As someone who is now vision impaired (yep .. my blindness is recent indeed)
This is INSULTING ..
Obviously .. not a joking matter ..
For I do have to protect myself .. and what's left of my eyes ..
(I use shields .. because I can still sense things .. but it also means I have migraines if too much light hits my eyes).
Chinese Company Names Sunglasses After Helen Keller: Brilliant or Bad Idea?
SodaHead Business
2012/04/21 23:41:37
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A new line of luxury sunglasses named after a blind icon? We sure didn’t see (pun intended) that one coming!
But this is no joke. A Chinese company has actually named their eyewear after the famously deafblind Helen Keller who, by the way, never actually wore sunglasses! You may be wondering: Is this a case of deliberate eyerony? A glaring oversight? Something lost in translation? Apparently, none of the above.
According to the Washington Post, “Helen Keller is apparently a staple of China’s school curriculum – an exemplary figure that overcame her disabilities to make a mark – and a socialist to boot.”
Furthermore, the company’s spokesperson Chen Wenjing said that they were fully aware that Helen Keller was blind, but chose the figure for what she represented: “her philanthropist spirit which spread optimism around the world.” Hmm . . . we’re not sure we buy that explanation.
As if this story wasn’t ridiculous enough, the company’s motto—“You see the world, the world sees you”—just seems to make the use of Keller’s name feel even more insensitive. Yet, some are calling the marketing strategy bold. After all, the Helen Keller sunglasses certainly have received significant media attention.
What do you think SodaHeads? Was the Chinese company’s decision to name their new line of sunglasses after Helen Keller brilliant or a bad idea?
But this is no joke. A Chinese company has actually named their eyewear after the famously deafblind Helen Keller who, by the way, never actually wore sunglasses! You may be wondering: Is this a case of deliberate eyerony? A glaring oversight? Something lost in translation? Apparently, none of the above.
According to the Washington Post, “Helen Keller is apparently a staple of China’s school curriculum – an exemplary figure that overcame her disabilities to make a mark – and a socialist to boot.”
Furthermore, the company’s spokesperson Chen Wenjing said that they were fully aware that Helen Keller was blind, but chose the figure for what she represented: “her philanthropist spirit which spread optimism around the world.” Hmm . . . we’re not sure we buy that explanation.
As if this story wasn’t ridiculous enough, the company’s motto—“You see the world, the world sees you”—just seems to make the use of Keller’s name feel even more insensitive. Yet, some are calling the marketing strategy bold. After all, the Helen Keller sunglasses certainly have received significant media attention.
What do you think SodaHeads? Was the Chinese company’s decision to name their new line of sunglasses after Helen Keller brilliant or a bad idea?
Read More: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/04/20/chinese-compan...
Top Opinion
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sglmom 2012/04/22 00:33:59
2) This is, according to the article, something that would be considered by the Chinese as honoring to Helen Keller as a revered icon.
Read more than just the question headline and provide an informed opinion rather than a simply emotional reaction.
Two, and I'm surprised no one sees it this way: Symbolic. Helen Keller was able to overcome her disability. This is an empowerment campaign for the sunglasses, not an attempt to devalue blind people.
No. You are legally and morally obligated to represent A blind person with honor and truth!
I have been informed , that these sunglasses , according to the first photographs! Demonstrated on this post? Were as ugly as ) home/ made sinn
If I were to put these sunglasses on my face???
I would have to tie a pork chop around my neck before my service dog would come to me!
Note,, today we have photos of different sunglasses a prime example of how blind people get lead by other people! and the realization of the truth
When I was a kid, I always wanted to someday have a Hotdog shop where I sold "Ann Franks".
i really dont think they were seriously trying to make a joke out of helen keller.
i've seen that happen too many times..
“You see the world, the world sees you"
She was blind you jerks!