It may be National Weed Day – but that doesn’t mean that social media users were too stoned to notice Snapchat’s famous mascot for the day.
The idea was to showcase a filter that would give fans of the late Bob Marley, who publicly celebrated his fondness for weed – a chance to try on his face for size.
In other words you can sport his likeness – dreadlocks and all – including his skin tone. This latest offering has expectedly given a lot of people quite a bit to fret about.
Some have referred to the assumingly creepy option as “digital blackface” and despite the mighty uproar that has erupted – Snapchat has yet to issue an apology – preferring instead to give a statement confirming why the filter was such a nifty idea:
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.
But, the company’s explanations did very little to quench the growing disdain for the filter that for most users – seems to mock the legacy of the reggae legend based on the fact that he was always associated with weed.
Most of those offended point out that Bob Marley’s adherence to the spirituality of Rastafarianism was a lot more in depth and disciplined than his dependency on cannabis.
Then, there is also the issue that the filter allows whites or anyone who doesn’t sport a darker hue – the option to be a black, dreadlocked version of themselves.
Who knew getting stoned could be so politically incorrect?
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