Oh, happy day! Our #ThankYouEvent [1] is finally here. Take 30% off your entire purchase: https://t.co/nGQ9Pji1pN [2] pic.twitter.com/vq4mIczm6A [3]
— Old Navy Official (@OldNavy) April 29, 2016 [4]
When Old Navy announced a surprise discount, some close-minded people were left furious with the chain [5]: because the promotion featured an interracial family.
In a tweet [6] that went out to its customers, the company shared an offer for 30 percent off your entire purchase along with a sweet snapshot of a mother, father, and little boy decked out in their Spring line. Despite this looking like a happy family (who happens to be rocking springy, coordinated outfits), many people took issue with the models representing an interracial family.
@OldNavy [7] Absolutely disgusting. What's next? Gender neutral bathrooms? Pedophilia acceptance propaganda?! Never shopping here again.
— M (@RousetheMasses) April 30, 2016 [8]
The woman who posed as the mom in the photo took to social media to express her support for Old Navy: "In light of the controversy revolving around my pretend family ... I am proud to be representing interracial love, multiculturalism, and most importantly, a mentality that supports opportunity for all ethnicities. Thanks @oldnavy #lovewins #hatefreezone," Grace Mahary posted on Instagram [9].
Despite the hateful responses to the ad, others have decided that they aren't going to let this beautiful photo be overshadowed by racism. Instead, members of mixed-race families are posting their own family photos.
.@OldNavy [10] Props on this ad! My family and I appreciate it. #RepresentationMatters [11] pic.twitter.com/ZXQ8YbT0QS [12]
— Austin Null (@thenivenulls) May 2, 2016 [13]
@OldNavy [14] - we are trying to redefine normal with our campaign. You can help! https://t.co/FRpDTHeZcf [15] pic.twitter.com/uTdfIH8HUu [16]
— Mama Said Tees (@mamasaidtees) May 2, 2016 [17]
.@kharyp [18] @OldNavy [19] Thank You Old Navy! Interracial families are beautiful and we appreciate the representation! pic.twitter.com/kVNuGHfAB9 [20]
— Noelle Devoe (@Noelle_CD) May 2, 2016 [21]
...@OldNavy [22] my family loves old navy!! #LoveWins [23] #StopHate [24] #OldNavy [25] #MixedRace [26] #StopRacism [27] pic.twitter.com/6jR7bGRfSY [28]
— Sasha (@SashaZed) May 2, 2016 [29]
@OldNavy [30] My family (Indian dad, Chinese son, Mexican mom) LOVE your gorgeous ad & we're proud to be ALL AMERICAN. pic.twitter.com/Yey3otqskb [31]
— Mary Alderete (@AldereteMary) May 2, 2016 [32]
@OldNavy [33] We are an Old Navy family! Love sees the colors and celebrates all. #ThankYouEvent [34] pic.twitter.com/IEvJtSB9YM [35]
— Kathy Anderson (@KEAnderson71) May 2, 2016 [36]
@OldNavy [37] Thank you for your ad!! #LoveWins [38] pic.twitter.com/E4Uvy9zEZn [39]
— Laura Jeter (@LauraLj2985) May 2, 2016 [40]
@OldNavy [41] #mylittlefamily [42] pic.twitter.com/Rcj8vmIr9m [43]
— Heather Dunaway (@heatherdunaway8) May 2, 2016 [44]
@OldNavy [45] thanks for showing families of all colors are beautiful. P.S. My kids and husband are clothes solely by you pic.twitter.com/ypyFQ2uHOD [46]
— Alannah Cook (@alannahscook) May 2, 2016 [47]
@OldNavy [48] Thank you for showing #diversity [49] in your recent add. Love doesn't see color. #OldNavy [50] pic.twitter.com/87Srz3nFSi [51]
— Deanna Helget (@Ladyd078) May 2, 2016 [52]
.@OldNavy [53] My sweet little family thanks you for this beautiful ad. #LoveWins [54] #diversity [55] pic.twitter.com/Ss5QCxz2fR [56]
— Sara Patterson (@SocialNewsSara) May 2, 2016 [57]
It's refreshing to see all of these lovely families drown out the messages of hate!