Truth: “Black Panther” was a solid Marvel superhero movie, but we don’t think anyone should fret over it not winning Best Picture at the Oscars this year (although there was talk of creating a Best Popular Film category so something like “Black Panther” could win that). No, seriously, the New York Times was deeply concerned:
What if a movie like "Black Panther," which many see as a legitimate best picture contender, receives a nomination for the populist Oscar but not for best overall picture?
https://t.co/QqgSROCb66— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 8, 2018
Yes, “Black Panther” really dug into some people’s consciousness, to the point where Rep. Maxine Waters gave a “Wakanda Forever” salute at Aretha Franklin’s funeral. (Wakanda is the fictional African monarchy ruled by the Black Panther). Sen. Kamala Harris tweeted a picture of herself standing in front of the movie poster.
And let’s pause to remember the woman who “carefully” didn’t buy tickets to opening weekend so she wouldn’t be “the white person sucking Black joy out of the theater.”
Now Christmas is coming and it’s time to break out the ugly sweaters, and retailer Forever 21 decided to showcase its “Wakanda Forever” Christmas sweater. Unfortunately, the public didn’t approve of the really white dude modeling it.
#BlackPanther fans are not happy Forever 21 used a white model to promote "Wakanda Forever" sweaterhttps://t.co/sQ4ilgWwz5 pic.twitter.com/FUEvRJ0I4q
— Comicbook.com (@ComicBook) December 18, 2018
We mean, just look at this atrocity:
Huuhhhhhh!!! When will y’all learn @Forever21?! https://t.co/X9yC1LX8Wo
— Lawyer Bae ??⚖️ (@CBrielle5) December 18, 2018
Forever 21 pulled the tweet after backlash online.
Just in case @Forever21 tries to delete this later…. pic.twitter.com/8czypjMutr
— LaBlaq, the final Fantastic. (@LoveAndShalom) December 18, 2018
We guess the white model was sucking all the Black Joy out of the sweater.
You had one job @Forever21 pic.twitter.com/0A3WWbB8m1
— Wheelchair Jerry (@BostonJerry) December 18, 2018
Where did Forever 21 find this model? Al Bino’s Lilywhite Modeling Agency and Bleach Shop? https://t.co/xcTqflpWAR
— Rob Heiret (@Rheiret) December 18, 2018
.@Forever21 thought it was a splendiferous idea to place a Great Value version of Eminem in a #WakandaForever sweater.
Who at this company thought putting T’Chad in this garment was a good idea: https://t.co/BitToK7RY6 pic.twitter.com/3XGBc7sm4l
— The Root (@TheRoot) December 18, 2018
Hey @Forever21, In What Universe Did You Think It Was Ok To Feature A White Model In Wakanda Gear? Granted, Chances Are You Knew It Wasn't Ok, But Still. As A Former #21Men Brand Specialist For The Company, I'm Highly Offended.
— Mark-Paul (@WhoIsMarkPaul) December 18, 2018
@Forever21 Ummmmmmmmmm What in the T'Challa knockoff is this? Forever 21, we need answers please. Literally sitting here slow blinking. pic.twitter.com/ncMKEOO3TQ
— KimberlyDewayn (@KimDSummons) December 18, 2018
.@forever21 social media team after they sent out that #WakandaForever tweet featuring a great value version of Eminem. pic.twitter.com/rFxkvOe2d7
— CorEy-spondent (@CoreyPTownsend) December 18, 2018
More like Whitekanda forever ??
— ThatBih?? (@SassySouthpaw20) December 18, 2018
Not even Wakanda can escape gentrification. @blavity @blackpanther @urbanintellectuals @forever21 #forever21 pic.twitter.com/XBwJyyUCk2
— Jesuorobo's Thoughts (@Jesuorobo) December 18, 2018
Really! @Forever21 Are you guys serious?! https://t.co/rXqcZ2mQVO
— MikaLuvOwls (@MikaOwls) December 18, 2018
.@forever21 wakanda forever! pic.twitter.com/sb1QU2Ks7C
— Andy Downing (@andydowning33) December 18, 2018
?caucasians…@Forever21 is really outta their rabbit azz minds. Who approved this sht??? #WakandaForever is not for you people to promote or profit. Sickening pic.twitter.com/v7ZuRvTcze
— ure_too_close (@ure_too_close) December 18, 2018
“Wakanda Forever is not for you people to promote or profit?” Look, it probably would have been a good idea to use a black model, sure, but 1. Wakanda doesn’t really exist, and 2. it and Black Panther were created by two Jewish-American men who profited by selling comic books.
Forever 21 knows exactly what they're doing with that ghost in the shell man in the african kitty sweater and here ya'll go given them the attention they want
— cultured butter bae (@jilleeann_) December 18, 2018
This is one of the reasons i have so little interest in ever watching #BlackPanther. The 'fans' of the film are insufferable race baiting morons. https://t.co/No1SsTHbqS
— Ryumoau (@Ryumoau_Juno) December 18, 2018
Look at it this way, Forever 21: if you’d used a black model, you’d still have social justice warriors boycotting you for selling wool:
@Forever21 Wool comes from sheep who cry out & fight for their lives as they’re exploited and killed. Please show ♥ for animals and stop selling wool.
— Naomi Mathew (@naomimath) December 18, 2018
Wool forever!
Related:
Transracial Rachel Dolezal responds to racist @HM hoodie with a racist hoodie of her own https://t.co/HFsBVY96cF
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) January 11, 2018
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