H&M: H&M hires diversity leader amidst ''monkey-hoodie'' controversy
Swedish fashion retailer
H&M says it has appointed a diversity leader following the outcry over its
ad that showed a black child dressed in a hoodie with the words ``coolest
monkey in the jungle.''''H&M first announced the appointment Tuesday
on its Facebook page. In
an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday, the retailer said Global Manager
for Employee Relations Annie
Wu, a company veteran, would be the new global leader for diversity and
inclusiveness.
The
retailer said on Facebook that it''s ``commitment to addressing diversity and
inclusiveness is genuine, therefore we have appointed a global leader, in this
area, to drive our work forward.''''The image of the boy modeling the sweatshirt
appeared online earlier this month and prompted accusations that H&M was
racist, or at least oblivious.
The
Stockholm-based company reiterated in its Facebook announcement that ``the recent
incident was entirely unintentional'''' but ``demonstrates so clearly how big our
responsibility is as a global brand.''''NBA star LeBron James and rapper Diddy were
among those who had responded with outrage to the ad. American rappers The Weeknd and G-Eazy
cancelled partnerships with H&M. In South Africa, there were protests at some H&M
stores. The response has been more muted in Europe.
The case
highlights how important it has become for multinationals to consider the
different cultural views and sensitivities in their sales markets. That''s
especially true as social media makes it possible for an ad posted in one
country to be shared and viewed around the world.
Source: Et.retail.com,India
Friday, 19 January 2018