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“Keep Your Apologies”: Bath & Body Works’ Candles Spark Massive Debate Over Controversial Designs
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“Keep Your Apologies”: Bath & Body Works’ Candles Spark Massive Debate Over Controversial Designs

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Bath & Body Works discontinued its winter-themed “Snowed In” candle products after drawing comparisons to the Ku Klux Klan. Amid stirring controversy on social media, the American retail company issued an apology, stating that its questionable designs were “unintentional.”

Earlier this month, Bath & Body Works released a package design for a three-wick winter candle stylized paper snowflake.

Highlights
  • Bath & Body Works apologized for a controversial candle design.
  • The 'Snowed In' candle drew comparisons to Ku Klux Klan imagery.
  • The candle was pulled from the website and retail stores.
  • An eBay listing sold the candle despite its controversial design.
  • Dr. Collins stressed the importance of diversity in business to avoid missteps.

The product, adorned with six white ghostly figures seemingly wearing white pointed hoods, quickly sparked outrage online.

Instagrammer “_scentsgalore” shared a snap of the problematic design on October 9, stating: “@bathandbodyworks removed this candle from the site! 

“Don’t be surprised if we do not see this one in store! Initially, I did not see it but now I can’t unsee it! 

“Do better @bathandbodyworks! People are quick [to] cancel brands [whether] they had ill intentions or not! 

“Corporate is responsible for approving these designs and nobody caught this?”

Bath & Body Works discontinued its winter-themed “Snowed In” candle products 

Image credits: Larry Hachucka

“Snowed In” further gained traction on Reddit’s “Bath and Body Works” community page, as a Redditor commented: “Out of all the ‘paper snowflake’ designs to go with, they go with this one? 

“I’ve made a lot of paper snowflakes as a kid and none of them ever had two eye holes in the point.”

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A person wrote: “The Klan Krismas Kandle?!? No, thank you, ma’am.”

Someone else penned: “Hate it, KKK or scary Martians.”

A separate individual chimed in: “Looks like we have KKK candles now…lol I cannot unsee this!”

Image credits: Johor Premium Outlets

The infamous candle has since been pulled from the Bath & Body Works website and retail locations.

Moreover, the company issued the following message: “At Bath & Body Works, we are committed to listening to our teams and customers and committed to fixing any mistakes we make, even those that are unintentional like this one. 

“We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and are evaluating our process going forward.”

“Snowed In” candles drew comparisons to the Ku Klux Klan

Image credits: Bath and Body Works

Nevertheless, the candle appeared to have been sold on eBay, with one person attempting to sell one for $350, CNN reported on Monday (October 14). 

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According to the e-commerce company’s website, the listing sold on Monday at 1:53 PM. The candle remained on eBay since it was not explicitly racist, as per CNN.

“eBay policies prohibit listings that include racist terms or language,” a company spokesperson said. “Any items being marketed using racist language will be blocked or removed.”

Image credits: bathandbodyworksmexico

Dr. Marcus Collins, a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, commented on the controversy, writing for Forbes on Monday: “Despite the swift action of the retailer, one can’t help but wonder how this sort of misstep continues to happen.”

Dr. Collins went on to highlight Heinz’s recent mishap that saw two of its ketchup advertisements accused of perpetuating racial bias against Black people.

One of Heinz’s recent ads faced significant criticism for seemingly erasing Black fathers, while another was compared to Blackface.

Amid the stirring controversy on social media, the American retailing company issued an apology

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Image credits: communityfostercare

“The act of interpretation is a complex phenomenon,” Dr. Collins explained. “The world presents itself with an endless stream of information that hits our senses, which we attempt to make sense of in order to engage with it.” 

He continued: “This cognitive process is not neutral. Instead, it is colored and influenced by the cultural frames that help us make meaning of the gigabytes of data we encounter every day. 

“That’s why when some see a Black man eating a messy burger that leaves a ketchup residue reminiscent of a Joker smile, they see a Halloween-themed iconography, while others might see a symbolic reference to minstrel Blackface.”

Image credits: communityfostercare

The professor concluded: “Remember, at the end of the day, it’s not about your intention but about your words’ impact on others. 

