
Source: Jason Merritt/TERM / Getty
American personal care products company Burt’s Bees is under fire for a series of photos posted to their website. The collection of images featured 4 families, 3 of which are represented by a Caucasian mother, father, and 2 children. The 4th family is represented by a Black mother, and her 2 children. The bold visual reinforces the age-old stereotype that Black families are raised without their fathers.
Notice anything? I do. Think it can’t be real? Please peruse:https://t.co/Dn8T53N2Og
This is EXACTLY why I speak up.
Perpetuating stereotypes like this only feeds into negative narratives regarding the black community. Do better, @BurtsBees pic.twitter.com/bIMh1oT1tu— Malynda Hale (@MalyndaHale) November 19, 2020
The imagery sent social media in a frenzy. Users furiously called out the brand by telling them how dangerous and racist it is to push this kind of narrative. Once Burt’s Bees got wind of the uproar, they posted a statement to their social media platforms apologizing for their lack of judgement:
“On behalf of Burt’s Bees Baby, in response to an image of a family shown on our website, we are deeply sorry for the hurt this image has caused. We recognize the importance of portraying families in a way that doesn’t promote harmful stereotypes. Our choice to use this photo when part of the family was not available for a rescheduled photoshoot was wrong, and we have removed the image from our website.
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