Two of America’s beloved blondies have caused waves across the internet due to what fans deem “controversial” marketing decisions. Sydney Sweeney and Sabrina Carpenter have both been the hot topic among pop culture for the past few months, and here’s why.
Sabrina Carpenter has recently come under fire for a few reasons, the more minor being speculation over her new album promotions seeming to be ‘Lolita’ inspired. ‘Lolita’ was a controversial book about a grown man being obsessed with a twelve year old girl, who was also his step daughter. Many fans take issue with this due to the original context of ‘Lolita.’ While many of her diehard supporters defend her by saying that she had no control over the photo shoot, others have made many side-by-side comparisons that are undeniably similar in nature.
Next up on the list for Sabrina is the picture she has chosen for her newest album cover. The album titled ‘Man’s Best Friend’ depicts her on all fours with a hand in her hair, meant to resemble a dog. Fans are criticizing this choice of pose by labeling it as objectifying and harmful towards women’s image. Although fans once again have tried to make Carpenter seem innocent by comparing it to her ‘Juno poses’ that she does at concerts, it has sparked a debate between sexualization and objectification.
Also facing heat in the objectification category is Sydney Sweeney, who lately has been America’s hot topic. Previously featured in a Dr. Squatch advertisement while selling men’s body soap that also caused a rift on social media, Sweeney has taken on a new role in the women’s jean industry. American Eagle launched their new campaign revolving around the main slogan “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.” Fans have issues with this for a number of reasons, with the main being how it focuses on sexualizing Sweeney rather than selling the clothes. Opinions across social media express that female shoppers are now less likely to purchase the clothes due to the way they are being marketed. The jeans are intended for a female audience, while the advertisement seems to focus more on the audience that is attracted to females. There is even a clip circulating that slowly pans down from Sweeney’s neck, before she says, “Hey, eyes up here!” without once revealing the actual jeans she was wearing.
Others have even taken the advertising a step further, saying it is offensive propaganda towards blue-eyed, blonde eugenics. This is definitely more of an extremist standpoint, but it is based on Sweeney’s “my jeans are blue,” comment, which was made in one of her most well-known advertisements.
The internet has started to become much more of a controversial place in recent times, and celebrities not using their platforms positively have definitely impacted many opinions. Female figures in general should be mindful of what uplifts women rather than solely using their good looks to gain attention. If more of their platform were used to promote female power, young girls would see a much better example from the media.
