The global cosmetics concern L’Oreal has announced that as part of the fight against racism, it ceases to use the words ‘white’, ‘whitening’ or ‘bright’ on the packaging of its face products. Other companies act similarly or announce such changes.
L’Oreal said that products intended for the skin will no longer have words such as “white, whitening or bright”. There is no indication in the statement whether and when the packages with these words will be withdrawn from sale.
Earlier, Unilever also changed the name of the brightening cream and undertook not to use the word “bright”. It was emphasized that the choice of words on the packaging suggested that white is the color that should be sought to achieve the “perfect shade”.
The media also deals with the packaging of the popular “Uncle Ben’s” rice, which features a portrait of a black man. The American company Mars announced that it is working on changing this graphic.
The future of “Pepito” cookies hangs on the thread, the packaging of which presents the Mexican and “Choco Pops” breakfast cereals, the symbol of which is the monkey.
Manifestations in the US and Europe after the death of African American George Floyd, strangled in May while detained by a policeman in Minneapolis, caused demands to change street names and remove monuments to heroes suspected of racism. As experts note, many companies fearing boycotts or lawsuits remove “incorrect” names and words from their marketing campaigns.
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PAP / BBC / Marcin R.
