Bath and Body Works recently became the center of controversy over its winter-themed candle “Snowed In”, which critics said resembled the attire of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) members. Social media boomed with comments saying that the candle's design was similar to Klan attire, leading the company to apologize and discontinue the product from its website and retail stores.
The turmoil shows the sensitivity around imagery linked with hate groups, with Bath and Body Works showing regret over the unintentional offense made. This incident has sparked discussions over cultural sensitivity in marketing and the influence of design choices.
Trending
Bath and Body Works Candle Design Ignites Outrage Among Consumers
The “Snowed In” candle was attributed to a paper snowflake, but a lot of people commented on platforms like Reddit that it was drawing similarities with KKK hoods. One user humorously commented on it as “klandle” while another said it was a “Klan Krismas Kandle”.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has segmented the KKK as the oldest and disreputable hate group in the US, and the Anti-Defamation League points out that the KKK hood is recognized as a hate symbol. The backlash strengthened online, resulting in the candle's dismissal from all Bath and Body Works physical stores and e-commerce sites.
Bath and Body Works acknowledged the chaos, explaining that the design was not intentionally made to mimic any hate symbol. The spokesperson said that the company is always committed to addressing customer feedback and learn from their mistakes. “We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and are evaluating our process going forward.” they stated.
The Bath and Body Works Controversy Went Viral and Resulted in Cancelled Orders
After the backlash flared up, many customers who earlier had ordered the candle reported that their orders were canceled, making it a lengthier online chatter. Some users found humor in the whole debacle, while others expressed concern over the implications of the design.
The controversy seeped into eBay, where listings for the canceled candle could be seen, with an individual attempting to sell it for an astonishing amount of US$ 350. While eBay has strict policies against such racist listings, the candle remains available as it does not categorically violate the guidelines.
Public Reactions Highlight Diverse Perspectives
Reactions to the candle controversy varied, indicating the diverse perspectives on cultural sensitivity. While some condemned the design as insensitive, others de-emphasized the disapproval, arguing that the snowflake design was amiable.
A user on Instagram tried to defend the company, commenting, “As an actual POC, a Black woman, this is a reach. People are so soft and offended by everything these days. It looks like a school snowflake cutout. Stop the fake outrage.”
This conversation shows the polarized nature of discussions around consumer products.
As Bath and Body Works steers back on the path from the fallout of this incident, it is a reminder of the importance of thoughtful design and the repercussions of marketing alternatives.
Reply
