H&M mother has said for people to 'get over it'

[WomanEmpire]

Apparently she has said on Facebook it's people 'crying wolf' and to 'get over it'

Wdyt?

I personally think H&M are counting their lucky stars and have sort of preyed on her, (this is very presumptuous, so I am prepared to be shot down) knowing that perhaps as someone who is native Nigerian and moved to Sweden (I think relatively recently, but again pull me up on this if I'm incorrect) might not be quite as aware of the racism that incurs in the US/UK, as those who live in these countries and wouldn't think to second guess in a shoot, because you'd trust such a popular retailer to not have racist slurs put on a jumper and modelled by a child, who could quite possibly still be called this by those idiots. Because I still can't believe that NO ONE along the process picked up on this.

I'm not saying racism doesn't occur in other countries but I have experience of those two countries.

Oh and loads of oosts from both sides of the 'debate' have made those comments

Oosts!!

Posts

Fat fingers

.and yet you said 'I do think that sharing their association between monkeys and black people in the general culture only perpetuates it'

So you think it would be best all round if people piped down about racist abuse they receive.

No. I also said that there is a difference between being called a monkey by racist hooligans and a clothes company having an ad in which a black child happens to wear a t-shirt in which monkeys are mentioned. In the first case, it's clearly racist abuse; in the second, no, it isn't.

Also, I didn't say what people should do or not. I think that in the second case there is no malice and going on about it perpetuates a racist association, but people obviously are free to do what they like.

I don't necessarily believe that H&M set out to be racist, but I do believe that allowing this image to appear unquestioned would legitimise racist behaviour in the mind of every racist that saw it.

I, on the contrary, think that raising hell whenever this image appears feeds racists, because they see that if they use the term, they get a reaction out of people.

I, on the contrary, think that raising hell whenever this image appears feeds racists, because they see that if they use the term, they get a reaction out of people.
Which would mean keeping quiet about it and not calling it out. History tells us what happens when good men do nothing...

Althought I do agree that every time a black child appears wearing something having to do with monkeys, a white child should also appear wearing the same item, to hammer the point home that there is absolutely no link between monkeys and being black.

Which would mean keeping quiet about it and not calling it out. History tells us what happens when good men do nothing...

As I said, I think there is a difference between racist insults and a company misjudging an ad.

Althought I do agree that every time a black child appears wearing something having to do with monkeys, a white child should also appear wearing the same item, to hammer the point home that there is absolutely no link between monkeys and being black.

Yes. But whether their intent was racist / it is racist full stop, would parents of black or mixed race (black, not necessarily children with a white and e.g. Korean parent) really buy this pullover for their child? In English speaking countries?

Some non white people are offended.

End of discussion.

As I said, I think there is a difference between racist insults and a company misjudging an ad.
But it generated discussion and that's important if for no other reason than the clear demonstration that racism is alive and kicking and still being dismissed.

Some non white people are offended.

End of discussion.
No, that's the beginning of the discussion.

Why is it up for discussion?

Do we need to educate them about how they shouldn't be offended?

Do we need to change their minds?

I'm not saying it shouldn't be dismissed btw. I'm saying I'm sick of entering in to discussions with white people about why people shouldn't feel offended.

Do we need to educate them about how they shouldn't be offended?
We need to change the minds of the many folk on this thread, and the other, that seem to think that this is a reaction by 'the professionally offended'. We need to challenge racism every single time. Ergo, begin the discussion, don't close it down.

I'm not saying it shouldn't be dismissed btw. I'm saying I'm sick of entering in to discussions with white people about why people shouldn't feel offended.
I hear you!

How's it racist?

Very true it just bloody frustrates and baffles me so much that somebody feels they can tell other people how they can and should feel when they haven't got the first inkling of how it feels I lose the power of discussion and just want to tell everybody to fuck off!

Althought I do agree that every time a black child appears wearing something having to do with monkeys, a white child should also appear wearing the same item

Thorough background check to be done on white child to ensure they are truly white and not mixed race. All hell broke loose recently when Ross Barkley was said to look like a Gorila. He looks as white as they come but turns out he has a Nigerian grandfather.

I suggest pictures of an Asian, native American and hamster in the jumper for added security.

Way too many feels there. But I have the feels!

It's racist because every single one of my black friends feels it is.

It's racist because black people are STILL getting called 'monkey' as an insult.

It's very very simple.

Some non white people are offended.End of discussion.

The beginning, surely?
How is it OK to be "some none white people are offended, oh well, end of discussion?
Racist behaviour should ALWAYS be called out because it should not go unchallenged and ignored!

Yes let's all make jokes about it.

It's very funny.

Fucking hell. I love Mumsnet in many ways but some of you are so out of touch (giving you the benefit of the doubt that you're a bit naive and dim rather than out and out racist pricks.)

Did you actually just lump hampsters in with Asians and native Americans?! Fml.

I suggest pictures of an Asian, native American and hamster in the jumper for added security.

There was NO picture of a monkey on the damn jumper in the first place!
It's the wording, and the history, the fact that it's still a dehumanising slur today, nothing to do with a monkey picture, what part of this is so hard to understand?!

I'm confused. You seem to be on both sides.

Dreamy I meant the website should have a photo of a kid from each ethnic group wearing the jumper - so the message is clear this jumper can be worn be anyone/hamster.