'Blackface' mannequin at Dis-Chem causes outrage

The Dischem store at Killarney Mall.

• A Dis-Chem pharmacy in Johannesburg is facing accusations of racial insensitivity after it displayed a white mannequin with dark make-up as part of an African beauty marketing campaign.
• The display also featured a hut and other items.
• Other brands have recently come under fire for releasing racially insensitive products, many of them resembling blackface, a racist practice that dates back to the 1800s.
• For more stories, go to Business Insider SA's home page.

A marketing campaign celebrating African beauty went badly wrong for a Dis-Chem store in Johannesburg, as the decision to daub a white mannequin's face with dark make-up triggered an outcry.

The mannequin was dressed in an African-style dress alongside a small hut, wooden spoons and other items.

By Friday afternoon, the mannequin was replaced with a new display:

Photo: Phillip de Wet

The hut was moved to another part of the store:

Other figures remained on the shop floor:

Photo: Phillip de Wet

Including one that bore a striking resemblance to the offending mannequin:

Photo: Phillip de Wet

The installation did not get a warm reception on social media:

According to a report on Sowetan Live, the manager of the store said the display was part of an “African beauty campaign”, which came as a directive from head office. When approached by Business Insider SA, the manager referred queries to head office.

A spokesperson from Dis-Chem's head office said that the store was not aware of the installation. 

Dis-Chem stores, including the one in Killarney mall, are currently decorated with African-themed marketing material as part of its "Beauty Fair" promotion.

Photo: Phillip de Wet

Photo: Phillip de Wet

Blackface outcry

Fashion brands have recently come under fire for releasing racially insensitive products, many of them resembling blackface, a racist practice that dates back to the 1800s.

In December 2018, Prada pulled a monkey bag charm after sharp social media backlash against the figure, which many pointed out resembled blackface.

In response, director Spike Lee launched a personal boycott of Gucci and Prada, demanding that the brands hire black designers.

Read:  Why these Gucci clothes are racist

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