The latest participants in the fray are a Chinese food company and Mercedes-Benz, a German automaker.
Chinese customers complained that Three Squirrels, a local snack brand, featured ads for noodles on its Weibo microblogging platform. The advertisements featured a Chinese model with slanted eyes. Critics claimed that the company propagated Western stereotypes.
Some Chinese online attacked Mercedes Benz, accusing it of using a model with "slanted eye" in its Weibo ads. The company didn't immediately respond to our requests for comment.
The stereotype of "slanted eyes" was first created in the West during the 19th century. It is offensive to Asians and is derogatory.
Following a backlash against luxury brand Dior's advertisements, Dior apologized and took a photo of an exhibition that showed an Asian model wearing Dior handbags. The photo featured a model wearing dark makeup and freckles. The company responded to criticisms in China by saying that it "respects" the feelings of Chinese people.
BEIJING (AP), -- Chinese models in advertisements have caused a rift in China, raising concerns about whether their makeup and appearance perpetuates negative stereotypes of Asians.
The latest participants in the fray are a Chinese food company and Mercedes-Benz, a German automaker.
Chinese customers complained that Three Squirrels, a local snack brand, featured ads for noodles on its Weibo microblogging platform. The advertisements featured a Chinese model with slanted eyes. Critics claimed that the company propagated Western stereotypes.
Some Chinese online attacked Mercedes Benz, accusing it of using a model with "slanted eye" in its Weibo ads. The company didn't immediately respond to our requests for comment.
The stereotype of "slanted eyes" was first created in the West during the 19th century. It is offensive to Asians and is derogatory.
Following a backlash against luxury brand Dior's advertisements, Dior apologized and took a photo of an exhibition that showed an Asian model wearing Dior handbags. The photo featured a model with darkened eyes and freckles. The company responded to criticisms in China by saying that it "respects" the feelings of Chinese people.