“So next time, when you’re crafting a message, take a moment to consider not just what you’re saying but how it might be translated by people who operate by a different meaning-making system than you do. 

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“This is why diversity is so unbelievably critical for contemporary business: because you can’t see what you don’t see.”

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a white supremacist hate group founded in 1865 in Pulaski, Tennessee, USA, shortly after the American Civil War. 

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a white supremacist hate group founded in 1865 in Pulaski, Tennessee, shortly after the American Civil War

Image credits: From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

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It was initially formed to oppose Reconstruction and intimidate newly freed African Americans, using violence and terrorism to uphold white dominance. 

The group experienced multiple revivals in the 20th century, targeting not only Black Americans but also immigrants, Catholics, Jews, and other minorities. While diminished today, the KKK remains a symbol of racism and hate in the US.

The KKK’s uniforms typically consist of long, white robes with pointed hoods that cover the face, often leaving only the eyes visible. 

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Image credits: Underwood & Underwood

These outfits are designed to create an intimidating, ghost-like appearance and to conceal the wearers’ identities during acts of violence and intimidation. 

The robes sometimes feature symbols like crosses, with variations in color and design signifying different ranks within the group.

Most iterations of the KKK continued to decline in 2023, coupled with efforts by certain factions to rebrand and reinvent themselves, according to The Southern Poverty Law Center.

Of the 11 active groups in 2022, only eight have sustained their operations. Notably, some previously dormant Klan groups reactivated their presence in 2023, while two new groups formed.

“My first reaction was KKK,” a reader commented

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Andréa Oldereide

Andréa Oldereide

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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I’m a journalist who works as Bored Panda’s News Team's Senior Writer. The news team produces stories focused on pop culture. Whenever I get the opportunity and the time, I investigate and produce my own exclusive stories, where I get to explore a wider range of topics. Some examples include: “Doberman Tobias the viral medical service dog” and “The lawyer who brought rare uterine cancer that affects 9/11 victims to light”. You've got a tip? email me: andrea.o@boredpanda.com

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Andréa Oldereide

Andréa Oldereide

Writer, BoredPanda staff

I’m a journalist who works as Bored Panda’s News Team's Senior Writer. The news team produces stories focused on pop culture. Whenever I get the opportunity and the time, I investigate and produce my own exclusive stories, where I get to explore a wider range of topics. Some examples include: “Doberman Tobias the viral medical service dog” and “The lawyer who brought rare uterine cancer that affects 9/11 victims to light”. You've got a tip? email me: andrea.o@boredpanda.com

Donata Leskauskaite

Donata Leskauskaite

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Hey there! I'm a Visual Editor in News team. My responsibility is to ensure that you can read the story not just through text, but also through photos. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from celebrity drama to mind-blowing Nasa cosmic news. And let me tell you, that's what makes this job an absolute blast! Outside of work, you can find me sweating it out in dance classes or unleashing my creativity by drawing and creating digital paintings of different characters that lives in my head. I also love spending time outdoors and play board games with my friends.

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Donata Leskauskaite

Donata Leskauskaite

Author, BoredPanda staff

Hey there! I'm a Visual Editor in News team. My responsibility is to ensure that you can read the story not just through text, but also through photos. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from celebrity drama to mind-blowing Nasa cosmic news. And let me tell you, that's what makes this job an absolute blast! Outside of work, you can find me sweating it out in dance classes or unleashing my creativity by drawing and creating digital paintings of different characters that lives in my head. I also love spending time outdoors and play board games with my friends.

What do you think ?
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Gary
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lets face it, as a species we are doomed. We are all going to have to stay in our rooms, say nothing and do nothing, for fear of offending a young person.

Daniela Lavanza
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you. So the design of something is bad and some people immediately think of something offensive? WTF? I for one saw a paper flower, definitely not a snowflake indeed...but KKK? I guess some see evil everywhere because they want to. And this kind of oversensitive reaction doesn't help stop real hate.

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Carl Roberts
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An image of a snowflake causes "outrage" amongst the sensitive snowflakes. Oh, the irony,

Scotira
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jup, just like that one person who tried to sue Maoam bc they "saw" the Lemon and Orange have sex and thought it was inappropriate to have that on sweets. No joke, I think this happened in the UK 🤣🤣🤣🤦🏻‍♀️

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Tamra
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so damn stupid. Some people just look for reasons to be outraged.

