A marketing decision OK'd by Skittles' parent company has provoked fury from some conservatives online after critics noticed social justice buzzwords and phrases emblazoned on limited edition packaging.
While receptive to the social justice messaging and quality of the artwork itself, some graphic designers say the layout leaves the packages looking “overwhelmed and busy.”
Conservatives, especially those of the social variety, had a much more visceral reaction.
Last year, the Wrigley Company under Mars, Inc. commissioned five artists in partnership with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to express how “they see the rainbow.”
Per Newsweek:
The new packaging is predominantly black and white, with the candy brand's traditional bright colors reserved for a band of rainbow running across it. Additionally, it features illustrations of various young people, as well as phrases like “Black Trans Lives Matter” and “Joy Is Resistance.”
This is the fourth year that Skittles has partnered with GLAAD, one of the most prominent pro-LGBTQ+ media monitoring groups in the country. Despite that history, this year the campaign ran afoul of a subset of online conservatives opposed to pro-LGBTQ+, especially pro-transgender, messaging from companies and brands. Such messaging has been commonplace for years, but has recently faced increased backlash as conservatives have launched renewed opposition to LGBTQ+ communities.
The pushback emerged on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, with a number of posts, including one from the popular Libs of TikTok account. In addition to pushback against the pro-trans messaging, some users took issue with what appeared to be a drag queen on the packaging and accused the brand of “coming after your children.”
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THIS is the way it’s supposed to work! Let “the market” decide!
So did I.I can live happily without it knowing I’m not violating my own conscience.
Don’t need the Mars candy just like Don’t drink bud or shop target, Ben and Jerry or Starbucks. Save money and calories.
Of course, I will boycott Mars.
What’s next, Poison candy? I like skittles, but I think I’d gag if I ate one at this point. Can’t get the bag out of my mind. Wrigley’s and Mars products are off the menu at my home.
Good to know. I refuse to support any WOKE companies with my $$$. This has not affected me one bit. A similar product is always available or I just don’t need it. The Mars family have been liberal progressives, AKA communists, forever.
When will the WOKE agenda ever learn? The American public have finally remove their heads from the sand and realized what the WOKE communist are doing.
Simple Solution: Don’t patronize the offending companies. Ditto for their products.
I buy Werthers and Heath candy
I really never liked it anyway and now I convincing all my 11 grandkids that it’s just not good for you in any shape or form… R.I.P.