White House supports Sydney Sweeney in face of criticism over eugenics ad: Does the controversy benefit or harm her career?
In a turn of events, American Eagle's latest jeans advertisement featuring actress Sydney Sweeney has stirred up a storm of controversy. The campaign's slogan, "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans," is a playful nod to her "great genes," but some have found it racially insensitive and accusatory of promoting white supremacy.
The phrase "great genes" has sparked backlash due to its potential racial connotations, implying racial superiority or exclusivity. Critics argue that the phrase is problematic in today's political climate, where such insinuations are not tolerated.
The White House has joined the public discussion, adding fuel to the fire. Steven Cheung, a White House spokesperson, has made comments about the controversy, which have been criticised as divisive and inappropriate. Some people are upset that Sydney Sweeney's blonde, blue-eyed, white appearance is being praised, with accusations of American Eagle supporting eugenics and "white supremacy."
The situation has become a viral topic, with many discussing it online and in various media outlets. The controversy has negatively impacted the brand, with reports showing a 9% decline in foot traffic at American Eagle stores following the campaign's release[1][2].
Sydney Sweeney, who has previously had to address misinterpretations about her and her family's political stance, has remained politically neutral in public. However, some find it problematic that she is receiving support from the Trump administration, which is associated with the ongoing controversy.
Zaid Qaissieh, an entertainment writer, is providing updates on the ongoing controversy surrounding the American Eagle ad and Sydney Sweeney. Criticisms include the portrayal of Sydney as sexualized, racial themes, and links to eugenics.
The latest comments from Cheung about the Sydney Sweeney controversy have caused a significant increase in public discussion. Some believe that the clip featuring Sydney saying, "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue," was posted on American Eagle's Instagram page, which some believe was hacked.
As the controversy continues to escalate, American Eagle has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the concerns raised by the public. The brand has defended the campaign by noting that proceeds from the denim sales benefit a mental health nonprofit, but this has not seemed to quell the storm of criticism.
[1] Foot traffic decline reported by Retail Dive (https://www.retaildive.com/news/american-eagle-foot-traffic-declines-following-controversial-sydney-sweeney-campaign/573963/) [2] Foot traffic decline confirmed by MarketWatch (https://www.marketwatch.com/story/american-eagle-outfitters-foot-traffic-declines-following-controversial-sydney-sweeney-campaign-2021-05-05)
- The controversy over the "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans" slogan in American Eagle's advertisement has led to discussions about racial connotations and implications of racial superiority.
- The White House's comments on the controversy have been criticized as divisive and inappropriate, adding fuel to the fire.
- The portrayal of Sydney Sweeney in the campaign, including her link to eugenics and pop-culture themes, has been a subject of criticism from both the public and media.
- Despite defense from the brand that the campaign's denim sales benefit a mental health nonprofit, the controversy continues to escalate, with no formal statement from American Eagle addressing public concerns.
