The famous clothing brand H&M has recently published an ad for its new hoodie that reads "Coolest monkey in the jungle." Sounds innocent, but the reason behind all the anger it caused was a black boy modelling for that ad, which was not well received all around the world.
Some people claimed that while the ad was probably an oversight, it was also quite deaf and insensitive. In South Africa it even resulted in burning, trashing and stealing clothes from H&M's stores. Artists around the world, however, reacted in a way they know best - they turned the offensive hoodie into something positive by creating beautiful works of art. Scroll down, vote for the best and add yours!
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why "black" boy? Why not just "coolest boy"? why is it important that he is black? And why is this hoodie racist and a chinese kid in a Panda outfit isnt? Why?
Because history has sent the message loud and clear that being black makes one less than someone else,
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Yea I'm not really sure the shirt is racist in any way. White children are called little monkeys all the time. It's a term of endearment that came about because they are all over everything and climbing, running, etc... The only racist problem here is that people are separating the two. If you don't SEE color than you don't SEE a problem with this shirt.
Okay you don't hear of Jews making themselves victims after what happened in the holocaust, they moved on. SOME African Americans have a chip on their shoulder and still complain they are oppressed and see slight where there is none, like on this hoodie. It can be taken as a slight, but they shouldn't victimize themselves to make it wrong in their opinion
Downvote me all you want, I'm just sharing my opinion and it's not meant to degrade anyone in any way
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This literally just brought tears to my eyes. Seriously?! This is disgusting.
BTW. I am an Amazing Black Woman but I don't need a shirt displaying that. Racist much? Unfortunately, the fashion industry has a tendency to use differences such as race, disability, various skin conditions, etc. as a trend to boost acceptance or unity, but when they overdo it- it's clear they feel the exact opposite about the so-called message they intend to portray. SMH. Soo disappointing... so hurtful.
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The other ones - okay, I even rather liked the "King of the Jungle" one but "Amazing Black Boy" is outrageously generic.
okay, call me crazy, but here in az, i feel as if white people get made fun of more often than others, racism may just be caused because of your different complexion than what people are used to...coming from a white person in a public school I really do get made fun of for being white :/
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I think there´s no need to point out that it´s a black boy... we know it and that´s not what it´s important here: He is a boy that deserves our respect.
okay hate on me if you want... but why does the girl have to be wearing hot pink and a tiara?
It is lovely, but I don't quite understand the 'plants' (?) at his shoulders?
I like this; the darkness is surrounding him, but he does not look afraid.
In my town we call all the children here little monkeys regardless of where their genetic ancestry is from or their complexions. I'm from a biracial family and I'd happily see any of the little monkeys in the family in this hoodie, it wouldn't even cross my mind that someone bought it to be offensive. Would've just assumed the one that bought it knew the monsters. Personally I find it offensive that being black means I can't refer to him as I would any other child. That the world thinks he should be segregated from wearing the same clothing and being called the same loveable nicknames because of his skin colour is a crazy step backward that's being painted as progress.....
Thank you!!! People are so sensitive and badshit ridiculous now. Even the child's own mother said on the news how stupid this whole charade is. It's just plain craziness.
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From what i understand in the UK is common to call children monkeys. And his mother was fine with that and if mother is fine with something no one should be Bitching about it. The only wild monkeys were that people who trashed that shop...
yep grew up being called a cheeky monkey, i would call that boy a cheeky monkey if he was my younger sibling. Then again i am white therefore a horrible racist right?
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I still think it's racist to see him as a black child and not just as a child.
I mean, everyone can see hes black, but does it matter? I think not
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Isn't putting so much emphasis on race another form of racism?? Maybe whoever put the child into this hoodie saw past the skin color, and only saw a child.
H&M should apologise for the fact that the hoodie is green.I am an Alien and i find it offensive.
My child didn't know it was offensive because she'd never heard it used in a racist way. I think that many people didn't see the problem is a step in the right direction. It means it's not very common anymore. Not saying I can't see why people were offended, especially those who grew up with those comments. Just saying not everyone sees it because they weren't exposed to it.
This does seem like making a mountain out of a mole hill, as calling a kid a "monkey" as part of a metaphor is pretty harmless, and I think it only got called out because a black kid was a model. I understand the use as a racist term, but this feels very unintentional. Kids like animals and sometimes like to pretend to be animals, and this kind of feels like saying black kids can't be monkeys because "monkey" has been used as a racist term. It's like... limiting, in a way, by making kids have to avoid what has historically offended adults even though monkeys are not inherently offensive. Like, it's better to persecute actual racist acts rather than try to keep everything so squeaky-clean that offense can't sneak into even the most fragile of people.
