Snapchat features Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, and Frida Kahlo to celebrate International Women's Day. However, the controversial filters drew outrage from social media users.
Fans of Snapchat were able to send selfies with animated stickers related to the identities of the female icons. The Kahlo International Women's Day lens showcased the iconic flower crown and thick brows with red lipstick. Meanwhile, the Parks filter featured the civil rights activist's hat and glasses with a bubble containing the quote: "You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right."
Snapchat under fire: International Women's Day
According to USA Today, several people questioned Snapchat on Twitter for Curie's filter that involved an eye makeup. Aside from that, it was surrounded by fuming beakers and test tubes. Apparently, users believe that the Curie International Women's Day filter should have added a safety gear given that she died from radiation exposure.
Twitter fans were irritated by the Snapchat tribute dedicated to the Nobel Prize-winning chemist. They stressed that the eyeliner is both historically and scientifically inaccurate. On the other hand, some individuals also raised concerns about the Kahlo and Parks filters. The International Women's Day lenses were racially insensitive for them.
Basically, fans were outraged because of the fact that Snapchat reduced Curie's worth to an eyeliner-laden filter. While the service incorporated defining trademarks from Kahlo and Park for International Women's Day, it appeared to have disrespected the chemist. For the record, Curie discovered Radium and Polonium.
Snapchat International Women's Day controversy - Not the first
CNET claimed that the International Women's Day issue is not the first time Snapchat has been attacked for scandalous filters. Seven months ago, the app removed its Asian lens after it appeared racist. For one thing, it showcased yellow skin and slanted eyes.
Moreover, in November, Snapchat got into hot water again over its Bob Marley filter that permits users to swap their faces with Marley's. Unfortunately, the feature looked like an intriguing digital blackface. The app declined to comment on the International Women's Day filters but noted in August that "lenses are meant to be playful and never to offend."
