Public reaction to the American Eagle and Dunkin’ advertisements has been swift and intense, with the use of the term ‘genetics’ sparking heated debates about the underlying messages and cultural implications. The ads, which feature Sydney Sweeney and Gavin Casalegno, have ignited discussions over the potential for such language to be coded or associated with eugenics or ‘whiteness.’
Fox News Digital provided a breakdown of the reactions and analysis of whether this kind of advertising signals a broader trend. The advertisements have led to divisions between conservatives and liberals, with each side expressing strong opinions about the intent and implications of the ads.
Sweeney’s advertisement with American Eagle, titled ‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’, featured her walking toward an American Eagle billboard with the slogan ‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes,’ after which she crossed out ‘Genes’ and replaced it with ‘Jeans.’ This visual contrast became a focal point for commentary.
On ABC’s GMA First Look, the show highlighted an analysis from Kean University professor Robin Landa, who linked the tagline to discussions of eugenics movements. Liberal outlets like Salon have echoed these concerns, with editor CK Smith suggesting the tagline could be a coded reference to eugenics.
On the conservative side, figures like WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter and representatives of the political right have criticized the liberal media and cultural left for what they view as overreach and censorship of free speech.
The situation has also prompted discussion among advertisers and experts about the challenges of modern marketing, with branding expert Eric Schiffer noting that Sweeney’s campaign might lead to increased visibility. Business Insider reported that Schiffer said Sweeney is likely to become even bigger because of the controversy.
As the debates over the advertisements continue, the underlying issue seems to be the broader cultural and political divide. Experts suggest that the current climate of scrutiny over corporate branding indicates a shift in consumer behavior, with people now evaluating brands not only for the product they offer but also for the values they represent. This shift signals a new challenge for brands to navigate in an increasingly polarized environment.