In an attempt to promote pool safety across the States, the American Red Cross stuffed up.
The humanitarian organisation used a poster depicting a whole lot of children around the pool, involved in various activities to show people what’s “cool” and what’s “not cool” around the pool – but it was “super racist”.
Check it:
While there are five “not cool” activities and only two “cool” activities (and two lifeguards) it’s just unfortunate that none of the “cool” activities are being done by black people. Instead, they are actively engaged in 4/5 “not cool” activities, like pushing someone into the pool. Tut tut.
After receiving masses of criticism, the American Red Cross has had to apologise:
The American Red Cross appreciates and is sensitive to the concerns raised regarding one of the water safety posters we produced. We deeply apologize for any misunderstanding, as it was absolutely not our intent to offend anyone. As one of the nation’s oldest and largest humanitarian organizations, we are committed to diversity and inclusion in all that we do, every day.
“Going forward, we are developing more appropriate materials that are more representative of our workforce and the communities we serve. Our aquatic instructors have been notified of these concerns and we will advocate that our aquatic partner facilities remove the poster until revised materials are available.
Obviously, most of the backlash came via the Twittersphere:
According to Black Kids Swim, an online resource for African-American families involved in swimming, the posters have been used since 2014. Representative Ebony Rosemund said:
When I saw the poster, I just, was just very saddened that the Red Cross had chosen to put out an image that might… discourage African-Americans from trying swimming if they were new to it, and also something that would extend a negative stereotype.
How can an organization that prides itself on being so open-minded, so understanding of the diverse populations of the world, create something like this?
Want to avoid this in the future? Get a seriously woke consultant.
[source: statesman]
