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Which brands have been accused of racial targeting on social media and how have they responded?

Margarett Boerder

There have been various brands that have been accused of racial targeting through their social media campaigns. One of the most recent examples is H&M, which caused controversy with a campaign featuring a young black boy wearing a hoodie with the phrase "coolest monkey in the jungle." This led to accusations of racial insensitivity and the hashtag #BoycottHM started trending on social media. H&M responded by apologizing and removing the product from all their stores.

Another example is Dove, which received backlash for a Facebook ad that featured a black woman taking off her shirt to reveal a white woman. Many saw this as perpetuating the stereotype that black skin is dirty and needs to be cleaned. Dove responded by removing the ad and apologizing for any offense caused.

In 2017, Pepsi released an ad featuring Kendall Jenner handing a can of Pepsi to a police officer during a protest. The ad was criticized for trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement and for using social justice issues to sell soda. Pepsi withdrew the ad and apologized for missing the mark.

Nivea also faced backlash for a "white is purity" campaign, which many saw as promoting white supremacy. The ad was removed and Nivea issued an apology.

These brands responded to the accusations of racial targeting by acknowledging the offense caused and taking action to rectify the situation. Apologies and product removals were common responses. However, it's important for brands to take these issues seriously and ensure that their marketing campaigns are inclusive and sensitive to all consumers. Social media has made it easier for consumers to voice their opinions and hold brands accountable, so it's crucial for companies to listen and respond appropriately.