THEn these hours, a statement from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is causing controversy. According to the English Advertising Standards Authority, a photograph of FKA Twigs (American singer and rapper) taken for Calvin Klein represents «a stereotypical sexual object». Therefore it is good to ban it.
A decision that takes place amidst applause for Jeremy Allen White. Actor fresh from the Golden Globe for the series The Bear and protagonist of a new campaign for the same brand’s underwear – undressed like FKA Twigs but far from being reprimanded as a dangerous stereotype. Two weights and two measures?
FKA Twigs and the shots for Calvin Klein
The offending photograph – released in the spring of last year – is part of the campaign Calvins or Nothing: FKA Twigs appears with her naked body partially covered by a shirt.
As reported by the BBCalmost a year later, photography is banned in the UK because it would draw “the viewer’s attention to the model’s body and not to the advertised clothing”. This would make her “a stereotypical sexual object”. Hence the conclusion: «We have come to the conclusion that it is an irresponsible advertisement likely to cause serious offence».
FKA Twigs and Jeremy Allen White in their respective shots for the Calvin Klein campaigns. (Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott)
FKA Twigs’ comment: «I will not allow my narrative to be changed»
FKA Twigs, who commented, is not of the same opinion on social media this decision. «I don’t see any stereotypical sexual objects. Instead, I see a beautiful, strong black woman whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine.”
«To be clear – she then added – I am proud of my physicality and believe that the art I create is worthy of women like Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt and Grace Jones who have broken down barriers». The conclusion is strong. “I will not allow my narrative to be changed.”
And in the meantime, only applause for Jeremy Allen White
This controversy comes just a few days after the release of a new Calvin Klein advertising campaign. This time there is a man as the protagonist. And it’s about Jeremy Allen WhiteAmerican actor best known for his roles in series Shameless And The Bear.
His campaign shots immediately went viral. And the actor became in a few hours a new Hollywood sex symbol. In his case, no one saw “stereotypical sexual objects.” A case?
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