An ad posted by Converse on Threads on Thursday, September 3, has sparked controversy as the public says the image appears to feature KKK-like imagery.
RELATED: Target Apologizes For Jim Crow Minstrel-Style Children’s Halloween Costume Featuring Blackface Imagery
Converse Sparks Controversy With Ad
The Converse ad features a person wearing a white garment and black-and-white Converse sneakers. The person is also holding a pair of black and white all-star Chuck 70 X high-top sneakers as they stand on a star lit up with a spotlight.
One person shared the promo on Threads with the caption, “If you don’t know anything about what’s being said about this Converse photo ad on social media … Good. Tell me what you see with your own eyes.”
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As of Friday, September 18, the ad was still featured on Converse’ Threads’ page.
People React To KKK Promo
Folks weighed in with the quickness over the Converse ad on Threads, and everyone saw the same thing.
Target Also Shared Controversial Ad
As The Shade Room reported, Target apologized after the company shared an ad for a racist Halloween costume. Target promoted controversy with the “Kids’ Glows under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit” from Hyde & EEK! Boutique line.
The costume looks exactly like Blackface caricatures from the minstrel show and Jim Crow eras.
Minstrel shows were performed by white folks wearing shoe polish, burnt cork, or on their faces. They portrayed Black people as cowardly, ignorant, lazy, superstitious, hyper-sexual, and foolish. Additionally, they painted exaggerated smiles on their faces. The Target costume featured the same offensive images, and backlash ensued. Subsequently, Target issued an apology.
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” reads the statement. “The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”
