Snapchat debuted a new ‘Bob Marley’ filter today (in honor of 4/20?) and it’s causing quite a commotion.
We’re not sure who approved this idea, but the company is being accused of promoting digital blackface and reducing Bob Marley’s legacy to merely smoking weed.
https://twitter.com/LindaRcampos/status/722807745813024768
Oh my god oh my god oh my god snapchat put a "Bob Marley" filter and it's… bad and in poor taste, to say the least pic.twitter.com/syAHGXp3f6
— Alp Ozcelik (@alplicable) April 20, 2016
This Bob Marley Snapchat filter seems misguided pic.twitter.com/aPRoEdjdwf
— Elle Hunt (@mlle_elle) April 20, 2016
Despite the racial insensitivity, Snapchat released a statement to Gawker saying that the filter was developed “in partnership” with the Bob Marley’s estate:
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.
That’s great and all, but we can totally see how this filter is problematic.