Daria
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and the media encourage this behavior, especially BP (Reddit) with its never-ending AITA craр

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Eroe Infinito
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate when companies apologize for someone else's weak constitution. Never leave your house if you can be offended by something so utterly silly.

KDS
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone hadn’t mentioned the design resemblance to the kkk I never would have thought that, I simply would have seen snowflakes.

Floeckchen
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the 4% voters for "No, more should have been done" after apologizing and taking the design out of the market. Can you please explain what should have been done? Paying the therapy for all the triggered and traumatized customers? Incarcerate the designer?

Terran
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With pitchforks and torches they should have raided the candle factory. No mercy to the fascists, burn everything down until only scorched earth is left. War and violence are the only language these graphic designers and candle producers understand! /J

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Traveling Lady Railfan
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although admittedly, my very first thought when I saw this paper snowflake design closeup was "huh, looks like KKK / albino aliens"... I can see what it's supposed to be (I'm a graphic designer and I also design optical illusions that can be seen two ways... So I'm used to seeing shapes and faces in objects that aren't supposed to contain shapes and faces). And I have to laugh because, if I had the ability to, I would have bought a case of these these candles. I just popped on eBay quickly and I see that there are several of these for sale, one of them started an auction two days ago, got 5 days left, 16 bidders and it's over $250 US. If people are so swayed by fads in the news that they have to have one of these (maybe a gag gift, maybe an influencer who wants to do a piece of it and has to have the prop in their hands)...meh... whatever.

Vinnie
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Years back, I had to design a logo and business card for a client with the initials IJ. When the client was *finally* happy, the initials were inside an oval, we printed the cards...Then two colleagues noticed that the negative space in the logo made a cross. The boss mumbled "Don't tell him" - and hoped the kosher caterer for synagogues didn't ask for do-over.

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Emma S
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those robes have a history going back to the medieval times, and were worn long before the clan adopted them as their uniform. Ask a Spanish or Italian person what those robes are for and you'll get a very different answer. Even today in Spain you'll see parades of people wearing them during Holy Week and statues of them. You can even buy little figurines in some shops in Spain.

John Harrison
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, but whatever historical meaning those robes had, today they mean something different. At least in America, there is a one-to-one correlation between those robes and white supremacist beliefs.

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Skogsrået
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lmao, the people complaining that it does not look like a snowflake are in fact themselves snowflakes and sure as hell act like it.

John Nelson
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The real problem is that people make lots of money by being "offended" by every little thing. Mostly people who have never suffered real discrimination or hardship.

Reta Murphy
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a snowflake! If you see something that is racist, maybe you are the racist.

Bobbi McGough Robert
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people are just looking for something to be offended by. If anything, the pictures looks more like an alien than KKK. Get over yourselves people!

Peter Bear
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I try really hard, I can maybe see space aliens. But this is absolutely in no way offensive by any stretch.

Michał Osiecki
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because of the title I looked at it and already knew some Murican will make it KKK, but this is that person's problem, even the shape is not the same, the similarities is white and 2 holes, is this like some fobia ie trypophobia?

Roberta Surprenant
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't notice anything until I went LOOKING for it due to headline. Some people just need to get a grip.

Je souhaite
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the dumbest thing ever probably being protested by people who can't afford bed n bath products

Midoribird Aoi
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wondered why space aliens 👽👽👽 were in a candle, before I read the story, to be honest. It took several seconds of staring before it clicked.

Ruby
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just saw a paper snowflake, nothing more. If people immediately see the KKK in this, it says more about their mindset, not the design

B
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I immediately saw a paper snowflake, but they are right to pull it or people will not let it go

William Teach
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Give me a break. It was a snowflake. People freaking out for no reason. But, hey, that's what happens these days. People are Offended over nothingburgers

Virgil Blue
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really didn't see anything untill they pointed it out and even then. It's just a paper star.

