 821	Possibly my favorite black tomato. Very, very tasty and quite productive. Personally, I see nothing un-American about Mr. Robeson, I can't say the same for Joseph McCarthy who played a big part in demonizing him. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmast...-the-actor/66/ __________________ Bill _______________________________________________ When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. -John Muir Believe those who seek the Truth: Doubt those who find it. -André Gide

July 7, 2012	#3
FILMNET Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: North Charleston,South Carolina, USA Posts: 1,803	Yes, given to him or named for him, its a truly wonderful Russian Black tasting tomato also.My Fav.

July 7, 2012	#4
PA_Julia Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Princeton, Ky Zone 7A Posts: 2,208	I'm growing Paul Robeson this season. I've heard this tomato tastes wonderful. Julia

July 8, 2012	#9
Deborah Riding The Crazy Train Again Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: San Marcos, California Posts: 2,562	Good article. I was referring to other websites that mentioned his appreciation of Communism.