American Eagle Ad Sparks Fierce Debate Over Sydney Sweeney’s “Good Genes”

Actress’s latest campaign ignites controversy, drawing accusations of promoting eugenics and fascistic propaganda, while others hail it as anti-woke triumph.

A recent advertising campaign for American Eagle, featuring actress **Sydney Sweeney**, has ignited a firestorm of online debate. The ads, which play on the double meaning of “genes” and “jeans,” have been interpreted by some as subtly promoting eugenics and by others as a rejection of progressive advertising.

Playing with Words, and Controversy

The campaign centers on a spoken line, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color,” followed by Sweeney’s remark, “My jeans are blue.” This wordplay is the foundation of the promotion for American Eagle’s new collection, developed in collaboration with the actress. One item, jeans with a butterfly appliqué symbolizing domestic violence awareness, will contribute proceeds to the Crisis Text Line.

Sydney Sweeney’s new American Eagle ad is definitely… something. The vocal fry, the pause, the jeans. 😭

— Pop Culture ✅ (@PopCultur2024) May 14, 2024

“My body’s composition is determined by my genes,” **Sweeney** states in another clip, as the camera focuses on her famously discussed physique. She then directs attention upward with, “Hey! Eyes up here,” before the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” appears.

From Ad Campaign to Culture War Flashpoint

The ads quickly became a viral meme, polarizing public opinion. Critics have decried the campaign, alleging racial undertones, the promotion of eugenics, and even fascistic propaganda. Conversely, supporters have embraced **Sweeney** as a jeans model, celebrating the commercials as a blow against “woke” advertising. This division highlights the increasingly charged nature of cultural discourse, where even fashion advertisements can become battlegrounds.

The controversy echoes historical advertising tactics. A similar campaign from the 1980s featured **Brooke Shields** for Calvin Klein, with the actress reciting a scientific statement about genetics before a suggestive tagline. Critics of the **Sweeney** ads argue that in today’s hyper-aware climate, a white woman being presented as the epitome of “great genes” is inherently problematic, regardless of intent.

In 2023, the average American spent nearly 13 hours a week on social media, illustrating the pervasive influence these platforms have on shaping public opinion and trends, as reported by Statista (Statista 2024).

Sweeney’s Image: A Tumultuous Journey

The backlash against the American Eagle ads is not an isolated incident but rather an inflection point for **Sweeney**, whose public image has been subject to intense scrutiny and varied interpretations since her career ascent. Her role as Cassie in HBO’s *Euphoria* cemented her status as a sex symbol, often leading to her being typecast and her other talents overlooked.

Further complicating her public perception were incidents like the 2022 dustup surrounding photos from her mother’s birthday party, where some attendees wore MAGA-style hats. **Sweeney** clarified that the individuals were not her family and that the hats were worn humorously. Despite these events, she has showcased considerable acting range in projects like *The Handmaid’s Tale*, *The White Lotus*, and the critically acclaimed film *Reality*, where she portrayed NSA whistleblower **Reality Winner**.

**Sweeney** also demonstrated business acumen by founding her production company and co-starring in the hit rom-com *Anyone but You*. She has spoken about her persistent financial concerns, which led to numerous brand deals. One widely shared piece by Kelsey McKinney defended **Sweeney**, arguing against the disproportionate earnings of CEOs compared to actresses whose labor fuels their profits.

Shifting Public Perception

While initially eliciting sympathy, **Sweeney’s** public image has shifted recently. Rumors of a romantic involvement with *Anyone but You* co-star **Glen Powell** resurfaced after she attended his sister’s wedding, sparking gossip. Additionally, some of her brand partnerships, like selling soap containing her bathwater for Dr. Squatch, have been perceived as overly commercial or attention-seeking.

Her attendance at **Jeff Bezos** and **Lauren Sánchez**’s wedding in Venice, a widely criticized event, further tarnished her glamorous image. Photographs of her with **Orlando Bloom** shortly after his breakup with **Katy Perry** also fueled unflattering speculation.

A Star’s Slipping Capital

Social media discourse has increasingly labeled **Sweeney** a “pick-me,” suggesting she has alienated her female fanbase. This demographic, crucial for celebrity support, typically overlooks perceived flaws if presented with authenticity or vulnerability. However, **Sweeney’s** recent actions, including alleged romantic entanglements, questionable sponsorships, and association with high-profile, controversial figures, have eroded that goodwill.

Ultimately, celebrity functions as a sales mechanism, promoting products from movies to bathwater soap. To expect more from public figures is to invite disappointment. While the American Eagle ad’s interpretation as eugenics might be debatable, the broader message from a significant portion of the public is clear: the appeal of **Sweeney’s** brand has waned.