An advertisement for the clothing brand Gap featuring two sisters posing with their dance troup has been removed after prompting a storm of criticism.
Critics slammed the brand for using an image where a white child appears to be leaning on a black child, accusing Gap of having no idea of the ‘racist implications’ of the image.
The campaign was designed to promote GapKids X ED, a lifestyle brand by TV personality Ellen Degeneres, using the tagline: “meet the kids who are proving that girls can do anything’.
What I think is they had absolutely zero idea of the cultural and racist implications, per history. In many ways, that’s much worse.
— Kirsten West Savali (@KWestSavali) April 4, 2016
As a Twitter storm raged, the adoptive mother of the two girls, Lucy (8) and Fanny (12), took to social media to point out that they are sisters.
they are sisters! https://t.co/eM1HjRqIdi
— Brooke Smith (@Iam_BrookeSmith) April 3, 2016
Their dad Eddie Marson tweeted: ‘Prejudice is pre judging a situation and acting on it. I share a home with these TWO SISTERS. No issue here.’
A previous Gap advertisement featuring black and white children was also entered into the debate, with many suggesting the two images should be received the same way. In the older shot, a black girl is pictured with her arm propped on a white girl’s head.
In any case, Gap apologised for releasing the image, saying:
‘As a brand with a proud 46-year history of championing diversity and inclusivity, we appreciate the conversation that has taken place and are sorry to anyone we’ve offended.
‘This GapKids campaign highlights true stories of talented girls who are celebrating creative self-expression and sharing their messages of empowerment.
‘We are replacing the image with a different shot from the campaign, which encourages girls (and boys) everywhere to be themselves and feel pride in what makes them unique.’
What do you think, is the Gap advertisement an example of passive racism or is the internet overreacting? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.
