YOUTHFORIA Finally Addresses Their Racist Foundation... And It's BAD

Summary

Youthoria, a beauty brand, faces backlash after releasing a foundation criticized for its inappropriate shade range, likened to black face paint. Despite promising an inclusive product line, their response—a statement about creating a new position for inclusivity—lacked accountability and an apology. The speaker critiques this as a superficial attempt to placate critics without meaningful change, arguing that the company failed to acknowledge its mistake and failed to take responsibility. The controversy highlights the importance of genuine inclusivity in product development and the need for brands to act with transparency and empathy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Youthoria's foundation release has sparked controversy, as it was criticized for resembling black face paint rather than a usable foundation shade for diverse skin tones.
• 😀 Youthoria promised to extend their foundation shade range but failed to deliver on that promise, leading to widespread disappointment and outrage.
• 😀 The brand's statement after the controversy did not include an apology or acknowledgment of their mistake, instead focusing on creating a new internal position to address inclusivity in product development.
• 😀 People are frustrated by Youthoria's lack of accountability, as their statement was seen as impersonal and passive-aggressive, lacking any genuine empathy.
• 😀 The new role within Youthoria, focused on inclusivity and product development, is seen as insufficient and possibly just a way to placate critics without real change.
• 😀 The lack of empathy and accountability in Youthoria's statement has been criticized, with many feeling that they are doing the bare minimum to address the situation.
• 😀 Despite the controversy, Youthoria continues to sell their problematic foundation, and people are upset that it remains available for purchase without significant action to address the issue.
• 😀 Some argue that smaller brands can be inclusive without having an extensive shade range, and Youthoria should have considered this approach rather than releasing an offensive product.
• 😀 Critics highlight that if a small brand cannot afford an inclusive shade range, they should focus on other products like blush or lip products until they can develop a better solution.
• 😀 The general sentiment is that Youthoria's response to the backlash has been inadequate, with many feeling that they haven't learned from their mistakes and haven't taken responsibility for their actions.

Q & A

What is the primary issue with Youthoria's foundation release?

The primary issue with Youthoria's foundation release is that the product was widely considered to be blackface paint. The shade was completely unworkable for darker skin tones, making it offensive and inappropriate for a brand claiming to be inclusive.

Why did the speaker feel the need to address Youthoria's statement?

The speaker felt the need to address Youthoria's statement because the brand made a promise to improve its shade range and be more inclusive, but their response to the backlash was seen as inadequate and lacking in accountability.

What does the speaker think about Youthoria's apology or statement?

The speaker believes that Youthoria's statement was not an apology or acknowledgment of their mistake. Instead, it was impersonal and failed to show any real empathy or accountability for the harm caused by the foundation launch.

What was Youthoria's response to the controversy, and why was it considered insufficient?

Youthoria responded by announcing a new internal position to focus on inclusivity and product development. However, the speaker considered this response insufficient because it lacked a direct acknowledgment of the company's mistakes, and the position itself seemed more like a distraction rather than a genuine solution.

How does the speaker view the hiring of a director of product development for inclusivity?

The speaker views the hiring of a director of product development for inclusivity as a misguided move. They argue that the position combines too many responsibilities and that it does not address the core issue: Youthoria's lack of understanding and accountability regarding their product development process.

What does the speaker mean by 'Youthoria is not inclusive'?

The speaker argues that Youthoria's actions and products have shown they are not truly inclusive. While they claimed to be inclusive, their actions, such as releasing an inappropriate foundation shade and failing to address their mistakes properly, indicate a lack of genuine commitment to inclusivity.

Why does the speaker believe that the position of 'director of product development' should have already existed?

The speaker believes the position should have already existed because a brand aiming for inclusivity in its products should have had a dedicated team or role for this from the beginning. They argue that Youthoria's failure to have this role shows poor planning and execution in terms of their product development.

How does the speaker respond to those who argue that 'not every brand has to accommodate every skin tone'?

The speaker disagrees with this argument, stating that while brands do not have to accommodate every skin tone, Youthoria specifically promised to create an inclusive shade range. They believe this promise should be upheld, and that simply offering a poorly designed product is not enough.

What criticism does the speaker have regarding Youthoria's 'small brand' status?

The speaker criticizes the idea that being a small brand excuses Youthoria's poor product launch. They argue that size does not justify poor decision-making and that small brands can still create products that are inclusive and well-developed.

What do the speaker's comments about Youthoria's lack of accountability reveal about their overall perspective on the brand?

The speaker's comments reveal frustration with Youthoria’s lack of accountability and their perception of the brand as being out of touch with its customers. The speaker believes that Youthoria's failure to sincerely address its mistakes further damages its reputation and the trust customers had in the brand.