H&M Boycott Emerges After Black Child Model Wears "Monkey" Hoodie
Another day, another marketing team bites the dust. The folks at H&M are in boiling water this week as a photo of a black child modeling a "Coolest Monkey In the Jungle" printed hoodie circulated around the internet. The photo appeared on the British version of H&M's online store. Outrage poured out from social media in all directions.
The Swedish brand has since issued an apology earlier today.
“This image has now been removed from all H&M channels and we apologise to anyone this may have offended.”
This is not the first time a brand has received backlash from an insensitive ad. Do we remember when we "cancelled" Shea Moisture? Personally, I'm tired. Unless we're all going to stand together and put a dent in H&M's market value (or any other disrespectful brand), nothing will change. H&M issued a dry apology because they're supposed to, not because they cared. I'll wait to see how the people feel in a few months after H&M launches a "surprise" campaign featuring a someone we love or a brand we usually couldnt afford.
Am I upset? Yes. Do I think an H&M boycott will last? Probably not.
When I presented the issue to Black parents I know, many directed their anger toward the child's parent. "Speaking from experience," one mother told me, "parents are in the studio and every photo must be approved by the parent before the brand moves forward with the material. If the parent isnt mad, why would I waste my breath being upset?"
Parents and non-parents, how do we feel about this controversy? Are we cancelling Hennes & Mauritz? Comment below!