Bath & Body Works has found itself in hot water after a snowflake-themed candle sparked controversy due to its resemblance to Ku Klux Klan hoods. The candle, part of the company’s holiday collection, features a white paper cutout of snowflakes with pointed tips and two circular holes each, a design that some users online compared to the pointed white hoods worn by members of the hate group. While the company maintains that the resemblance was unintentional, it has pulled the product from its shelves and issued an apology to anyone who might have been offended.
A Design That Triggered Controversy
The snowflake-themed candle, named “Snowed In,” features a design that, while seemingly innocent, has been widely criticized. The white snowflakes, with their pointed tips and circular holes, inadvertently evoke the imagery associated with the KKK. Online, users pointed out the resemblance, with some even highlighting the candlelight shining through the holes, further amplifying the perceived connection.
Online Backlash
Social media played a crucial role in highlighting the issue. A Reddit thread titled “KKKKandles” discussed the controversial design, and Twitter users chimed in with their own interpretations. One user noted, “I’m pretty sure Bath & Body works didn’t envision anything other than a snowflake. That being said, I can’t unsee the reason they have been pulled from shelves,” acknowledging the company’s intent while emphasizing the impact of the design.
A Swift Response from Bath & Body Works
In the wake of the controversy, Bath & Body Works took swift action to address the issue. They pulled the candle from their website and shelves, ensuring it is no longer available for purchase. The company issued an official apology, acknowledging the “unintentional mistake” and promising to evaluate its processes going forward to prevent similar incidents.
A Commitment to Listening and Learning
“At Bath & Body Works, we are committed to listening to our teams and customers, and committed to fixing any mistakes we make — even those that are unintentional like this one,” the company stated in an email sent to CBS MoneyWatch. “We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and are evaluating our process going forward.” This public apology highlights the company’s commitment to learning from the situation and adjusting their design process to ensure more inclusivity.
The Cost of Unintentional Design Choices
The controversy surrounding the “Snowed In” candle showcases the potential consequences of even unintentional design choices. The KKK’s history of racism and violence makes the imagery particularly sensitive, and its association with the candle’s snowflake design has generated significant backlash. This situation serves as a stark reminder for businesses to exercise caution and careful consideration when creating product designs, especially those incorporating potentially ambiguous imagery.
Lessons Learned for Future Designs
For companies like Bath & Body Works, the experience with the “Snowed In” candle serves as a critical learning opportunity. The incident underlines the importance of thorough review and diverse perspectives when creating product designs. Sensitivity to potential negative interpretations, especially around potentially controversial imagery, should be paramount.
Takeaways
- Unintentional design choices can have significant consequences.
- Businesses should strive for inclusivity and sensitivity when creating products.
- Thorough review processes and diverse perspectives are essential in preventing controversial designs.
- Swift apologies and actions to address controversies are crucial to maintaining customer trust.