Bath & Body Works recently faced criticism for their “Snowed In” candle design that unintentionally resembled hooded Klansmen. The snowflake-shaped design, which featured two holes on either side of its spindles, was deemed offensive by many social media users.
The company swiftly responded by removing the candle from its website and issuing an apology, stating their commitment to listening to feedback and correcting mistakes. They acknowledged the unintentional nature of the design and expressed their apologies to anyone offended.
The incident sparked discussions on social media about the importance of diversity and cultural sensitivity in the workplace. Some users attributed the mistake to a lack of diversity within Bath & Body Works’ marketing team, while others defended the company, stating that the resemblance was unintentional.
Although the company apologized and is removing the item, this isn’t their first racially insensitive incident; they previously faced backlash for releasing Kente print products for Black History Month. Retail workers have been instructed to destroy the candles, raising concerns about wastefulness. Some suggest donating the candles instead. This incident serves as a reminder for companies to be mindful of the potential interpretations of their designs and to prioritize inclusivity in their decision-making processes.
The public’s reaction to the candle’s design was largely negative, with many social media users criticizing the design for its resemblance to a KKK hood. Some users dubbed the design a “klandle” and attributed the mistake to a lack of diversity within Bath & Body Works’ marketing team. However, others defended the company, stating that the resemblance was unintentional and that it simply looked like a snowflake.
Lessons learned from this incident include:
- Companies need to be mindful of the potential interpretations of their designs.
- Inclusivity and cultural sensitivity should be prioritized in the decision-making process.
- Diverse teams can help identify potential issues before they become public.
- Companies should have a plan for handling mistakes, including issuing a sincere apology and taking corrective action.
- Consider alternatives to destruction when dealing with product recalls, such as donation.
