Target Snubs Little Orphan Annie
Getty Images Most Target collaborations—with Alexander Wang, Missoni, Joseph Altuzarra— are met with plenty of enthusiasm and lines around the block, but their latest “Annie”-inspired collection has caused an uproar. The girls collection, which was launched to coincide with the release of the remake of the popular 1982 film, prominently features a caucasian girl in the ads— despite the fact that lead role is played by the young, black actress Quvenzhane Wallis. The 11 year-old star, who earned an Oscar nomination for her role in 2012 film The Beast of the Southern Wild, and graced the cover of T, The New York Times Style magazine this month, even wore the collection’s marquee red dress, at the launch of the collection.
L’Sean Rinique Shelton, a motivational speaker from Bear, Delaware was outraged enough to create a Change.org petition. She asked the retailer to apologize to Wallis and remove the “disrespectful” in-store displays. “Why do you feel that we are not enough to portray our beautiful images on your advertisements?” asks Shelton. She continues, “Why do African American actors have to beg for respect, especially as it relates to advertising? When does it stop? Despite most beliefs, African Americans are capable of portraying more than drug dealers, pimps, and other bastardized portrayals of our culture.”
The petition has already garnered thousands of signatures, but Target maintains that in no way was the company attempting to be racially insensitive. They’ve explained that, in fact, they tried to work with Wallis and her team for this venture. According to Target: “With regard to the marketing of the collection, girls from a variety of backgrounds were featured within the campaign, reflecting that anyone can embody the spirit and character of Annie.” Too bad they didn’t pick the most obvious choice.
