on We are thrilled to share the Final Project that won the ‘best project’ award this year. Congrats to Meg Krugel for her work in creating more perfect Unions.
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on Today’s post is from Haley Cruse.
Brand activism has been centered around Donald Trump and his administration throughout his entire presidency. Brand activism became political because taking a stand against any prominent issues meant taking a stand against Trump. Some brands might view the election of Joe Biden as a huge sigh of relief. They shouldn’t. It is not the time for brands to go back to the way things were. It is time for brands to reflect on their core values and purpose and to keep their promises by pushing to make these values a reality. Corporations need to do their part by holding the new administration accountable and by mobilizing their customers to do the same.
With Trump no longer in charge, it will be easier for companies to stand FOR something rather than stand AGAINST something. As was shown in the Black Lives Matter movement, merely standing for something is a nice gesture, but is not enough. Brands need to express their values through meaningful action. In order to do this authentically, it is important for brands to pick a lane of activism that is aligned with their values and purpose. Blanket statements mean nothing and are not accepted by the next generation of consumers. Brands need to prove their values by standing alongside marginalized communities in the fight for equality and by implementing sustainable practices for our planet.
Nike, for example, stood alongside Colin Kaepernick in the fight against police brutality that took the forefront during Trump’s presidency. Now that a new administration is preparing to enter office, Nike needs to fund activists that are working toward police reform and encourage their consumers to act on behalf of that goal. Other brands that changed their hiring practices to be more inclusive need to hold the Biden administration accountable in their pursuit to make the country a more welcoming place to everyone.
Brand responsibility has never been more important than it is now. The next generation of consumers seek service from companies that are involved and dedicated to helping their customers. Activism that is purpose-driven and reflective of core values is key to business success.
on Today’s post by Britnee Speice-Will
I’ve gone through many phases when it comes to my body image. I’ve struggled with being comfortable with my body, sometimes wishing it looked different. Many young women like me feel this way. Men, too. It can be hard to find confidence and self-love when most of the media portrays the “perfect” body.
Brands have the ability to help shift our perspective of ourselves. One brand that could contribute to this is Snapchat. I was on the app a few months ago, scrolling through the filters. As I was scrolling, I noticed a small “glitch” as I was swiping from filter to filter. A glitch that showed my realself, without the filter on it.
When I noticed the glitch, a common theme with the filters became apparent to me. Most Snapchat filters slimmed my face, made my nose smaller, enlarged my eyes and lips, and removed skin blemishes. Snapchat was normalizing a “perfect” look for users. For a moment, this left me feeling self-conscious and paying attention to my flaws.
According to the International OCD Foundation, there are about one in 50 people that have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with BDD have repetitive and compulsive behaviors relating to their appearances, including constantly checking themselves in the mirror (NCBI). The term, “Snapchat Dysmorphia” was coined because people are losing perspective on what they actually look like after applying so many filters on social media (NCBI). The National Center for Biotechnology Information and WBUR state that many plastic surgeons have encountered patients that want to look like their filtered photos, enhanced versions of themselves that social media apps have helped them create.
Filters should be used as a fun social media tool (e.g., putting dog filters on your face, adding a flower crown), not making users feel self-conscious. Younger generations using Snapchat are still learning about themselves and are vulnerable. Snapchat should make the responsible decision to remove and ban filters that enhance one’s face in any unrealistic or “ideal” way.
Snapchat should join the body positivity movement, and empower young users to feel confident about their true selves.
Goldberg, C. (2019, January 25). In Selfie Era, Cosmetic Surgeons Confront ‘Snapchat Dysmorphia’. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2019/01/25/selfie-filter-snapchat-dysmorphia
Phillips, K. (n.d.). Prevalence of BDD. Retrieved from https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/prevalence/
Ramphul, K., & Mejias, S. (2018, March 3). Is “Snapchat Dysmorphia” a Real Issue? Retrieved November 15, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5933578/
on Today’s opinion piece is from Haileigh Farrell.
Silly Bandz, Webkinz and Harry Potter are just a few of the staples of my childhood. Curled up on a classroom beanbag during reading time, I would find myself getting deeper and deeper into the story.
Fast forward and Harry Potter has done it yet again, capturing the hearts of many with an exclusive line with MeUndies, an underwear, loungewear and apparel company. While some fans have eagerly ordered the five epic Potter prints, which include a unique “Mischief Managed” pattern as well as one embodying each fictional house, a more serious conversation has rose around MeUndies.
On June 6, 2020, J.K Rowling created controversy with a series of transphobic tweets. This did not stop the brand from releasing the Potter collection featured in its Fall 2020 product line. Once a champion for diversity and inclusion, MeUndies had a history of being a “friend” and an “ally” to consumers. For example, the Company celebrated Pride Month in 2017 with a Rainbow Collection that showcased influential LGBTQIA+ members and has partnered with the It Gets Better Project to further empower this community.
After receiving backlash from releasing the Potter line, MeUndies went on to issue a ten-slide carousel “apology” in an Instagram post on October 30, which read “Please know that it was never our intent to hurt or offend anyone.” Rather than pulling the line, MeUndies removed the collection from the homepage wall. Yet, the prints are still available for purchase.
User comments from some quickly responded to the post, identifying an underlying motive, profits. One comment from @ohmygodsquad read, “lol just say *shrug* we don’t care because capitalism.”
Since this decision, MeUndies has dealt with a loss of trust for many customers who now feel alienated from the brand, although they once viewed it as one who empathized with their struggles and promoted inclusivity.But, this matter of mistrust is bigger than just MeUndies. It also applies to any brand associated with Harry Potter like Warner Bros, Universal Parks and Resorts, as well as bookstore or online suppliers.
So, what’s a brand to do? Stick to its values, it’s a compass that will guide their way.