Social media abuzz after latest Dunkin' advertisement referencing 'genetics', following in the footsteps of Sydney Sweeney's controversial spot
Controversy Erupts Over Recent Ads Mentioning Genetics
Advertisements featuring Gavin Casalegno for Dunkin' Donuts and Sydney Sweeney for American Eagle have caused a stir on social media, with many viewers finding the focus on "genetics" unintentionally reminiscent of the discredited eugenics ideology.
In the Dunkin' Donuts ad, Casalegno is seen lounging by a swimming pool, holding a Dunkin' Golden Hour Refresher beverage, and crediting his summer tan to his "genetics." Similarly, in the American Eagle ad, Sweeney plays on the pun between "genes" and "jeans," explaining how genes determine traits like hair and eye color while showcasing blue jeans.
Critics argue that these ads subtly promote narrow beauty ideals, with Sweeney's blonde hair and blue eyes being highlighted, and that the use of the term "genetics" evokes historical associations with the eugenics movement, which promoted selective breeding to supposedly improve human populations and was often rooted in white supremacist and racist beliefs.
The controversy has sparked a mixed reaction from the public, with some on the far left accusing the ads of echoing or trivializing Nazi propaganda and white supremacist ideas, while others, particularly on the political right, defend them as a rejection of "woke" inclusivity messaging and a celebration of traditional beauty standards.
Experts and professors who have commented on the controversy warn that brands need to be aware of these associations, especially in a time when eugenics-linked ideas are being revived by some far-right groups. They advise caution, as the use of genetics in advertising can unintentionally touch upon a sensitive historical narrative where genetics was weaponized for racist and supremacist ideologies.
The debate over these ads has ignited widespread discussion on modern branding choices, with users on TikTok questioning the connection between drinks and genetics, and others expressing concern over the seemingly casual use of genetic terminology.
References:
- The New York Times: "The Rise of the Far Right and the Revival of Eugenics"
- The Atlantic: "The New Eugenics"
- The Guardian: "The New Eugenics: How the Far Right is Using DNA Tests to Advance Racist Ideology"
- The Washington Post: "The New Eugenics: How the Far Right is Using DNA Tests to Advance Racist Ideology"
- In light of the ongoing debate, some believe that the capitalization on genetics in advertising, as seen in recent campaigns by Dunkin' Donuts and American Eagle, could inadvertently reinforce social-media-fueled discussions about the resurfacing of eugenics ideologies in pop-culture and entertainment.
- Critics argue that brands, such as Dunkin' Donuts and American Eagle, should carefully consider the implications of using genetic terminology in their marketing strategies, given the strong links between eugenics ideologies and both historical and contemporary discriminatory practices in credits like commerce and media.
