What do y'all think about the Balenciaga SS23 & Adidas collab "teddy" controversy?

[Swanky]

Bears repeating!

We'd like to leave this thread open, but political conspiracy theories, among other comments need to stop. Discuss the topic only please, let's keep the discussion open and all responses to others need to remain respectful.

Also, let’s stick closely to topic, it really helps preventing tangents and drama.

 

[peachylv]

Did you actually read the text of the opinion that was highlighted in the ad?

View attachment 5661507

The PROTECT act makes it illegal to advertise or present any material in such a way as to lead someone to believe that the material contains "an obscene visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct," or "a visual depiction of an actual minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct."

The Williams decision overturned the Ashcroft decision, which once made virtual child pornography legal as protected speech because no children were being harmed.

The photos of toddlers in the Balenciaga ad pictured near and around sexual as masochistic conduct but not actually "engaging" in sexual conduct (which is what the Williams decision banned) is essentially Balenciaga's way of saying a "F U" to this decision. They weren't honoring that the decision was trying to protect children from virtual depictions of child porn - they were MOCKING THE DECISION by pushing the limits of the Protect Act. That is why the toddlers were "holding" bears with BDSM gear and not wearing it themselves (which would be illegal because its a visual depiction of an actual minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct). This is why the toddlers were pictured around bondage material but not donning it. That's why the toddlers were laying on heart shaped pillows next to empty wine glasses instead of being photographed drinking it.

This is the best analysis I’ve read contextualizing the relationship between the ad and the court case. Wow. It’s worse than I thought.

 

[addiCCted]

The book, Political Ponerology explains this phenomenon very well.

great book

 

[peachylv]

I didn't interpret what you said as antisemitic. I'm confused myself.

I didn’t either, especially since Soros actually turned in Jews to the Nazis and to my knowledge, only the Rothschilds are Jewish. No one else on the list is?

 

[OriginalBalenciaga]

Fact check: Social media users falsely link George Soros and the Nazis

George Soros didn't collaborate with the Nazis. He and his family, who were Jewish, escaped persecution by obtaining fake identification papers.

www.usatoday.com

 

[peachylv]

Fact check: Social media users falsely link George Soros and the Nazis

George Soros didn't collaborate with the Nazis. He and his family, who were Jewish, escaped persecution by obtaining fake identification papers.

www.usatoday.com

I did check this article and another. I stand corrected. I think what started this rumor mill was that in the interview he was asked about the property confiscation and while it’s unclear whether or not he helped take inventory (dad says he did), he seemed not bothered about it. He was only a teenager and probably didn't do anything but I think people expected a “yeah, I didn’t realize what was really going on at the time, but now that I know, that was awful” type reaction, not the one he gave.

Back to topic, the Bal ad was horrid and inexcusable.

 

[OriginalBalenciaga]

It's helpful to research before sharing. Unfortunately antisemitism, conspiracy theories and George Soros are closely tied.

The Antisemitism Lurking Behind George Soros Conspiracy Theories

www.adl.org

 

[peachylv]

It’s also helpful to acknowledge when someone not only reads the article you link but also reads others (one of which contained a partial transcript of the interview I referenced) in order to make sure they have their facts straight, then admits they were incorrect and takes the time to give you a thoughtful response.

 

[OriginalBalenciaga]

It’s also helpful to acknowledge when someone not only reads the article you link but also reads others (one of which contained a partial transcript of the interview I referenced) in order to make sure they have their facts straight, then admits they were incorrect and takes the time to give you a thoughtful response.

I am sorry I did not mean to be rude. I had actually decided not to tag or quote you because I was trying to explain why this rumor is so upsetting without seeming like I was attacking or accusing you personally of antisemitism.

Thank you for reading the link and your response!

 

[peachylv]

I am sorry I did not mean to be rude. I had actually decided not to tag or quote you because I was trying to explain why this rumor is so upsetting without seeming like I was attacking or accusing you personally of antisemitism.

Thank you for reading the link and your response!
I accept your apology.
I really had no idea about the upsetting nature of that rumor. I’m actually glad I looked into it. I can’t remember how emojis work on here. I’m sending you virtual hugs.

 

[peachylv]

I am sorry I did not mean to be rude. I had actually decided not to tag or quote you because I was trying to explain why this rumor is so upsetting without seeming like I was attacking or accusing you personally of antisemitism.

Thank you for reading the link and your response!

I thought I replied to you yesterday. My apologies! I accept your apology. I had no idea how upsetting this rumor was to people. I’m glad I read the full story. I can’t find the emojis but I am sending you hugs.