Philly Bob Squires
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw a bad snowflake or aliens. I had to kind of look hard to see KKK hoods. It's like "When I hear snowed in and see 3 feet of snow on the ground. I immediately think of a Klan rally!" NOOO!

Scott Rackley
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is getting way too old. It's a paper snowflake which every single kid in america has made at one time. If you're going to look for stuff to be offended by, you'll find it. Your interpretation of a paper snowflake being a kkk hood is all on you player. Toughen up and stop making victimhood your goal.

Baali Venomax
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Massive overreaction. To see that in a simple paper snowflake design says MORE about the people looking at it, than the design itself. Its a stretch at best. Shuttlecock with eyes? Sure. Snowflake or alien ghost sure, KKK? Not my first thought ever.

Arlene Harris
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

actually reminds me of that one teapot that looked like H**ler. Google "JC Penney teapot" and you'll find it. The problem is that we as humans are wired to find images in things, it's called pareidolia. And sometimes we see things that aren't meant to be there but once seen, cannot be unseen. This is why product marketing needs to run stuff by focus groups outside their own experience.

Marta Gaj
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is absurd! all I see there is a paper cutout napkin…some people are just ridiculous

Gene Gower
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever designed their "snowflake" has clearly never looked at a snowflake ... they are supposed to have six sides. While they were anthropomorphic, IMO I thought they looked more like aliens from South Park than KKK.

Lara Harris
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Christ, Americans loose their s**t over the most ridiculous things

csaclint
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the only snowflakes are the people being offended. I do wish society would just accepted that offended is not a valid personality type, and victim is not a valid profession.

KillerKiwi
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And today, snowflakes get offended over, wait for it, snowflakes. ❄️

Jan Kovář
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People always see what they want to see. If people see KKK, they should be questioned, not company that intention was a snowflake. Company should have reacted something like: We are really not responsible for your imagination.

TennesseeHomesteadUSA
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing like the KKK hood. I agree -- snowflake ! Looks like one and is presented by a Snowflake...

BrunoVI
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not even an option for "Holy s**t, these people are stupid; Bath & Body Works acted like reprehensibly timid idiots and should have told their critics to go f**k off."?

Jay Cee
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5af372edb98a7889a64d1f6a/1533137198799-FZBNJXO0F3EL8513B6NG/Semana+Santa_City+Nibbler_Seville?format=1500w

Jay Cee
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I appreciate peoples' concern but just hope they all stay away from Seville at Easter time or they'll be s******g themselves! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5af372edb98a7889a64d1f6a/1533137198799-FZBNJXO0F3EL8513B6NG/Semana+Santa_City+Nibbler_Seville?format=1500w

Kalevra
Community Member
1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a total none issue. Someone who only sees race saw it and it blew up from there. Then the media used Predictive Programing on you to make you believe it was racist too. If thought about for more than 5 seconds you would know that BBDubs would never do this intentionally.

Chip Wright
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's called SNOWed in. It is a Snowflake. WTF?! People need to stop this $hit! Stop putting hate and false material out there. Costing people money to pull product off the shelves because of these freaks? And Companies...Quit catering to these morons. Quit letting them have their way. You giving them the attention is additional fuel. If they see this c**p won't get them anywhere then it will stop.

Penny Gayler
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh for goodness sakes - people are too ready to be offended - I saw a Christmas decoration...... how you get to KKK is beyond me.

Star Frost
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

SERIOUSLY!? It's a snowflake... someone was LOOKING to start a problem. One day I hope companies have the balls to say "No.. that is NOT what it was supposed to be" and actually keep their design. You're never gonna please everyone.

Rattical Red
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've looked at the image, trying to figure out what's wrong. After reading in the article what the issue is, I still don't see it. I mean, okay, if you consider the two holes as eyes, it KINDA looks like figures, but only with a lot of fantasy. But I don't see KKK there. More like little spirits, if anything. Nothing offensive. Maybe that's a case of the saying "If you go into the forest to look for ghosts, you'll find ghosts aplenty, and nary a tree."

Stephen Lyford
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I honestly saw nothing more than a paper snowflake until I read the article. I think it's harmless and people are overreacting.

bbfa
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love B&BW. I don't believe they meant it to be anything but a snowflake. That's what I saw right away. Now the Klan reference is clear, but I'm certain unintentional. They are strongly a DEI company.

Miki
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People will always see s**t when it's not there. Ehhh. // actually @Lisa T comment is perfect.

Cerise Hood
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of those optical illusions where you see one thing or the other. While it was not intentional, the company should be more careful, as people perceive images in different ways.

Insomniac
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure it was accidental, but it was good to remove the product. Fad outrage is often ridiculous, but the KKK is a particularly insidious evil. There are countless women living in the US who have endured r@pe and other horrors from men in those hoods, and very few of them ever got any sort of justice or even medical care and compassion. Such assaults produced children, and those folks know where they came from, and it's a painful existence. Lynching is still within living memory. People remember it happening to their dads and brothers. I did not see the hoods in the design, but I am not of a complexion that gets targeted by the KKK, so I'm not particularly sensitized to racist imagery. I don't agree with the commentator who said that corporate must have noticed. It really isn't such an easy thing to see if you haven't had to fear the sight of those hoods. It might be wise for the company's design department to do some research into racist imagery so that this doesn't happen again.

Juanita Sullivan
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can understand how this would happen. The powers that be in a company push for different designs and they want it fast. So things like this don't get noticed or if they are, it's usually by someone on the lower end of the ladder so they are afraid to say anything at the risk of losing their job. Been there, I know how this works. So the product was withdrawn on their part but I'm betting anything some heads rolled behind the scenes. Looks like Ebay is trying to make money off this. Shame on you Ebay. You just lost my business. Shame on you CNN for saying it's not racist! When did you go down the rabbit hole!?

Soleil SanMao
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I had seen the candle before this article just to know what the design reminded me of. But now that you say it and show pictures of the KKK, it is hard not to think of anything else.

Gary
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lets face it, as a species we are doomed. We are all going to have to stay in our rooms, say nothing and do nothing, for fear of offending a young person.

Daniela Lavanza
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you. So the design of something is bad and some people immediately think of something offensive? WTF? I for one saw a paper flower, definitely not a snowflake indeed...but KKK? I guess some see evil everywhere because they want to. And this kind of oversensitive reaction doesn't help stop real hate.

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Carl Roberts
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An image of a snowflake causes "outrage" amongst the sensitive snowflakes. Oh, the irony,

Scotira
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jup, just like that one person who tried to sue Maoam bc they "saw" the Lemon and Orange have sex and thought it was inappropriate to have that on sweets. No joke, I think this happened in the UK 🤣🤣🤣🤦🏻‍♀️

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Tamra
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so damn stupid. Some people just look for reasons to be outraged.

Daria
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and the media encourage this behavior, especially BP (Reddit) with its never-ending AITA craр

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Eroe Infinito
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate when companies apologize for someone else's weak constitution. Never leave your house if you can be offended by something so utterly silly.

KDS
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone hadn’t mentioned the design resemblance to the kkk I never would have thought that, I simply would have seen snowflakes.

Floeckchen
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the 4% voters for "No, more should have been done" after apologizing and taking the design out of the market. Can you please explain what should have been done? Paying the therapy for all the triggered and traumatized customers? Incarcerate the designer?

Terran
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With pitchforks and torches they should have raided the candle factory. No mercy to the fascists, burn everything down until only scorched earth is left. War and violence are the only language these graphic designers and candle producers understand! /J

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Traveling Lady Railfan
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although admittedly, my very first thought when I saw this paper snowflake design closeup was "huh, looks like KKK / albino aliens"... I can see what it's supposed to be (I'm a graphic designer and I also design optical illusions that can be seen two ways... So I'm used to seeing shapes and faces in objects that aren't supposed to contain shapes and faces). And I have to laugh because, if I had the ability to, I would have bought a case of these these candles. I just popped on eBay quickly and I see that there are several of these for sale, one of them started an auction two days ago, got 5 days left, 16 bidders and it's over $250 US. If people are so swayed by fads in the news that they have to have one of these (maybe a gag gift, maybe an influencer who wants to do a piece of it and has to have the prop in their hands)...meh... whatever.

Vinnie
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Years back, I had to design a logo and business card for a client with the initials IJ. When the client was *finally* happy, the initials were inside an oval, we printed the cards...Then two colleagues noticed that the negative space in the logo made a cross. The boss mumbled "Don't tell him" - and hoped the kosher caterer for synagogues didn't ask for do-over.

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Emma S
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those robes have a history going back to the medieval times, and were worn long before the clan adopted them as their uniform. Ask a Spanish or Italian person what those robes are for and you'll get a very different answer. Even today in Spain you'll see parades of people wearing them during Holy Week and statues of them. You can even buy little figurines in some shops in Spain.

John Harrison
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, but whatever historical meaning those robes had, today they mean something different. At least in America, there is a one-to-one correlation between those robes and white supremacist beliefs.

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Skogsrået
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lmao, the people complaining that it does not look like a snowflake are in fact themselves snowflakes and sure as hell act like it.

John Nelson
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The real problem is that people make lots of money by being "offended" by every little thing. Mostly people who have never suffered real discrimination or hardship.

Reta Murphy
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a snowflake! If you see something that is racist, maybe you are the racist.

Bobbi McGough Robert
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people are just looking for something to be offended by. If anything, the pictures looks more like an alien than KKK. Get over yourselves people!

Peter Bear
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I try really hard, I can maybe see space aliens. But this is absolutely in no way offensive by any stretch.

Michał Osiecki
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because of the title I looked at it and already knew some Murican will make it KKK, but this is that person's problem, even the shape is not the same, the similarities is white and 2 holes, is this like some fobia ie trypophobia?

Roberta Surprenant
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't notice anything until I went LOOKING for it due to headline. Some people just need to get a grip.

Je souhaite
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the dumbest thing ever probably being protested by people who can't afford bed n bath products

Midoribird Aoi
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wondered why space aliens 👽👽👽 were in a candle, before I read the story, to be honest. It took several seconds of staring before it clicked.

Ruby
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just saw a paper snowflake, nothing more. If people immediately see the KKK in this, it says more about their mindset, not the design

B
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I immediately saw a paper snowflake, but they are right to pull it or people will not let it go

William Teach
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Give me a break. It was a snowflake. People freaking out for no reason. But, hey, that's what happens these days. People are Offended over nothingburgers

Virgil Blue
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really didn't see anything untill they pointed it out and even then. It's just a paper star.

Philly Bob Squires
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw a bad snowflake or aliens. I had to kind of look hard to see KKK hoods. It's like "When I hear snowed in and see 3 feet of snow on the ground. I immediately think of a Klan rally!" NOOO!

Scott Rackley
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is getting way too old. It's a paper snowflake which every single kid in america has made at one time. If you're going to look for stuff to be offended by, you'll find it. Your interpretation of a paper snowflake being a kkk hood is all on you player. Toughen up and stop making victimhood your goal.

Baali Venomax
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Massive overreaction. To see that in a simple paper snowflake design says MORE about the people looking at it, than the design itself. Its a stretch at best. Shuttlecock with eyes? Sure. Snowflake or alien ghost sure, KKK? Not my first thought ever.

Arlene Harris
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

actually reminds me of that one teapot that looked like H**ler. Google "JC Penney teapot" and you'll find it. The problem is that we as humans are wired to find images in things, it's called pareidolia. And sometimes we see things that aren't meant to be there but once seen, cannot be unseen. This is why product marketing needs to run stuff by focus groups outside their own experience.

Marta Gaj
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is absurd! all I see there is a paper cutout napkin…some people are just ridiculous

Gene Gower
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever designed their "snowflake" has clearly never looked at a snowflake ... they are supposed to have six sides. While they were anthropomorphic, IMO I thought they looked more like aliens from South Park than KKK.

Lara Harris
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Christ, Americans loose their s**t over the most ridiculous things

csaclint
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the only snowflakes are the people being offended. I do wish society would just accepted that offended is not a valid personality type, and victim is not a valid profession.

KillerKiwi
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And today, snowflakes get offended over, wait for it, snowflakes. ❄️

Jan Kovář
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People always see what they want to see. If people see KKK, they should be questioned, not company that intention was a snowflake. Company should have reacted something like: We are really not responsible for your imagination.

