Dove is facing backlash for a soap advertisement because it has been perceived as racist by the public. People have taken to social media to call out the brand for not representing people of color positively and many are boycotting the brand. But this is not the first time the brand has been criticized for being offensive. Their "intentions" may have been good, but the advertisement is ignorant and "tone deaf" to the issue of colorism within our society. Dove is not the first brand to be considered "tone deaf" when it comes to issues like this. In the advertisement, it shows a black woman that turns into a white woman. She is seen taking off her t-shirt to reveal a white woman. There is also a third woman in the video who is non-white. This has triggered an outcry in many for a number of reasons but I will only name a few.

1. The ad whitewashes

We have seen more brands being diverse and inclusive to other races and cultures. It is becoming a trend. For so long, women of color have been under-represented in some areas. Including the beauty community and in the media to name a few. But diversity should mean more than representation. With this advertisement, Dove missed the mark of representing women of color in a positive way.

2. This has not been the first time there have been ads like this.

Soap companies used to use racist ads all the time and have been racially insensitive. They are nothing new. This advertisement is similar to the advertisements of past soap companies that have used white supremacy to sell their products. It's disheartening that people of color are still experiencing racial insensitivity and lack of diversity from brands today. There have been many advertisements from beauty to technology that have been offensive and lacked diversity. Dove has been a brand that has rejected the standard and racial ideals of beauty in its commercials. On their website, they claim to be the "home of real beauty." That "beauty is not defined by shape, size, or color." If they are a brand that strives to be inclusive of everyone, why would they produce an ad like this? What were they going for? Did they really think that this ad would make people of color want to buy their product?

3. The ad seemingly associates cleanliness and beauty with whiteness

This advertisement seems to associate cleanliness and beauty with whiteness, while dirtiness is associated with being black. This is dangerous because it enforces stereotypes and continually maintains the principles of white supremacy. The advertisements purpose may not have been to offend but it was still released and Dove is not the only company to release offensive and racist advertisements.

The company has since removed the advertisement and has apologized stating that "An image we recently posted on Facebook missed the mark in representing women of color thoughtfully. We deeply regret the offense it caused." Lola Ogunyemi, who is the black model that appeared in the advertisement says that it was not racist and that it celebrated diversity. Do you think this advertisement was racist? Did it celebrate diversity?