Patagonia joins #StopHateforProfit and pulls ads from Facebook and Instagram, Internet says ‘do it permanently’
Stop Hate for Profit is a virtual campaign started to stop businesses from making profits off advertisements that promote false information about socially relevant issues, hatred, racism and much more. Joining the campaign, the outdoor clothing and gear designer brand Patagonia announced on their official Twitter handle on June 21 that they would be pulling all their advertisements from Facebook and Instagram, standing in solidarity with the online movement.
Patagonia tweeted, “Patagonia is proud to join the Stop Hate for Profit campaign. We will pull all ads on Facebook and Instagram, effective immediately, through at least the end of July, pending meaningful action from the social media giant."
It added, “For too long, Facebook has failed to take sufficient steps to stop the spread of hateful lies and dangerous propaganda on its platform.”
The brand specifically called out Facebook in one of its tweets, stating, “We stand with #StopHateforProfit in saying Facebook’s ‘profits will never be worth promoting hate, bigotry, racism, antisemitism, and violence. - Cory Bayers, Head of Marketing, Patagonia”.
Besides joining the campaign, Patagonia has managed to get over 500 companies across the US, including Gap Inc, Levi Strauss & Co, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart to give their workers time off during the upcoming general election in November. “As companies across the country work hard to ensure that Americans have access to free and fair elections this fall, we can’t stand by and contribute resources to companies that contribute to the problem.” Patagonia wrote in another tweet.
Although Patagonia’s latest move is being lauded by many, who are calling the brand a “true leader” and thanking it for taking a stand, some have expressed a rather different opinion. While one of the social media users asked what would Patagonia if the issue continues to persist and “things don’t change by the end of July?”, another tweeted, “Do it permanently. And everyone reading this should do what they already know will improve their life quality, and improve their family, friends, and community. You regret the time you spend on Facebook. We all do. It divides us and poisons minds. Just get rid of it.” insisting a complete ban on any sort of advertising that could harm the society.
And, one Twitter user called out Patagonia for only serving the wealthy class of the society. “Despite their wholesome optics... i still believe that Patagonia exclusively caters to the rich upper-class and all of greek life. They tout themselves as "for the people" but only if those people can afford $20 mimosas at brunch,” read the tweet.
Meanwhile, another Twitter user wrote, “Communist company who made millions off the backs of good willedAmericans. You should be ashamed, but you people know no shame. I will never buy Patagonia again. This is disinformation you are spreading and supporting censorship. You are a JOKE.”