This week’s noteworthy topics are under scrutiny by the panelists of the Group Chat on “Commotion.” Culture critics Pablo The Don, Bee Quammie, and senior CBC Entertainment writer Jackson Weaver, along with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud, delve into the recent controversy surrounding an American Eagle ad featuring Sydney Sweeney. The ad, which took on a more politically charged tone, has sparked backlash for its unexpected messaging in a denim commercial.
Critics have raised concerns about the ad’s “jeans/genes” pun, with some drawing parallels to eugenics and white supremacy rhetoric. While right-wing voices view the ad as a rebuttal to “wokeness,” the panelists also explore the circulating think pieces discussing celebrities’ increasing transparency about plastic surgery and photoshopped images.
Furthermore, the panelists share their insights on Tyler, The Creator’s latest album, “Don’t Tap the Glass.” For a comprehensive discussion on these topics, viewers can catch the full episode on YouTube. The episode is also available on CBC Listen and the podcast “Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud.”
The panel was expertly produced by Ty Callender.