German automaker Mercedes-Benz is in discussion these days about an advertisement, not about any upcoming car or current model, in fact, in China, the company used the model in one of its advertisements, whose eyes are slanting. Are up Interestingly, this ad was perceived by people as harmful stereotypes about Asian people.
People complained of ‘slanting eyes’
The German automaker is being questioned on Chinese social media site Weibo for using a ‘peek eye’ model in an advertisement for its new CLS luxury sedan. The Communist Party’s Global Times newspaper reported on Tuesday that there was outrage among people because the model’s make-up reflects Western stereotypes about Asians.
Mercedes is the latest Western brand to introduce the Chinese public to an uproar with an art exhibition by French fashion house Christian Dior earlier that showed an Asian model clutching a handbag with black makeup. Weibo users complained that the model has ‘slanting eyes’,
Beijing-based photographer Chen Man has issued an apology for his ignorance in “perpetuating racial stereotypes” for the shoot. The Dior brand responded to the criticism, saying it “respects the sentiments of the Chinese people”.
Food brand also raised questions
However, Mercedes’ advertisement can still be seen on its Weibo social media page and the automaker is yet to address the backlash in China. Let us tell you, a local snack brand called Three Squirrel was also in the news this week along with Mercedes. To which some complained that the food brand showed ads for noodle products on its Weibo microblogging account, which featured a Chinese model with eyes they said looked skewed.
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