Social Media has been booming after Nivea released an ad featuring a black man who appeared to be well-polished, ditching a head with an afro! Ever since then…social networks, the natural hair community, and many others have had A LOT to say. What should one gather from the caption: “RE-CIVILIZE YOURSELF — Look Like You Give A Damn”? I mean really!
I have different emotions about this ad, but one thing is for sure, this ad does come across culturally insensitive. It makes you wonder…were they suggesting that wearing an afro, natural hair, etc. makes you “uncivilized”? I think it goes beyond race and natural hair. Check out the deets to see why…
Did you know there was also an ad featuring a white man, with scraggly hair and a beard with the caption “RE-CIVILIZE YOURSELF — Sin City Isn’t An Excuse To Look Like Hell”. Check it out here.
After seeing both ads, some may still say it’s racist or culturally insensitive, but I just say it was just poor judgement.
Nivea issued a response via their Facebook page stating:
Thank you for caring enough to give us your feedback about the recent “Re-civilized” NIVEA FOR MEN ad. This ad was inappropriate and offensive. It was never our intention to offend anyone, and for this we are deeply sorry. This ad will never be used again. Diversity and equal opportunity are crucial values of our company.
How do you feel? I would like to hear your thoughts.
I appreciate Nivea for issuing an apology and removing the ad. Hopefully, everyone can move forward.
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I think that if racism hadn’t plagued America’s history the ad wouldn’t mean much. The reality is that it has. So you have to calibrate to this standard or risk being branded by mainstream America.