VTech has attracted the wrath of Internet users by offering a toy illustrated by a little black boy who hears "S for monkey" when he pushes on his fire truck.
Since Thursday, September 18, VTech has been at the heart of a controversy on social networks. By selling a toy depicting a little black boy who hears "S for Monkey" when he pushes the truck, the maker of educational games and toys has sparked outrage among netizens.
LICRA (the International League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism) has notably accused the Hong Kong company of racism on Twitter.
Quickly, Internet users did not fail to respond by deeming this marketing irresponsible and unacceptable.
"It's a blunder"
Faced with the controversy, the toy brand spoke on its twitter account, explaining that it is only a mistake.
Not enough for some Internet users who are now calling for a boycott of the brand.
"Clumsiness ? You didn't find any words other than "monkey", "Boycott #VTech_Toys. Your racist game is unacceptable. "
This is not the first time that a brand has been singled out for an advertisement deemed racist. Indeed, the ready-to-wear giant H&M was at the heart of a similar controversy by making a young black boy wear a sweatshirt with the writing (in English) "The coolest monkey in the jungle". The controversial visual was quickly withdrawn by the brand which apologized.
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