I am a huge fan of H&M, not only their reasonable prices, but their CSR initiatives which are committed to sustainability even in fashion. But unless H&M’s creative department has been fully automated, this hoodie on that child with those words could not have been a mistake.
I refuse to believe their army of creatives did not see controversy and racial insensitivity printed all over this…literally. There is no way this photo was approved by a team of persons who are experts in their field and who ought to have knowledge of the backlash Pepsi experienced with their Kendall Jenner Commercial and the Dove Commercial. This one was clear as day…
I don’t think I need to say “shame on you H&M”, I think the backlash should take care of that.
I’m happy they issued that unreserved apology, and created a new position for a Leader of Diversity and Inclusiveness, yes…that’s a thing.
For those who have not seen it, H&M issued this statement recently:
“The recent incident was entirely unintentional, but it demonstrates so clearly how big our responsibility is as a global brand. We have reached out, around the world, inside and outside H&M to get feedback. Our commitment to addressing diversity and inclusiveness is genuine, therefore have appointed a global leader, in this area, to drive our work forward. There will be more from us soon.”
But it still doesn’t erase the fact that someone ought to have known better, and or known the history of their industry…
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