Snapchat Defends Bob Marley 4/20 Filter From Blackface Accusations
Snapchat released a new filter today in memory of Bob Marley for today’s National Weed Day. The filter masks the users face with Bob Marley’s face and add’s his signature hat along with his dreads. Snapchat’s users accused the company of racism for this filter.
“Some social media users are accusing the filter of supporting modern-day “blackface,” while others are angry the late reggae icon is being portrayed as a marijuana symbol (Bradley).”
As of early this morning, Snapchat had not made a defense on social media but did have an emailed statement. This statement read, “”The lens we launched today was created in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate and gives people a new way to share their appreciation for Bob Marley and his music. Millions of Snapchatters have enjoyed Bob Marley’s music, and we respect his life and achievements.”
When I first saw the filter this morning, I did not think this was offensive an any way and just saw it as celebrating Bob Marley’s life and music. I can see how users would say this can be taken offensively and that Bob Marley is more than a marijuana user. How do you feel about this filter?
Read more at http://www.prweek.com/article/1392067/snapchat-defends-bob-marley-4-20-filter-blackface-accusations#VioW5fmDeIqQ3MSZ.99
Feature Image: http://www.prweek.com/article/1392067/snapchat-defends-bob-marley-4-20-filter-blackface-accusations
I Want More Points 
I personally saw snapchat using Bob Marley as a filter as just another strategic creative aspect of snapchat. Snapchat is always doing fun and creative things, and they were honoring Bob Marley, and I can also see how some would be offended due to the day it was the snapchat filter. I do not think snapchat was trying to shed any negative light on Bob Marley. I believe that when it comes to the negativity they responded extremely well do the accusation.
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Well I could see where they were coming from with this filter but then everyone has different perspectives and the way they saw the filter is different from one another. I like how they were able to give a statement and state why they did what they did and how it was not a way for them to offend anyone that felt offended by the filter.
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