This poster from the prefecture of Martinique goes wrong

To demonstrate the importance of social distancing in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic, the prefecture of Martinique has unveiled a poster in which it specifies that one meter away is equivalent to 5 pineapples side by side. This caused a lively controversy on social networks.

To stem the coronavirus epidemic and protect themselves from it, the French are invited to wear a protective mask but above all to apply barrier gestures on a daily basis. Social distancing remains the best way to protect yourself from the virus. It is therefore recommended that each person stay at least one meter away from anyone. Many posters and advertisements that illustrate these barrier gestures are blooming in all cities to remind them of their importance. That of the prefecture of Martinique did not go unnoticed. And for good reason, it is particularly racist and infantilizing.

On this poster, the prefecture of Martinique helps the Martiniquais to count the meter of distance using pineapple. Indeed, she explains that a meter is about the equivalent of 5 pineapples put side by side.
Internet users were particularly shocked by this poster and quickly took to the niche on social networks. "QWhat does the prefect of Martinique mean? That Martiniquans must refer to the size of a pineapple to measure one meter? 'Colonial time is over "https://www.aufeminin.com/", "It is easier to measure in pineapple than in bananas, for the natives … for the inhabitants" https: // www.aufeminin.com/ "," Thank you to the prefect of Martinique to continue the civilizing mission of France in its colonies, and to make the conversion between 'meter' and 'pineapple', the famous distance measurement used by the natives", could we read in particular on Twitter.

Like many political figures, Jean-Luc Mélenchon reacted strongly by saying that it was "a shame "." When the prefect of Martinique plays with racism and colonialism. The poster must be pestled, the prefect must officially apologize or be dismissed ", said Eric Coquerel (LFI). "Shameful message from the prefect of Martinique. In 2020, still insulting and racist images!", wrote Karima Delli (EELV).

Faced with this real outcry, the prefect of Martinique withdrew the image and apologized. "We have just removed the illustration published yesterday concerning physical distancing. We apologize if it may have hit some of you. The sole objective was to show the importance of distancing from the epidemic. Good cdt. Communication Department.", he announced via his account Twitter.

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Video by Juliette Le Peillet


by Sarah Chekroun