Hindustan Unilever (HUL) as of late chose to omit the word ‘fair’ from their flagship cosmetic brand ‘Fair and Lovely’, after the ongoing commotion over discrimination based on skin colour. Many netizens have condemned fairness ads and now the brand founders have changed their product name at the people’s behest. Days after the announcement, there are rumours spreading that the item will currently be called ‘Glow and Lovely’ and would still be available in the market.
Anyway, meme makers had a ton of fun on hearing this news and concocted a few images that would tickle our funny bones. Many have appreciated the memes profoundly and shared them on social networking sites. Many celebs like Bipasha Basu, Kangana Ranaut appreciated Unilever’s decision.
However, Sunil Agarwal, Chairman of RSH Global (the maker of popular Joy Personal Care) said, the move taken by Hindustan Unilever to rebrand the Fair & Lovely face cream isnt much useful unless the product is discontinued completely.
Sunil said, “Is there a change in the ingredients of the product? What is the point of rebranding if the same product will continue to be sold in the market for the same purpose”.
He added, the crux of the #Blacklivesmattermovement is that “fair” or “white” is somehow superior to all colours and when the concept itself is repudiating, it is nonsensical for the product to continue.
Sunny Jain, President Beauty & Personal Care from HUL, earlier said in a meet, that they recognise by using the words ‘fair’, ‘white’ and ‘light’ imply a singular ideal of beauty which is biased. The president further added that they wanted to make the brand that promotes the radiant skin and assured to feature female models of different skin colours regardless of skin tone.