I don't understand why it is racist. If a white kid wears that, I'm pretty sure there won't be any drama, but making this a big deal because he is black is racist. If they do, then other companies might think that "Oh no, we don't want the same thing happening so let's not hire a black kid" and then a black kid who might really want the job doesn't even have a chance.
It seems a shame we need to highlight the fact he's ''different'' because he shouldn't wear that hoody but a white boy could. In a truly diverse society, surely we would never point out any difference? I would call any cheeky boy a little monkey. It's an affectionate term for a cheeky child.
Maybe, just maybe, H&M didn’t think it was racist at all. Because they don’t make the relation... because we are making progress away from racial slurs. OR they said “hey kids pick a sweater you want to wear for the photo!” But no, the ONLY reasonable answer is that H&M said mwahaha let’s be racist!!! F*ck me.
LISTEN PEOPLE ..it is those who sees this as racist that are racist...only god knows what brews in your stupid festering brains. The rest of the normal people didn't think anything of it because they saw him as they would any other child and all children are cheeky monkeys.
Y'all need to find actual hobbies and things to do and chill.
Load More Replies... Not sure who is being racist here. The fact that these people could find out some relationship between the hoodie saying 'monkey' and the boy being black is the real disturbing thing here. It is just a cute name to call kids, but they had to associate it with skin color. I'm getting creeps.
Most black people don't call their kids 'monkeys' because we've usually heard it as a racial slur. If we see racism then you should blame every white person who has called us monkeys.
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As a white person, I just go with what whatever etnicity it is about and what they say, it does seem a lot of dark skinned people took offence by this, and understandibly so, it also seems like a lot of people don´t understand why people are upset about this, it isn´t the fact that kids of all etnicities and colors aren´t called monkeys, cause yes they are, but when it is put in an add like this is when it becomes unsensitive, a bit more "in your face" so to speak, nothing wrong if someone of dark skin would buy this for their kids, but it´s not the wisest idea to put it on an add yet, for as long as racism is present, advertisers need to be more sensitive with how they show off their products. Wheter you like it or not, sprints on clothes do send a message, why else would there be "Juicy" written on the butt on girls training pants? So to advertise anything with monkey on a dark person, is not wise.
I meants "prints on clothes", lovely typing.
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uhmmm. i thought it was common to call children, no not black children, but ALL children, monkeys? It's a cute pet name, geeesh
it become racist when stupid people made this racist. Ask the modells parent why they let him wear it if its so racist.. stupid people
His own mother said that the racist claims are ridiculous. People who love being outraged on other people's behalf need to get a life.
People have asked why this is such a big deal. But whenever someone tries to explain it (i.e. historically this was used as a derogatory racial slur), his/her comment is reported and blocked. Obviously some people are happy to complain, but can't face hearing the answer to their question. That's just sad and small minded. Don't be afraid to educate yourself.
I really don't think the ad was trying to be racist. And I'm surprised these same offended people are ok with the "King of the Jungle" hoodie instead. Wouldn't a person imply that he's a "jungle boy" cuz he's black? People who get too offended are seriously the ones feeding the problem (and maybe even causing it). I think we're all God's children and He created us all in different ways so that we have a variety of people on this earth. So it's really a shame it has come to this.
Is something racist when there's no racist intention? It's got to the point where anything can be considered racist. Recently I've seen sliced bread to be considered racist, as are Amazon's shops where you use a smart phone. Just because someone considers something racist doesn't mean it is, it's not clear cut, the same with sexism, it says more about the observer if they see racism where it doesn't exist.
If only hm would have been racist enough to realise this could be seen as racist, sadly it never crossed their mind.so from now on every store should start to hire more racists. That should solve it
What's sad is that the negative connotations were the first thing people thought of! Do you really believe that the photographer or the company deliberately chose to send that message? I don't! The fact that peoples mind went there is a sad thing, if we weren't insulted by everything that was innocently done or said we might finally move closer to an equal society for all. We'd still have a long way to go, but it would be a step forward!
A naive white person wouldn't see the offense in calling a black person a monkey. You don't live our experience and choose not to see it from our view point but then tell us how we should feel about our experiences. As a man I wouldn't dare tell a woman anything about her experience how dare you tell me about mine.
