Red Cross apologizes for ‘super racist’ poster
The organization fell under criticism after an image of a pool-safety poster made the rounds online. It said it has ‘taken every step to address the situation.’
If there’s a chance people could get offended by your materials, think twice before publishing.
The Red Cross learned this lesson after pool-safety materials displayed in multiple facilities sparked outrage online.
Fortune explained:
The poster in question, called “Be Cool, Follow the Rules,” shows children of different races playing together in a pool. The white children are shown diving and swimming, activities deemed “cool.” The children of color are pushing, running, and carrying beverages—and are labeled “not cool.”
Backlash grew after a Twitter user—who complained to a lifeguard and management of the facility where she saw the poster—shared a picture online and called it ‘super racist’:
Hey, @RedCross, send a new pool poster to @SalidaRec bc the current one they have w your name on it is super racist pic.twitter.com/TY8MmFB3Qk
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
