Featuring six men, the ad was intended to promote the business's recognition and inclusion of larger-than-average-bodied men. While the brand should be applauded for a step towards inclusiveness and body positivity, based on the models featured, many were quick to call out the brand for numerous issues in the ad. One Twitter user surmised, "Where do we start? The lack of any actual diversity? The four gym-fit guys in this ad of all ads? No, actually, let's start with the fact that they put the one big guy in a jock that doesn't even fit. Flop."
Aside from this, there are also multiple racial issues. First, the only nude models featured are men of color. This subliminal messaging plays into fetishism, a significant problem for men of color. Fetishism uses a person's race to fulfill sexual fantasies and implies sexual stereotypes. For example, the media has perpetuated the stereotype of Black men as hypersexualized and aggressive through the mandingo reference. Secondly is the issue of colorism, with many believing the campaign's use of AAVE could have been complemented by the inclusion of darker-skinned models from the African-American community. Despite featuring three men of color, they all fall onto the lighter side of their respective races, prompting many to question the choice of models. Thanks to colonialism, colorism has impacted all communities of color with the belief that individuals of darker complexions are less desirable. Colorism perpetuates harmful stereotypes and can lead to discrimination and self-esteem issues among individuals with darker skin tones. The only way to combat colorism is for companies and businesses to begin and continue to feature people of darker shades from all races and ethnicities.
