Snapchat Audacity of Whiteness

Snapchat Audacity of Whiteness

It seems white men being in charge of digital evolution is not always the best idea, as snapchat is under fire for another quasi-racist filter. In a bizarre evolution of filters, it seems some could be construed to have racist elements:

 Whether or not Snapchat has a pro-diversity or inclusive environment for people of color, that many people are offended by the recent filter is clear from a number of trending articles.

The reality of Silicon valley's "whiteness", means offensive stereotypes can sometimes find their way into the product. In 2016, you have to wonder if this is the sort of PR you want and why you don't have checks and balances in the process. 

Snapchat previously had a Bob Marley filter that offended some people as well. 

And even for those filters that aren’t as overtly offensive, they subtly reinforce white superiority and reveal the lack of diversity in the product’s creators. Many of the lenses (flower crown, butterfly crown) whitewash users’ skin and lighten their eye color...

While this is a matter of debate, and certainly people have a right to air their views, it does reinforce the inclusion debate where tech companies are not representative institutions and where Hollywood and Silicon Valley basically reinforce a fundamentally stereotypical culture of whiteness. 

The yellowface filter gives you: 

  • excessively slants your eyes
  • rounds your cheeks
  • adds buckteeth for good measure

It's hard not to find it creepy and offensive

This isn't just controversial and very bad PR for Snapchat, this is exactly why Silicon valley needs a diversity check in leadership. This is not just a mistake, this is a snapshot at what's wrong with Silicon Valley and our best tech companies.

Inspired by Anime, really?

 

The so called anime-inspired lens has now been ditched

What do you think, is the silly yellowface filter offensive? Do companies inadvertently introduce white-bias (racism) and sexism into their products?
Maria Cristina Zambrano Neira

Propietaria Administradora y Emprendedora Independiente

8 年

Since it gave birth the media the world revolves around them. The different material or immaterial tendencies that are within the common life are directly related to the topics covered on TV, movies, video games and now, people are still deeply influenced by the era of apps. But the issues explode communications since its inception are excessive interest in outside (it looks and plays): nature, money, fame, body and sex, stands out in whatever medium (sports , artistic, scientific, etc.). Therefore, it is consequent to give birth this kind of products that do not quarrel with the global proposal: put aside respect for inside every human being. (Desde que se dieron a luz los medios de comunicación el mundo gira en torno a ellos. Las diferentes tendencias materiales o inmateriales que se ven dentro de la vida común están directamente relacionadas con los temas tratados en la TV, el cine, los video juegos y ahora, las personas están siendo profundamente influenciadas por la era de las apps. Pero, los temas que explotan las comunicaciones desde su inicio son el excesivo interés por lo exterior (se ve y se toca): la naturaleza, el dinero, la fama, el cuerpo y el sexo, resalta en cualquiera que sea el medio (deportivo, artístico, científico, etc.). Por lo tanto, es consecuente que se den a luz esta clase de productos que no ri?en con la propuesta mundial: dejar a un lado el respeto por el interior que tiene todo ser humano.)

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Cassandra Goff

Small Business Owner at Kekasmai 11

8 年

Seriously, why do people over think things! As children during Hallows Eve we dress up in costumes and makeup as things different from what we are...Indian, Asian, African, old, young, animal, monster, Cop, Robber, Cartoon, Squirrel... Who cares! Our society has turned politically correct into the boogie man! Who on earth thinks some silly filter is racist! It was probably created by an Asian! If people are so easily offended by smart phone apps, social media, television, news etc they need to lock themselves away in a room. #Merica needs to get a grip, we are a melting pot fascinated and scared with things not familiar! Embrace it! I love Bob Marley btw and being white I have Asian eyes... Point being, people love snapchat, if they didn't I would see every selfie on FB using Snapchat filters!

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Sultan Sallaj

Software Developer, Scrum Master, and Business Analyst

8 年

When I first saw that face, I didn't understand what was going on. It was just a face. I think the topic of this article is pretty lame, the real problem isn't snapchat, it's the people using it that think there are underlying meanings. Blatant, outright visualization using cultural overtones in a negative light.. THAT is racial, but now you can't even be subtle and showing an over zealous happy face and "sort of" tying it in with a culture.. because we'd be so afraid to offend someone God forbid. How about snapshat just remove all their features and make it rendered as useless.. that way no one gets offended. Does anyone detect my sarcasm?

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