This is a forum post by the user flatfootmonster
: Black men have to deal with a lot of inextricable and damaging stereotypes, but the idea that we’re savages who can’t even be trusted to groom ourselves when the occasion calls for it is among the most offensive of them. And that’s the very idea being supported in a new ad from Nivea, which encourages men of color to “re-civilize” themselves and “look like [they] give a ***.”
The ad, which we spotted on Good not too long ago, features a smartly dressed man (white point-collar ***, dark denim, a sweater that looks like it was knitted specifically to fit his forearms) ***-putting the decapitated head of another man who had the audacity to grow out an afro and a full beard. The message here is clear: If you’re black, embracing a tonsorial style that isn’t close cropped and clean-shaven will make you look like a total beast and no one will ever trust or hire you. You’d better run to CVS and get some Nivea products before your chance for a good life washes down the drain! Offensive? Absofuckinglutely. True? Not at all.
I'm actually a little surprised that I didn't see this on mediatakeout. I saw it on another site not too long ago. And yes that ad was very offensive. Not only that but with a similar ad they used different wordage. I think the anger stems more from the choice of words than the actual picture. Although the picture itself with a man holding a head is a tad bit extreme too.
