Attack on 'racist' Gap ad makes children pawns

Here we go again. Another instance of race baiters making a stink over nothing. If folks aren't boycotting the Academy Awards for no black actor nominations, they're complaining about a Burger King commercial in which Mary J. Blige was singing about fried chicken. But it's getting even more ridiculous. The most recent example of racial paranoia and absurdity has knocked on the door of Gap, which was pressured into pulling an ad because it depicted a white girl leaning on a black girl -- which is ... racist?!

It's 2016, but who would know it? We are as racially divided as ever. We abolished slavery, crushed Jim Crow and elected a black president -- yet accusations of racism abound, to the point of absolute foolishness. This Gap ad controversy is just that: foolishness.

The ad was a collaboration between the company and Ellen DeGeneres' ED lifestyle brand to support economic literacy and to support girls in particular. The ad includes four girls, one of whom is black. The two girls on either end are seen in creative gymnastic-type poses. The black girl, wearing a shirt with the world "love" on it, is standing next to a tall white girl. The white girl's arm is resting on the black girl's head. It's all very cute and all very friendly. There is no way anyone sane could detect racism unless he were looking for it. It's not there. In fact, the word "love" on the girl's shirt is fitting -- because the two are actually sisters.

But nowadays, when it comes to race and its mounting tensions spurred on by public pressure, political parties and problem people, reality doesn't matter. Agendas and narratives matter.

I despise racism. I despise faux racism just as much. And I don't respect companies that cave to nonsense. This ridiculousness will continue as long as it is allowed to continue. Apologizing for doing nothing wrong is not admirable; it's disgraceful and validates that which should be condemned. Gap chose that approach, nonetheless.

A statement from a spokesperson for the company said, "As a brand with a proud 46-year history of championing diversity and inclusivity, we appreciate the conversation that has taken place and are sorry to anyone we've offended." Really? "Sorry" for what? And what kind of "conversation" about nonexistent racism is a conversation worth appreciating?

What bothers me most about this situation is that it affects children -- the most innocent among us. These kids came together, worked hard and expected to be part of something meaningful. They thought what they did would send a positive message that girls can be themselves and accomplish anything. Instead of receiving support, their work is the center of a game of race played by people who are projecting their own insecurities onto others. The children are the pawn pieces, and children deserve better.

Nathalie Yves Gaulthier, founder of Le Petit Cirque, which is the youth performance group of the children actors, said, "The child in the ad is not an 'armrest.' She's the other girl's little sister. They are a very close family." The statement also said, "Our company is deeply saddened by some people misconstruing this as racist, and are keeping the children out if this at the moment to protect their beautiful feelings."

Yes, children deserve protection. Sooner or later, however, someone will have to tell them about their ad -- that what they thought was wholesome has been defiled and labeled racist. Do they tell these kids that what they did in the ad was wrong, or do they tell them that the people complaining were wrong -- so lost they are that they misconstrued the most innocent expressions of love and acceptance? If they opt for the truth -- the latter -- how do they then explain to the children why Gap apologized and pulled the ad instead of taking a stand? And what will be the life-lesson the children take from this as they grapple with the kind of people they want to be and the battles worth fighting?

As our society spirals into a place where movements are more important than reality, perhaps we should pause and consider who the victims are here. And maybe, just maybe, knowing that young people are watching and being influenced by our example will move us to do right by them.

Adrienne Ross is an editor, writer, public speaker, online radio show host, former teacher and coach, Southeast Missourian editorial board member, and owner of Adrienne Ross Communications. Reach her at aross@semissourian.com.