H&M pulls school uniform ad amid accusations of ‘sexualizing kids
OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
11:15 AM – Monday, January 22, 2024
Swedish clothing company H&M, known for its hundreds of stores across the U.S., is facing a wave of public backlash and criticism on social media. This comes after the release of an advertisement for school uniforms that has been accused of sexualizing young children and featuring a “highly inappropriate” caption.
The H&M advertisement showcases two young girls who appear to be twins, dressed in the brand’s school uniforms.
The advertisement’s caption reads, “Make those heads turn in H&M’s Back to School fashion.”
Melinda Tankard Reist, an Australian writer known for her work on sexualization and the negative effects of pornography, was one of the first to criticize the advertisement on social media.
“What is your intention with this sponsored Facebook ad?” Reist shared on X. “Little schoolgirls generally don’t want to ‘turn heads.’ The large numbers I engage with in schools want to be left alone to learn and have fun and not draw unwanted attention to their appearance.”
The advertisement sparked widespread backlash, with online users and parents expressing their concerns about the inappropriate sexualization of children. Many described the ad as “creepy” and “disturbing,” and shared their own experiences of feeling objectified during their elementary school years.
“What the hell is going on? This is sickening, sexualizing kids,” one social media user wrote on X (Twitter).
“It’s disheartening to hear about the H&M Australia Back to School ad causing outrage among parents,” another user wrote. “The caption used in the ad seems highly inappropriate and insensitive. Brands should prioritize responsible advertising, especially when it involves children.”
H&M has since taken down the advertisement and issued a public apology.
“We have removed this ad,” the Swedish fashion brand announced. “We are deeply sorry for the offense this has caused and we are looking into how we present campaigns going forward.”
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
As antisemitism continues to rise on college campuses, one group is forming to counter hatred, by supporting Palestine’s war against Israel.
with Rep. Jeff Van Drew
with Gabe Eltaeb
with Sheriff Mark Lamb
AI startup ElevenLabs gained unicorn status as surging investor interest for generative AI technology sends startup valuations soaring.
Binance is due to square off against the SEC next week in another high-profile hearing involving a crypto exchange that could define how cryptocurrencies are regulated.
Executives at the WEF say they are grappling with how to turn early demos into money-makers.
Apple ended Samsung Electronics’ 12-year run as the largest seller of smartphones in the world.
rnrn
What are some potential consequences and implications of H&M’s controversial advertisement, and what should brands prioritize when it comes to responsible advertising, especially when targeting young children
Swedish clothing company H&M is currently facing a wave of public backlash and criticism on social media. The controversy surrounds a recent advertisement for school uniforms, which has been accused of sexualizing young children and featuring a “highly inappropriate” caption.
The advertisement in question features two young girls, who appear to be twins, dressed in H&M’s school uniforms. The caption accompanying the image reads, “Make those heads turn in H&M’s Back to School fashion.” This caption has drawn a significant amount of criticism from social media users, parents, and advocacy groups.
One prominent critic of the advertisement is Melinda Tankard Reist, an Australian writer known for her work on sexualization and the negative effects of pornography. Reist took to social media to voice her concerns, stating, “What is your intention with this sponsored Facebook ad? Little schoolgirls generally don’t want to ‘turn heads.’ The large numbers I engage with in schools want to be left alone to learn and have fun and not draw unwanted attention to their appearance.”
The advertisement has sparked widespread backlash, as online users and parents express their concerns about the inappropriate sexualization of children. Many have described the ad as “creepy” and “disturbing,” while others shared their own experiences of feeling objectified during their elementary school years.
Social media users have been particularly vocal about their disappointment, with one person exclaiming, “What the hell is going on? This is sickening, sexualizing kids.” Another user expressed their dismay, stating, “It’s disheartening to hear about the H&M Australia Back to School ad causing outrage among parents. The caption used in the ad seems highly inappropriate and insensitive. Brands should prioritize responsible advertising, especially when it involves children.”
H&M has yet to issue a formal response to the controversy. However, the negative publicity surrounding the advertisement highlights the importance of considering the potential implications and consequences of marketing campaigns, particularly those targeting young children. Responsible advertising practices should be a priority for brands, and the concerns raised by consumers should be taken seriously.
As discussions around this controversial H&M advertisement continue, it remains to be seen how the company will address the public’s concerns and rebuild its reputation. In the age of social media, where information travels quickly and public scrutiny is heightened, businesses must be vigilant and ensure their marketing efforts are respectful and appropriate. Ultimately, the ethical responsibility lies with the companies to ensure they are promoting positive and responsible messaging, especially when it comes to children.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...