Yesterday was 4/20, a day people use to mark a celebration of marijuana. Snapchat (a social media app) also released a filter that Bob Marley-fies one’s picture. (Basically it changes your skin tone to match his and adds dreads and a hat). And then the Internet reacted.
People said it is equivalent to blackface, it is cultural appropriation and just in bad taste. I can’t help but wonder why the Marley Estate agreed to endorse this app. I would love to hear their explanation. I would love to hear how much profit they will reap for this.
From the CNN story:
Snapchat hasn’t addressed the controversy and said in a statement to CNNMoney that the lens was built “in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate.”
“Millions of Snapchatters have enjoyed Bob Marley’s music, and we respect his life and achievements,” Snapchat says. “[The lens] gives people a new way to share their appreciation for Bob Marley and his music.”
Jamaican Journal 