You’d think Snapchat would have learned after that blackface Bob Marley filter fiasco…
The most entertaining thing about Snapchat is probably playing around with the fun filters, seeing yourself with weird eyes or a butterfly crown.
But unfortunately, the photo-sharing app took ANOTHER new filter too far!
Photo: Khlo├â┬⌐ Kardashian Thought It Was A Good Idea To Wear Bantu Knots…
The app designed a new option that users are calling “yellowface,” because it makes the subject’s face look like a racist Asian cartoon.
People flocked to Twitter to slam Snapchat for racism and cultural appropriation, writing:
.@Snapchat wanna tell me why u thought this yellowface was ok?? pic.twitter.com/sgpW4AFPsE
— grace (@tequilafunrise) August 9, 2016
@Snapchat uh this filter is racist pic.twitter.com/oQXm9QcrVk
— k #STUCK (@engravedhearts) August 9, 2016
Hey @Snapchat what’s with continually creating #racist filters targeting Asians? #snapchat #racism #wtf pic.twitter.com/5faI1ptTt0
— Maggie Roque (@mhroque) August 9, 2016
still wrapping my mind around fact that snapchat made a filter that replaces eyes with slits to make ppl look Asian https://t.co/bl2kouj217
— Julia Carrie Wong (@juliacarriew) August 10, 2016
Snapchat reaching Urban Outfitters-levels of cultural stupidity https://t.co/7NJbx3M7vr
— Lori McCue (@LoriMcCue) August 10, 2016
@Snapchat @snapchatsupport idk if u realize, but this filter is yellowface and u should take it down pic.twitter.com/MLSHz0Bbkl
— hpic (@limb_light) August 9, 2016
We’re honestly surprised Snapchat execs didn’t realize how offensive the selfie lens was until AFTER all the backlash, but the company quickly removed it.
However, spokespeople for the app insists it didn’t mean any offense by the filter, telling The Verge that it was meant to be playful because it was inspired by anime.
Ummmmm. We’re pretty sure there are less racist ways to depict anime characters than the option they put out into the world.
But they seemed to have learned their lesson with this one; users will be relieved to know that filter won’t be put back into circulation.
Hopefully Snapchat will actually think before releasing a filter next time.
[Image via Twitter.]
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