E-commerce platform Myntra was forced to change its logo after activists raged about its “obscene” logo alleging that it “depicts a woman’s vagina”. The logo will be changed across the app, website, and packaging material, the company said following the uproar.
Microblogging website Twitter has seen the biggest surge in usage among Indians, registering a 160 percent increase in the number of tweets in 2017, according to data by the global search giant. The record was beaten by several government agencies such as the Indian Railways, and the ministry of defense.
Indian use of Facebook grew by 40 percent in 2017, while WhatsApp registered 110 percent growth, according to the data. The peak time for Internet usage was between 8 pm to 11 pm on weekdays, and on weekends, the hour was 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm, said Google.
To a normal eye, the logo would appear as the alphabet ‘M’ with different shades of pink and orange but some activists decided to cancel the brand as they found it to be offensive to women. Social media trolls joined the outrage bandwagon and labeled the logo as “indecent and denigrating to women”.
After facing backlash from all quarters, Mcdonald’s India on Sunday removed the much-reviled logo and apologized.
The fast-food chain said in a statement: “We apologize for the recent controversy over our international logo which was intended to celebrate diversity.”
“We are absolutely committed to building a better McDonald’s and are proud of our diverse workforce and welcome customers from across the country and beyond to experience our food, great taste, and welcoming environment. We have already reworked our global uniforms and can confidently say that the new design makes us and our employees feel proud,” the company added.
Mcdonald’s was heavily criticized on Twitter with angry users accusing the company of being anti-feminist. Some also called it tasteless. “This is appalling. McDonald’s takes pride in being a feminist brand but is totally sexist. How dare they?” asked one
A Mumbai-based activist Naaz Patel filed a complaint with Mumbai’s cyber cell of Mumbai Police alleging that the corporate insignia was “insulting and offensive” to women. Mumbai Police officials met Myntra representatives after they received the complaint from Naaz, the founder-director of Avesta Foundation. The complainant demanded the Flipkart group company to change its logo or face legal action.
“Flipkart committed to change the Flipkart logo, and ensure that they don’t harm sentiments of women. We will pursue this matter and seek justice for Myntra,” a Mumbai police official told PTI.
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Rashmi Karandikar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) told PTI that a complainant had approached the BKC cyber crime police station in the matter.
"We called a meeting with Myntra following the complaint, they (Myntra) came and agreed to change the logo. They have sent an e-mail as well on the same," she said
Soon after, Myntra changed its logo. Along with that, they issued printing orders with the new logo on them.
Last year, an FIR was registered at BKC cyber crime police station by a Bengaluru-based company against Myntra, following which an investigation was initiated.
Image credit: Twitter)
The controversy did ruffle
the company's feathers a bit. However, it all did not rest here.
When
the news broke about the logo change, the Internet was extremely divided on the
final result. While some understood the reason and welcomed it, some were not
convinced and decided to poke fun on it.
What
then ensued was a meme fest on Twitter under the hashtag 'Myntra Logo' where
netizens took to the microblogging site and reacted to the change with what they
know best. Humour.
Myntra,
the brand which owns the Indian online retailer, changed their logo and we're
not 100% sure about what the motive is, but the people have had a lot to say
about it.
This
logo by Myntra which was in use for the last 3 years has been taken down by the
brand. pic.twitter.com/t66VkQ1kmY — Tanmay Bhagat (@TanmayBhagat) June 16, 2018
Our
new logo is a direct nod to the border tensions with China.#Mynt
Here are some memes on the same:
"So productive. Much needed. Waking up to a new logo made my life so much easier," this user's sarcasm was on point.
Some were confused about why it was offensive and if there is any major difference between the old logo and the new.
Some jokingly suggested changing logos of other brands as well such GMail, Kismi, Better than Sex mascara, etc.
What did you think? Was this an unwarranted issue?
Searches related to myntra logo controversy
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