The latest scandal that has been unleashed on social networks is targeting H&M. The Swedish brand was accused of racism because of the image we see above published in its online store in the United Kingdom. In it we can see a black boy wearing a sweatshirt with the legend "Coolest Monkey In The Jungle", in Spanish "the coolest monkey in the jungle".
It all started Sunday when Charles M. Blow, a New York Times columnist, posted the image on his Twitter profile asking the brand if they had lost their minds, since the term "monkey" has been used historically like an insult against blacks.
"H&M: have you lost the damn head?"
. @hm, have you lost your damned minds?!?!?! pic.twitter.com/EYuCXLZtv3
- Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) January 8, 2018
Although it has already been removed, the image went viral awakening outrage among users. Many of them invited to make a boycott against the fashion chain, although there are also those who saw it from the beginning as a slip without bad intention, and there are even those who think that "monkey" is an affectionate term in English to call children and that there would be no debate if the sweatshirt was worn by a white child.
The Models for Diversity Association, a British-based organization that advocates for greater inclusion in the fashion industry, also echoed criticizing the image with the following message:
"And then, H&M UK had the brilliant idea of ​​presenting a black boy model with the" Coolest Monkey in the Jungle "hoodie on his website. How can this be? WHAT SHAME!"
@hm And then H&M UK got the bright idea to feature a black boy model with 'Coolest Monkey in the Jungle' hoodie on its website. How on earth can this be?
- Models Of Diversity (@ModsOfDiversity) January 8, 2018
SHAME ON YOU! pic.twitter.com/3FaKCqviLQ
The controversy was then fed by comparing an image of a sweatshirt from the same collection that a white boy wears with the legend: "Mangrove Jungle. Surviving Expert." Making the white child look like a winner while the black child is insulted.
"This is inappropriate, offensive and racist. Why is the white child" a jungle survivor and the black one "the coolest monkey in the jungle"? How did you think this is ok? Take off this garment. It is completely unpleasant!
. @ hm this is inappropriate, offensive, and racist. Why is the white kid "a jungle survivor" and the black kid the "coolest monkey in the jungle"? How do you think this is okay? REMOVE this and the clothing piece. This is completely distasteful! #racist #hm //t.co/uati7eI0Io pic.twitter.com/WSF9Wiksio
- Selene Arianela (@ArianelaSelene) January 8, 2018
"Unfortunate Association"
The company has reacted quickly. This morning, after removing the photo of the child (they have left a generic image of the product), has apologized for the "unfortunate association" and in a brief statement to Daily News has stated:
"This image has been removed from all H&M channels and we apologize to anyone who has offended."
How is it possible that no one noticed this "unfortunate partnership" before it became hung up in the brand's online store? Photographers, designers, marketing people ... Although there has been no racist intention on the part of H&M, it seems nobody noticed before it was a bad idea.
Update 10/1: "We made a mistake"
We have got this wrong and we are deeply sorry. Link in bio.
A shared publication of H&M (@hm) on Jan 9, 2018 at 4:36 PST
H&M has released a strong statement apologizing for the mistake. As a large company must do, it regrets and makes clear its commitment against any form of racism, even if it is not intentional.
"For all customers, staff, media, stakeholders, partners, suppliers, friends and critics. We would like to record our position in relation to the image and promotion of a sweater for children, and the subsequent response and criticism. Our position is simple and unambiguous: we have made a mistake and we are deeply sorry.
We agree with all the criticisms that this has generated: we have made a mistake and we agree that, even if it is not intentional, passive or informal racism must be eradicated wherever it exists. We appreciate the support of those who have seen that our product and our promotion were not intended to offend, but, as a global brand, we have a responsibility to be attentive and in tune with all racial and cultural sensibilities, and we have not been up to par. to this responsibility this time.
This incident is accidental in nature., but this does not mean that we do not take it very seriously or that we understand the discomfort and discomfort it has caused.
We have removed the image and removed the item in question of the sale. It will be recycled.
Now we will do our best to prevent this from happening again in the future.
Racism and prejudice in any form, conscious or unconscious, deliberate or accidental, are simply unacceptable and must be eradicated from society. In this case, we have not been sensitive enough to this agenda.
Please accept our humble apologies. "
