American Eagle’s latest advertisement campaign starring Sydney Sweeney has sparked swift and fierce backlash online, with many accusing the brand of promoting white supremacy and “Nazi propaganda.” The ad features Sweeney doing traditional American activities in her denim, with a voiceover declaring that she “has great jeans.” Critics point to the implication that being white is superior due to one’s genes.
The controversy reflects a broader cultural shift towards whiteness, conservatism, and capitalist exploitation. Sweeney is both a symptom and participant in this trend, having already faced viral criticism for her association with billionaire couple Jeff and Lauren Bezos’ wedding and launching a lingerie brand funded by the same.
Sweeney has spoken out about the double standard she faces as a woman who uses her body to make money, comparing it to a man’s ability to do the same without facing similar scrutiny. However, some argue that her participation in the American Eagle ad is disappointing, given its potential harm and exploitative nature.
The advertisement joins a line of problematic campaigns from brands like American Apparel and Pepsi, which often reflect the societal attitudes of their time. The rise of conservative and far-right ideology has contributed to this trend, with young women being radicalized through seemingly innocuous products like clean skin care and healthy eating.
Ultimately, the backlash against American Eagle’s ad serves as a symptom of a larger cultural issue. Rather than simply criticizing the brand or Sweeney, we must examine the broader societal attitudes that enabled this ad to exist in the first place.
Source: https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/sydney-sweeney-american-eagle-ad-whiteness-rcna221630