Calls to boycott Dove products
The South African National Civic Organisations (SANCO) has called on consumers to stop buying Dove products.
This is after an advert by Dove, depicting a black woman taking off a brown t-shirt, insinuating that her skin colour changes after using the product.
The next frame shows a picture of a white woman already taking off the brown t-shirt, wearing a white one underneath.
ALSO READ: Dove apologises for offensive Facebook post
SANCO spokesperson Jabu Mahlangu says the advert is an insult to millions of people celebrating black history during this month.
He believes consumers should boycott Dove products.
"What they have done is prejudicial, racist and an insult to so many people in the world. Our view is that the advert reinforces racial stereotypes that promotes discrimination of people based on the complexion of their skin colour."
Dove has since apologised for the pictures it posted on Facebook and expressed deep regret over the incident.
An image we recently posted on Facebook missed the mark in representing women of color thoughtfully. We deeply regret the offense it caused.
— Dove (@Dove) October 7, 2017
Social media has also seen an emergence of the #BoycottDove hashtag.
The hashtag is calling on consumers, who may be loyal to the brand, to stop buying the products.
"For normal to dark"
— . (@ThatoR_) October 8, 2017
So dark skin isn't normal?#boycottdove pic.twitter.com/ptlAl9rhCw
There only way to boycott #dove is to literally stop buying #Unilever products, changing soap or lotion won't suffice. pic.twitter.com/xv0JsVAAGn
— 🗿tokelo fako🗿 (@Pfatles) October 8, 2017
Boycott @Dove IF OUR SKIN ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH, NEITHER IS OUR MONEY! I WILL NEVER BUY @Dove. Again# #BoycottDove.
— Portrice Conkey (@Portrice2) October 8, 2017