Is this advert racist?

GAP have had a huge Twitter backlash about this advertisement campaign photo featuring a black girl being leaned on by a taller white girl.

An example of passive racism or a storm in a teacup?

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

AlteredBoy

Passive racism seeing as she's the only non-white girl in the picture

Reply 2

username2275389

Original post by AlteredBoy

Passive racism seeing as she's the only non-white girl in the picture

Agreed.

Reply 3

similarBlank

Everything's racist these days.

Reply 4

alexschmalex

Such a non-issue, I don't understand why people are embarrassing themselves by crying wolf over this. It's honestly harmless

Reply 5

PossiblyNotGod

Original post by AlteredBoy

Passive racism seeing as she's the only non-white girl in the picture

I guess this photo is also sexist then?

Reply 6

Saoirse:3

Racist as in somebody deliberately trying to send a message of racial superiority? Almost no chance. Racist as in whoever designed this was subconsciously influenced by differential and discriminatory social roles placed on different races? Entirely possible. Utterly stupid either way? Definitely.

Reply 7

AlteredBoy

Original post by XOR_

I guess this photo is also sexist then?

No, as its advertising their range of 'girls' clothes. I think that given the history racial tension, and ongoing inequalities (black people are 7x more likely to be stopped and searched by the police) its has the possibility of having a racist message, however if someone of Asian or Latin American descent also featured in the advert it wouldn't have the dispute

Reply 8

Duncan2012

No-one complained about this previous Gap photo.

Reply 9

Pwyll

Original post by Duncan2012

No-one complained about this previous Gap photo.

Apparently, that picture is acceptable because the girl with an arm rested on her head looks 'fierce.'

Reply 10

babypancakes64

I think that the intention of the advert wasnr meant to be passively racist but it can be inferenced in that way. As a person of colour i think it might be easier for people to avoid the whole issue by considering the inferences that can be made. If the ad also had another image in which it was a taller black girl was leaning on a white girl then people would find equality in it?

It could also be interpreted as the white girl leaning on her because she needs the support of the black girl who despite her height colour is able to stand on her own? Perhaps its just a matter of perception. Although i do agree although equality in terms of race is widespread it isn't everywhere and there will always be racists. Not everything requires the issue to be raised but we shouldnt allow it to continue or let those who are racist believe that we will accept it or that it is "irrelevant" because "the times have changed"

Reply 11

Duncan2012

I wish people would stop seeing things that just aren't there. There's no need to 'interpret' the picture. It's a bunch of kids. Wearing clothing from a particular shop. In a pose very similar to one they've used before. That's all. Now let's all get on with our lives and worry about the things which are actually important.

Reply 12

username1738583

Original post by Duncan2012

No-one complained about this previous Gap photo.

jesus...they look so ****ing scary...
this is why I can't walk home, because of all the hooligans about

Reply 13

Joep95

No, this is the problem with trying to adjust to the constantly offended they will always find something offensive.

Reply 14

XIX

No, it is not racist.

Reply 15

username1738583

oh and no. not racist. And anyone who thinks it is, clearly wants to have an argument...

Reply 16

tcameron

I'm black
Not racist at all, since when is leaning on someone passive racism??
If it were a white girl they'd be no one thinking it's racist - people seriously need to invest their analytical skills into issues that actually matter.