Sydney Sweeney Ad Sparks National Racism Backlash

The American Eagle advertisement featuring Sydney Sweeney, which uses a wordplay on 'genes' and 'jeans,' has sparked widespread controversy and divided opinion in the U.S. Critics argue the ad promotes white supremacy and eugenics by highlighting biological genetics, with some comparing it to Nazi propaganda. US Vice President JD Vance and the White House have criticized the backlash as an overreaction and an example of cancel culture, while comedian Stephen Colbert also called the response excessive but faced some pushback. Media outlets and experts have debated the historical connotations of the slogan, with some linking it to America's eugenics movement. Sydney Sweeney herself has not commented on the controversy, though some celebrities and fans have mocked or defended the ad on social media. The incident reflects broader cultural tensions over race, language, and advertising in contemporary America.