A major American retailer has stopped selling its new winter-themed candle over backlash from shoppers who said its design resembled Ku Klux Klan hoods. The controversy came to the forefront after some commenters online criticized the retailer for the paper snowflake design as it resembled the hoods worn by Klansmembers.
The Ku Klux Klan is a U.S. white supremacist group formed in 1865 to inflict violence and terror against Black Americans. The imagery of the KKK hood has become a hate symbol, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
"At Bath and Body Works, we are committed to listening to our teams and customers and committed to fixing any mistakes we make -- even those that are unintentional like this one," the company said in an emailed statement.
"We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and evaluating our process going forward."
The Controversy
The candle attracted a lot of attention online when it was first reportedly unveiled last week. Some shoppers took to social media to express their outrage, with some saying the design was reminiscent of the white hoods worn by members of the Ku Klux Klan.
"How did they not see that coming? glad they took it down tho. Sometimes companies really need to double-check their designs before dropping them," wrote X user Nathalie May (@nathaliemayy) on Oct. 10, which was among comments in response to a TMZ post about the candle.
"It looks like little Alien Klansmen," wrote another user called Тσnι (@DymeLatte).
However, not everyone agreed that the design was offensive. Some argued that the comparison to the KKK was a stretch and that people were looking for reasons to be offended.
"This is actually just stupid," ChaoticNerd (@nerds4nerds) wrote. "There is nothing racist about this. People are looking for reasons to race bait."
The Impact
The controversy has highlighted the importance of careful design and sensitivity when it comes to products that are marketed to a wide audience. It has also raised questions about the role of social media in amplifying public outrage and shaping public discourse.
Bath and Body Works has a long history of selling holiday-themed candles, and they are a significant source of revenue for the company. Candles have become a staple for the company beyond soaps and lotions. Its holiday-scented candles make up nearly 40 per cent of its annual sales, according to an analyst. The company's decision to pull the Snowed In candle suggests that the potential for damage to its brand reputation outweighed the potential profits from the sale of the candle.
Learning from the Experience
The Bath and Body Works controversy is a reminder that even well-intentioned companies can make mistakes, and that these mistakes can have serious consequences. It is important for companies to be mindful of the potential impact of their products and to take steps to avoid causing offense. In the age of social media, it is more important than ever for companies to be sensitive to the diverse perspectives of their customers. The company's apology and swift removal of the candle show a commitment to listening to its customers and fixing any mistakes it makes. This approach is likely to be welcomed by customers, and it may help to mitigate any damage to the company's reputation.
The Bath and Body Works controversy serves as a cautionary tale for businesses, reminding them to be vigilant in avoiding potentially offensive imagery and designs in their products. The company's response demonstrates that swift action and sincere apologies can help to repair damage and maintain a positive public image. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Bath and Body Works' future sales, but it is clear that the company has learned a valuable lesson about the importance of sensitivity and inclusivity in its design choices.
