British retailer ad meets racist backlash online
Saeed Pourreza
Press TV, London
It all began after the retailer shared the ad on its’ twitter account, featuring a family enjoying a range of items in their garden as they sit down to watch a movie together. Before long came an avalanche of tweets and counter-tweets by users on either side of the debate.
Some couldn’t believe it happening, others called for a complaint with Ofcom and of boycotting the retailer.
Those comments didn’t sit well with people who supported Argos’ decision. White British folks complaining to Argos about its advert with just black people in it feel they are the victims of a hate crime.
The new controversy comes on the heels of another advertisement posted online in May this year by British multinational retailer Tesco, showing three Muslim men cooking a meal during Ramadan. The video drew a strong racist backlash and calls for boycott.
Argos has defended its decision by sharing a simple statement on its twitter account, saying: “We’re proud to represent a diverse and inclusive Britain in our advertising. Argos is for everyone.”
All that happening within the context of the Black Lives Matter protests. Perhaps this recent online clash exposes what campaigners call ingrained racism in British society, and for many the time for acknowledging the severity of the problem is now more than ever.
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