February 16, 2021
UN Women Accused of Promoting Stereotypical Image of Black Women in Valentine’s Day Tweet
After posting a problematic tweet on Valentine’s Day to its Twitter account, UN Women sparked outrage on social media. The tweet has since been deleted, and the UN Women account has since apologized.
“We posted an illustration on Valentine’s Day, depicting love in all its diversity. We listened to what you said in the comments & decided to take it down. UN Women works for gender equality&empowerment of all women & girls regardless of age, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation,” the tweet read.
We posted an illustration on Valentine’s Day, depicting love in all its diversity. We listened to what you said in the comments & decided to take it down. UN Women works for gender equality&empowerment of all women & girls regardless of age, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. pic.twitter.com/GyMt9foapr
— UN Women (@UN_Women) February 15, 2021
The organization was accused of bolstering stereotypes of Black women being unworthy of love after showing an illustration of a lone Black woman among several couples.
The global organization posted the image to celebrate various forms of love on Valentine’s Day, including interracial lesbian, gay and straight partners.
Black women rallied together on social media to call out the troublesome tweet and the non-apology.
You had to be told? This is so disgusting that you can’t even recognise racism.
— Njambi McGrath (@NjambiMcgrath) February 15, 2021
Where the hell is the apology??? Does your concern for women only apply if they’re not Black?!?!? You need to acknowledge the pain you caused!!!!!!
— juliette’s joy_ (@juliettemitchel) February 15, 2021
Y’all told me to go hug myself I saw it it’s too late!!
— neighborhood Crackhead🌹 (@iwoodlike2seeit) February 15, 2021
The way you CHOSE to disrespected and advanced a dangerous stereotype about Black women was abominable!! We deserve an apology which this certainly isn’t! I will personally never support you or anything you do or promote because you’ve made it clear that we do not matter!
— MrsBundrige (@MrsBundrige) February 15, 2021
I don’t see a “sorry” pic.twitter.com/c3cY65LCJk
— You have neighbors, Malcolm! (@theKelizabeth82) February 15, 2021
A spokesperson for UN Women emailed an obtuse response to The Independent.
“We hope that our social media channels continue to be an open and welcoming space for conversations,” the statement said.
OK.