Marks and Spencer’s Palestinian flag controversy: social media post raises questions.
On social media, a single image can spark a maelstrom of controversy, as Marks and Spencer found out recently when what they claim was an alternate version of their ad surfaced on Instagram.
The post, featuring a close-up shot of a roaring fireplace, originally extracted from their ad, appeared innocuous at first glance. However, the addition of digitally-inserted party hats in bold red, green, and white hues, set against a black fireplace backdrop, gave rise to a connection – the colours resembled those of the Palestinian flag.
The inclusion, far removed from their TV advert has ignited intense discussions about the concealed symbolism within the image.
The hats in the Instagram post were digitally altered. The original image featured gold and silver Christmas hats to maintain continuity and were shredded during the TV run. However, for their social media post, M&S decided to burn them and replace them with red, green, and white hats, drawing parallels to Israel’s air strikes
Another inconsistency in the company’s narrative is the fact that no other aspect of the campaign had variants produced for it, making the fireplace modification a standalone feature.
Public backlash and calls to boycott
Thousands are now dismayed and angered at the apparent use of these colours in such a context, with many alleging that the post’s deletion all but confirms the brand’s true intentions. The undeniable resemblance to the Palestinian flag’s colours has caused a deep sense of unease among pro-Palestine campaigners, raising further questions about impartiality within a world that is seemingly bias in the context of Israel’s bombardment of Palestinian Gaza.
Many have questioned the brand’s integrity and commitments to diversity; with one commentator saying: “Why are they full of hate?” while another exclaimed: “boycott.”
The stark connection underscores a situation where 8,500 innocent Palestinian civilians, among them 3,500 children, have tragically been killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Hate crimes surge
Marks and Spencer’s post falls into a category that requires closer examination. It sends a concerning message, one that should raise alarm bells about the potential consequences of such symbolism in today’s sensitive global climate.
While the Israeli attacks on Palestine is not inherently tied to religious identity, some online commentators draw concerning connections, and others exploit the situation, creating a false and dangerous narrative.
Just over two weeks ago, a 6-year-old Palestinian boy, Wadea Al Fayoume, was murdered in Chicago with connections drawn to anti-Muslim rhetoric buoyed by US President Joe Biden.
Islamophobia is constantly on the rise, constituting a staggering 42% of hate crimes in the UK, with antisemitism next at 23%. The use of such hateful imagery only worsens the issue. Symbolism’s influence in the digital age is undeniable and has the potential to radicalise, driving extremists towards committing hate attacks on Muslims, as witnessed recently and in collected national data.
Apology
Marks and Spencer issued a statement with an apology following the post’s deletion, claiming the photo was an “outtake” from images taken in August.
“Today we shared an outtake image from our Christmas Clothing and Home advert, which was recorded in August.”
They noted that red, green, and silver are traditional Christmas colours. However, the deletion of the post has led many to emphasise that if it was an innocent mistake, it could have remained as part of their campaign.
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