"In South Africa it even resulted in burning, trashing and stealing clothes from H&M's stores." That'll show 'em! lol .... black people
@Bryn Price, Your suggestion that perhaps H&M, or any other company, could solve any future comparable problem by simply not using a black child is ridiculous. In this country, the subject of race is understandably fraught with a myriad of emotions. Avoiding the subject, or even certain circumstances, won't change a thing.
@Diane Diggs I don't think they could have solved it that way. That could potentially have made it worse. The mother came out saying that people are crying wolf and basically get over themselves, so I think it is plausible to say that if they had refused to use the kid because he's black and she found out, she could kick up a stink over it and it'd be a different argument over why H&M are racist and instead of being something that could be interpreted as racist, but instead, actually racist. It is understandle it is fraught with a myriad of emotions, but just because something can be interpreted as racist does not make it racist or bad, to then act to avoid being seen as "racist" when it means treating somebody differently because of their race, I would think to in itself be racist.
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This H&M ad reminds me of a United Colours of Benetton ad from years ago where they depicted a little blonde haired white girl as an angel and a little black girl with her hair fashioned into horns as a devil. Wrong on every level. benneton-5...0c1022.jpg 
So, would it have been right if it was the other way round?
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There's no good excuse for looting of course, but advertisers need to keep our history in mind when they design these ads. I can understand why people were upset.
In my town we call all the children here little monkeys regardless of where their genetic ancestry is from or their complexions. I'm from a biracial family and I'd happily see any of the little monkeys in the family in this hoodie, it wouldn't even cross my mind that someone bought it to be offensive. Would've just assumed the one that bought it knew the monsters. Personally I find it offensive that being black means I can't refer to him as I would any other child. That the world thinks he should be segregated from wearing the same clothing and being called the same loveable nicknames because of his skin colour is a crazy step backward that's being painted as progress.....
Thank you!!! People are so sensitive and badshit ridiculous now. Even the child's own mother said on the news how stupid this whole charade is. It's just plain craziness.
Load More Replies... From what i understand in the UK is common to call children monkeys. And his mother was fine with that and if mother is fine with something no one should be Bitching about it. The only wild monkeys were that people who trashed that shop...
yep grew up being called a cheeky monkey, i would call that boy a cheeky monkey if he was my younger sibling. Then again i am white therefore a horrible racist right?
Load More Replies... I still think it's racist to see him as a black child and not just as a child.
I mean, everyone can see hes black, but does it matter? I think not
Load More Replies... Isn't putting so much emphasis on race another form of racism?? Maybe whoever put the child into this hoodie saw past the skin color, and only saw a child.
H&M should apologise for the fact that the hoodie is green.I am an Alien and i find it offensive.
My child didn't know it was offensive because she'd never heard it used in a racist way. I think that many people didn't see the problem is a step in the right direction. It means it's not very common anymore. Not saying I can't see why people were offended, especially those who grew up with those comments. Just saying not everyone sees it because they weren't exposed to it.
This does seem like making a mountain out of a mole hill, as calling a kid a "monkey" as part of a metaphor is pretty harmless, and I think it only got called out because a black kid was a model. I understand the use as a racist term, but this feels very unintentional. Kids like animals and sometimes like to pretend to be animals, and this kind of feels like saying black kids can't be monkeys because "monkey" has been used as a racist term. It's like... limiting, in a way, by making kids have to avoid what has historically offended adults even though monkeys are not inherently offensive. Like, it's better to persecute actual racist acts rather than try to keep everything so squeaky-clean that offense can't sneak into even the most fragile of people.
I don't understand why it is racist. If a white kid wears that, I'm pretty sure there won't be any drama, but making this a big deal because he is black is racist. If they do, then other companies might think that "Oh no, we don't want the same thing happening so let's not hire a black kid" and then a black kid who might really want the job doesn't even have a chance.
It seems a shame we need to highlight the fact he's ''different'' because he shouldn't wear that hoody but a white boy could. In a truly diverse society, surely we would never point out any difference? I would call any cheeky boy a little monkey. It's an affectionate term for a cheeky child.
Maybe, just maybe, H&M didn’t think it was racist at all. Because they don’t make the relation... because we are making progress away from racial slurs. OR they said “hey kids pick a sweater you want to wear for the photo!” But no, the ONLY reasonable answer is that H&M said mwahaha let’s be racist!!! F*ck me.
LISTEN PEOPLE ..it is those who sees this as racist that are racist...only god knows what brews in your stupid festering brains. The rest of the normal people didn't think anything of it because they saw him as they would any other child and all children are cheeky monkeys.
Y'all need to find actual hobbies and things to do and chill.
