5 Examples of Worst Cause Marketing and What Went Wrong
Previously, we shared on 7 of the best cause marketing and why they work. However, as we all know, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Cause marketing can be really effective when done right. But when it’s not, it can totally backfire, causing public backlash and hurting the brand. Let’s dive into 5 of the worst cause marketing fails and see what went wrong, along with the lessons we can learn from them.
1. Pepsi’s “Live for Now” Ad with Kendall Jenner (2017)
This campaign was so infamous it was parodied in Amazon Prime’s ‘The Boys’. Pepsi’s ad featuring Kendall Jenner was intended to project a message of unity and peace. The commercial depicted Jenner leaving a photoshoot to join a protest, where she hands a can of Pepsi to a police officer, seemingly resolving the tension and bringing everyone together.
The ad was criticized for its superficial and tone-deaf portrayal of serious social issues. Many felt it exploited genuine social justice movements to sell a product, reducing complex and meaningful protests to mere marketing tools. The backlash was swift and harsh, leading Pepsi to pull the ad and issue an apology.
Lesson Learned
Authenticity and sensitivity are crucial. Brands must avoid using social issues purely for profit and ensure their cause marketing efforts are genuine and respectful of the causes they are associating with.
2. H&M’s “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” Hoodie (2018)
The fact that this is less than 10 years ago, really shows how we as a society just haven’t learned our lessons. H&M faced intense criticism for an ad featuring a young Black boy wearing a hoodie with the slogan “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.” The image was perceived as racially insensitive and offensive, prompting accusations of racism.The ad was criticized for its lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity. The use of the term “monkey” in this context was seen as perpetuating racial stereotypes, which sparked widespread outrage.
Lesson Learned
Diverse and inclusive representation is essential. Brands need to involve diverse perspectives in their marketing campaigns to avoid cultural insensitivity and ensure that their cause marketing does not inadvertently perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
While some might argue that this might be an accidental mistake. But there is no way that in a PR team for an MNC like H&M, none say it is a bad idea.
3. Gillette’s “The Best Men Can Be” Campaign (2019)
In the midst of feminism & #girlboss avenue, this is just not it. Gillette’s campaign aimed to address issues of toxic masculinity and promote positive male behavior. While well-intentioned, the campaign received mixed reactions, with some praising its message while others felt it was overly critical of men.
The campaign’s tone was seen as condescending by some, with critics arguing that it alienated its core audience—men who felt they were being unfairly judged. The backlash led to a significant drop in sales and mixed reviews.
Lesson Learned
When addressing social issues, brands should carefully balance their message to ensure it resonates positively with their target audience. It’s important to engage in constructive dialogue rather than coming across as preachy or judgmental.
4. Dove’s “Racist” Body Wash Ad (2017)
Remember the Watson’s Dayang Senandung campaign? It is similar to this one. Dove faced criticism for a social media ad that showed a Black woman removing her shirt to reveal a White woman underneath, implying that the product could transform one’s skin color.
The ad was widely condemned for being racially insensitive and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about skin color. The backlash highlighted a lack of understanding and consideration of the implications of such imagery.
Lesson Learned
Thorough vetting and testing of marketing materials are essential to avoid unintentional offense. Brands must ensure that their messaging is inclusive and avoids reinforcing negative stereotypes.
5. Unilever’s “Racist” Sunsilk Ad (2007)
Unilever faced backlash over a Sunsilk ad featuring a Black woman’s hair transforming into a White woman’s hair, which was perceived as racist and implying that lighter skin was superior.
The ad was criticized for reinforcing racial biases and perpetuating the idea that lighter skin and straight hair are more desirable. The negative response highlighted a lack of sensitivity to cultural and racial issues.
Lesson Learned
Brands must be vigilant about the messages they convey and the potential impact on different communities. Ensuring cultural and racial sensitivity in marketing materials is crucial to avoid unintended offense.
Final Thoughts
These examples of cause marketing gone wrong highlight how important it is to be authentic, culturally aware, and really understand your audience. For brands to nail cause marketing, they need to approach social issues with respect and care, making sure their campaigns truly reflect their values and connect with their audience. By learning from these mistakes, companies can create more meaningful and impactful cause marketing efforts in the future.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to Brand360 and we’ll make sure you won’t be making these same mistakes!
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