Part 2/9:
The discussion opens with an observation that modern advertising seems to be caught in a paradox—while brands attempt to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, they also inadvertently ignite accusations of cultural insensitivity. The campaign featuring Sweeney, a young actress recognized for her work on popular television series, was seen as a straightforward promotion of fashion. However, critics quickly turned it into a battleground for identity politics.
The Backlash from The Left
One particularly vehement reaction came from critics on the progressive left, who argued that any celebration of white beauty standards could be racially exclusive or even racist. A pointed Twitter comment surfaced, urging American Eagle to represent black and brown women more prominently, stating: