Clicks accused of racism for describing African hair as 'dry and damaged'
Retail giant, Clicks has been accused of racism after a section of their digital marketing online store went viral on social media.
On the store's online shop - under the haircare tab - images depicting the hair of two black African women, are described as "dry, damaged, frizzy and dull."
In comparison are photos of the hair of two Caucasian women. The straight blond hair is described as "normal, fine and flat hair."
Screengrabs of the pictures have blown up on social media with many describing the move as blatant racism.
In a tweet, the Pharmacy retailer has apologised and says they have removed the images which go against everything they believe in.
They say they do not condone racism and are strong advocates of natural hair. They say they are deeply sorry and will put in place stricter measures on their website.
We would like to issue an unequivocal apology. We have removed the images which go against everything we believe in. We do not condone racism and we are strong advocates of natural hair. We are deeply sorry and will put in place stricter measures on our website.
— Clicks (@Clicks_SA) September 4, 2020
We have made a mistake and sincerely apologise for letting you down. We recognise we have a role to play in creating a more diverse and inclusive S.A, starting with our website content. We know we need to do better, and commit to ensuring our content better reflects this value.
— Clicks (@Clicks_SA) September 4, 2020
This is how South Africans have been reacting.
Not only is this disrespectful to black lives, it is also evidence of an absence of representation and diversity within the organization. And we are talking about a South Africa with a population of about 80% black people (stand to be corrected). No ways💔 @Clicks_SA https://t.co/HWtfH40HCY
— Zozibini Tunzi (@zozitunzi) September 4, 2020
Boycott clicks there are plenty of black business stop forcing ourselves in people business. you empower them by spend your money on them when they abuse they power you become shocked kahleni booh!!! Buy black
— 🇿🇦Black man with some land 🇿🇦 (@Makhado01271526) September 4, 2020
buy black xha!!! pic.twitter.com/KBG1nnm6Re
I’m so tired of brands using our Blackness as a publicity stunt or advertising tool. I’m so tired of educating corporates about Black hair, Black skin, Black lives.
— Tshepiso Vanessa Ralehlathe (@Tshepiso_Says) September 4, 2020
This is blatant racism @Clicks_SA pic.twitter.com/lFocDEaV92
@Clicks_SA you’re issuing standard and fake apologies!
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) September 4, 2020
Which agency did you use?
What was the brief?
Did this get authorized by your Exco?
Why is Black Hair considered damaged & dry?
Respond to my questions @Clicks_SA https://t.co/We7gieTIiy pic.twitter.com/9n6UChwlA4
Citizens: "SA politicians need to retire..."
— Koshiek Karan (@iamkoshiek) September 4, 2020
Clicks Board: "Hold my beer" pic.twitter.com/ojosydXCcq
Clicks expects things to be resolved just by them removing these pics. How was it even put up at the first place? Who is this person that thinks this is ok?
— Maryjane Alkebulan (@MaryjaneCPT) September 4, 2020
This is actually sad because they have a Clicks Curls division that is supported by so many naturals. #NaturalHairTwitter pic.twitter.com/ekVIInhZdd
