Marketing jeans

American Eagle is not on my radar. I would not have known about the Sydney Sweeney ads if I didn’t see social media posts about them.

Some people are criticizing American Eagle. Other people are saying the ads really don’t have deeper meaning. As if this is the debate—does American Eagle know what they’re saying with these ads?

Yeah, they know.

Consider that American Eagle knows exactly what it’s doing for marketing and advertising. The controversy around the Sydney Sweeney ads is the point.

Advertising does not happen by accident. American Eagle’s messaging is intentional. And including racist undertones so that people post reactions to the ads is part of the plan.

Is the approach problematic?

Yes.

Does it work to amplify their advertising?

Also yes. 😕