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
Helen Keller, you did indeed live a life that had greatness and periods of noble accomplishments...
I do not think this is great and noble.....quite sad making a buck off of this.
Like I said....if she was alive and endorsed them....I would feel differently. Probably say "alright...capitalism working"....( which would be ironic kinda since Keller was not into Capitalism ) ....but she was not born in a time when one trade-marked their name and image like nowadays....and this is another country profiting off a iconic person who had disabilities....just think it is tacky....maybe it is because I have and am parenting children with disabilities.....
apparently not tho to this company...if they want to use her to sell glasses...
Ray Charles, nope...not alive to say ok....same as Helen Keller.