TennesseeHomesteadUSA
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing like the KKK hood. I agree -- snowflake ! Looks like one and is presented by a Snowflake...

BrunoVI
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not even an option for "Holy s**t, these people are stupid; Bath & Body Works acted like reprehensibly timid idiots and should have told their critics to go f**k off."?

Jay Cee
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5af372edb98a7889a64d1f6a/1533137198799-FZBNJXO0F3EL8513B6NG/Semana+Santa_City+Nibbler_Seville?format=1500w

Jay Cee
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I appreciate peoples' concern but just hope they all stay away from Seville at Easter time or they'll be s******g themselves! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5af372edb98a7889a64d1f6a/1533137198799-FZBNJXO0F3EL8513B6NG/Semana+Santa_City+Nibbler_Seville?format=1500w

Kalevra
Community Member
1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a total none issue. Someone who only sees race saw it and it blew up from there. Then the media used Predictive Programing on you to make you believe it was racist too. If thought about for more than 5 seconds you would know that BBDubs would never do this intentionally.

Chip Wright
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's called SNOWed in. It is a Snowflake. WTF?! People need to stop this $hit! Stop putting hate and false material out there. Costing people money to pull product off the shelves because of these freaks? And Companies...Quit catering to these morons. Quit letting them have their way. You giving them the attention is additional fuel. If they see this c**p won't get them anywhere then it will stop.

Penny Gayler
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh for goodness sakes - people are too ready to be offended - I saw a Christmas decoration...... how you get to KKK is beyond me.

Star Frost
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

SERIOUSLY!? It's a snowflake... someone was LOOKING to start a problem. One day I hope companies have the balls to say "No.. that is NOT what it was supposed to be" and actually keep their design. You're never gonna please everyone.

Rattical Red
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've looked at the image, trying to figure out what's wrong. After reading in the article what the issue is, I still don't see it. I mean, okay, if you consider the two holes as eyes, it KINDA looks like figures, but only with a lot of fantasy. But I don't see KKK there. More like little spirits, if anything. Nothing offensive. Maybe that's a case of the saying "If you go into the forest to look for ghosts, you'll find ghosts aplenty, and nary a tree."

Stephen Lyford
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I honestly saw nothing more than a paper snowflake until I read the article. I think it's harmless and people are overreacting.

bbfa
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love B&BW. I don't believe they meant it to be anything but a snowflake. That's what I saw right away. Now the Klan reference is clear, but I'm certain unintentional. They are strongly a DEI company.

Miki
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People will always see s**t when it's not there. Ehhh. // actually @Lisa T comment is perfect.

Cerise Hood
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of those optical illusions where you see one thing or the other. While it was not intentional, the company should be more careful, as people perceive images in different ways.

Insomniac
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure it was accidental, but it was good to remove the product. Fad outrage is often ridiculous, but the KKK is a particularly insidious evil. There are countless women living in the US who have endured r@pe and other horrors from men in those hoods, and very few of them ever got any sort of justice or even medical care and compassion. Such assaults produced children, and those folks know where they came from, and it's a painful existence. Lynching is still within living memory. People remember it happening to their dads and brothers. I did not see the hoods in the design, but I am not of a complexion that gets targeted by the KKK, so I'm not particularly sensitized to racist imagery. I don't agree with the commentator who said that corporate must have noticed. It really isn't such an easy thing to see if you haven't had to fear the sight of those hoods. It might be wise for the company's design department to do some research into racist imagery so that this doesn't happen again.

Juanita Sullivan
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can understand how this would happen. The powers that be in a company push for different designs and they want it fast. So things like this don't get noticed or if they are, it's usually by someone on the lower end of the ladder so they are afraid to say anything at the risk of losing their job. Been there, I know how this works. So the product was withdrawn on their part but I'm betting anything some heads rolled behind the scenes. Looks like Ebay is trying to make money off this. Shame on you Ebay. You just lost my business. Shame on you CNN for saying it's not racist! When did you go down the rabbit hole!?

Soleil SanMao
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I had seen the candle before this article just to know what the design reminded me of. But now that you say it and show pictures of the KKK, it is hard not to think of anything else.

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