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Is Snapchat Racist? Company In Hot Water For ‘Yellowface’ Filter

By Niki Cruz
Published on: 02:34 PST, Aug 11, 2016

Is Snapchat racist? That’s what a lot of users are wondering after Snapchat recently introduced its latest round of filters. While one filter makes a user’s head become a pineapple, another filter called “yellowface” transforms a user’s face with exaggerated features based on an Asian stereotype. The filter was “anime inspired,” but many are not buying it.

Here’s the reaction Snapchat has received after the “yellowface” filter went viral.

After the huge backlash that the company received, a rep for Snapchat said the following to those opposing the yellowface filter.

“Lenses are meant to be playful and never offend.”

As we stated, many were offended. Here’s what the yellowface filter looked like, courtesy of Grace Sparapani.

Snapchat decided to take the filter down after many users complained that the filter was racist. With the term “digital blackface” becoming prominent among social media, UCLA professor Safiya Noble, who spoke with USA Today, said that these companies have to get rid of these stereotypes that are based on racial bias.

“I think that technology companies really must take seriously hiring people with a deep knowledge of cultural studies, ethnic studies, sociology, women studies, fields that are deeply attuned to the histories of people of color, and people who have been marginalized in the United States in particular.”

That said, if anyone is keeping a tally, this isn’t the first time that Snapchat offended users. Back in April, Snapchat unveiled Bob Marley’s face as a filter. Think face swap, but instead of your friend’s face, any user can have Bob Marley’s face on top of theirs. This created automatic black face, which sparked a huge controversy.

Here’s a look at the filter that many complained about.

Before Snapchat decided to take the filter down, a spokesperson emailed Gizmodo about the Bob Marley filter, saying that it was more of a celebration for Marley culture than anything else.

“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 said, there’s one company that’s taking the lead in trying to challenge racism via technology. The app called Everyday Racism is educating users to understand different levels of racism, and how to broaden their minds and understanding of one’s culture.

The app is described as follows.

“Everyday Racism is a game/education app, which challenges players to live a week in the life of an Aboriginal man, a Muslim woman, an Indian student or just yourself.”

So far it’s not available in America, but it is offered in Australia for both Android and iPhones.

Do you think the yellowface and Bob Marley filters from Snapchat are racially offensive?

[Photo by AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File]

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