B1 – Intermediate
American Eagle is involved in a big controversy after the questionable use of the words “jeans” and “genes” in an advertisement.
It was supposed to be a witty wordplay, but many were quick to dismiss it as racist.
Read this article about the issue involving American Eagle’s jeans advertisement with actress Sydney Sweeney.
Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250804-jeans-genes-wordplay-4.html
Watch the advert here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK8s3iqL99c
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define “meltdown”. “The critics say Ms Sweeney is white, blue-eyed, and blonde. A former Fox News host called the criticism a leftist meltdown.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to create a storm” mean? “A video from the jeans maker American Eagle has created a storm.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to run amok” mean? “The White House called it an overreaction, and that attacking the ad was cancel culture run amok.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about this American Eagle jeans advertisement?
- American Eagle says “the advert is and always was about the jeans” and not about genes. Do you believe them? Why or why not?
- How can this issue impact the brand?
- Do you think that the actress Sydney Sweeney also holds some level of accountability on this issue? Share your opinion.
- Share your thoughts on this, “Humanity can be improved by focusing on desirable genes”.
- Talk about another controversial advert.