Ad Depicts Man As “Uncivilized”

*Pulls on angry black man hat.

Yes, it’s that time again….folks. Another company has decided to use racial stereotypes to sell a product. This time Nivea joins the ranks of companies like Cadbury, who make public apologies after they’ve been caught red-handed – using negative depictions of blacks for an intended profit.

The skin car giant found itself in hot water after angry backlash from the black community over a recent ad.

Esquire magazine’s September issues features the Nivea ad which shows a clean-shaven black man with a caesar, holding a mask of black man with facial hair and an afro. (above)

The caption reads, “Re-civilize yourself.”

So in order for black men to be viewed as “civilized” we must have closely cropped haircuts and shaved faces?

What’s ironic is that a black man is reportedly behind the offensive ad.

A source told Clutch that the campaign was thought up by a black man, name Cliff Carson VP of PMK BNC, a New York company that handles the branding and marketing for Nivea.

The one featuring a white model reads, “Sin City isn’t an excuse to look like Hell.”

I’m just NOT buying that Nivea didn’t see the racial implications associated with this ad.

From Nivea’s Facebook page:

“Thank you for caring enough to give us your feedback about the recent “Re-civilized” NIVEA FOR MEN ad. This ad was inappropriate and offensive. It was never our intention to offend anyone, and for this we are deeply sorry. This ad will never be used again. Diversity and equal opportunity are crucial values of our company.”

I’m so sick and tired of companies pushing the limits and apologizing…..AFTER THE FACT.

How about they take some racial insensitivity courses and just don’t do it in the first place?

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