Load More Replies... Not sure who is being racist here. The fact that these people could find out some relationship between the hoodie saying 'monkey' and the boy being black is the real disturbing thing here. It is just a cute name to call kids, but they had to associate it with skin color. I'm getting creeps.
Most black people don't call their kids 'monkeys' because we've usually heard it as a racial slur. If we see racism then you should blame every white person who has called us monkeys.
Load More Replies... As a white person, I just go with what whatever etnicity it is about and what they say, it does seem a lot of dark skinned people took offence by this, and understandibly so, it also seems like a lot of people don´t understand why people are upset about this, it isn´t the fact that kids of all etnicities and colors aren´t called monkeys, cause yes they are, but when it is put in an add like this is when it becomes unsensitive, a bit more "in your face" so to speak, nothing wrong if someone of dark skin would buy this for their kids, but it´s not the wisest idea to put it on an add yet, for as long as racism is present, advertisers need to be more sensitive with how they show off their products. Wheter you like it or not, sprints on clothes do send a message, why else would there be "Juicy" written on the butt on girls training pants? So to advertise anything with monkey on a dark person, is not wise.
I meants "prints on clothes", lovely typing.
Load More Replies... uhmmm. i thought it was common to call children, no not black children, but ALL children, monkeys? It's a cute pet name, geeesh
it become racist when stupid people made this racist. Ask the modells parent why they let him wear it if its so racist.. stupid people
His own mother said that the racist claims are ridiculous. People who love being outraged on other people's behalf need to get a life.
People have asked why this is such a big deal. But whenever someone tries to explain it (i.e. historically this was used as a derogatory racial slur), his/her comment is reported and blocked. Obviously some people are happy to complain, but can't face hearing the answer to their question. That's just sad and small minded. Don't be afraid to educate yourself.
I really don't think the ad was trying to be racist. And I'm surprised these same offended people are ok with the "King of the Jungle" hoodie instead. Wouldn't a person imply that he's a "jungle boy" cuz he's black? People who get too offended are seriously the ones feeding the problem (and maybe even causing it). I think we're all God's children and He created us all in different ways so that we have a variety of people on this earth. So it's really a shame it has come to this.
Is something racist when there's no racist intention? It's got to the point where anything can be considered racist. Recently I've seen sliced bread to be considered racist, as are Amazon's shops where you use a smart phone. Just because someone considers something racist doesn't mean it is, it's not clear cut, the same with sexism, it says more about the observer if they see racism where it doesn't exist.
If only hm would have been racist enough to realise this could be seen as racist, sadly it never crossed their mind.so from now on every store should start to hire more racists. That should solve it
What's sad is that the negative connotations were the first thing people thought of! Do you really believe that the photographer or the company deliberately chose to send that message? I don't! The fact that peoples mind went there is a sad thing, if we weren't insulted by everything that was innocently done or said we might finally move closer to an equal society for all. We'd still have a long way to go, but it would be a step forward!
A naive white person wouldn't see the offense in calling a black person a monkey. You don't live our experience and choose not to see it from our view point but then tell us how we should feel about our experiences. As a man I wouldn't dare tell a woman anything about her experience how dare you tell me about mine.
"In South Africa it even resulted in burning, trashing and stealing clothes from H&M's stores." That'll show 'em! lol .... black people
@Bryn Price, Your suggestion that perhaps H&M, or any other company, could solve any future comparable problem by simply not using a black child is ridiculous. In this country, the subject of race is understandably fraught with a myriad of emotions. Avoiding the subject, or even certain circumstances, won't change a thing.
@Diane Diggs I don't think they could have solved it that way. That could potentially have made it worse. The mother came out saying that people are crying wolf and basically get over themselves, so I think it is plausible to say that if they had refused to use the kid because he's black and she found out, she could kick up a stink over it and it'd be a different argument over why H&M are racist and instead of being something that could be interpreted as racist, but instead, actually racist. It is understandle it is fraught with a myriad of emotions, but just because something can be interpreted as racist does not make it racist or bad, to then act to avoid being seen as "racist" when it means treating somebody differently because of their race, I would think to in itself be racist.
Load More Replies... This H&M ad reminds me of a United Colours of Benetton ad from years ago where they depicted a little blonde haired white girl as an angel and a little black girl with her hair fashioned into horns as a devil. Wrong on every level. benneton-5...0c1022.jpg
So, would it have been right if it was the other way round?
Load More Replies... There's no good excuse for looting of course, but advertisers need to keep our history in mind when they design these ads. I can understand why people were upset.
