Is It In Your Genes or Is It Just in the Jeans?
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As back-to-school ads appear, youngsters are noticing new trends, ditching old fads, and preparing for the next season. At the height of this time are prolific ads displaying actress Sydney Sweeney laughing, twirling, and trying on her favorite American Eagle jeans.
Representing the new face of American Eagle’s back-to-school campaign, she shares her thoughts on body image, confidence, and style. The ads cross out “genes” for “jeans,” yet Sydney, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed actress, is being praised for both her stereotypical genetic makeup and the physical jeans she’s wearing. Is this racism or just a harmless back-to-school commercial? Are her jeans “blue,” or is it a reference to “genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color?”
While Sydney’s message of self-love is resonating with young audiences navigating a beauty-saturated digital culture, her decision to market women’s jeans to men has sparked considerable controversy. In a culture where confidence is packaged as a purchase, what does this campaign reveal about our society—and our souls? More importantly, in a world obsessed with appearance, how can we teach the next generation to find their worth in their ‘genes’?”
The Campaign & Cultural Conversation
American Eagle’s newest campaign features the stunning Sydney Sweeney, actively marketing to Gen Z. While the actress aims to present that “genes” are more important than your “jeans,” many are in an uproar: Choosing a Barbie-like individual to influence the next generation has sparked debate online.
Positively, Sydney stands for self-love, confidence, and style. The ads emphasize being true to yourself and where you came from, above the physical jeans you’re wearing. Many Gen Zers love this actress and thus adopt her mantras.
Negatively, however, others are calling the ads “Nazi Propaganda.” As Komo News reports: “I will be the friend that’s too woke, but those Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ads are weird,” a TikTok user wrote. “Like, fascist weird. Like Nazi propaganda, weird,” another comment said.”
After hearing these comments, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) came to the 27-year-old’s defense, noting, “Wow. Now the crazy Left has come out against beautiful women. I’m sure that will poll well.”
All over social media platforms, Sydney’s ad is facing support, confusion, and criticism. Culture’s obsession with “confidence” often comes wrapped in consumerism, but what does that mean for young souls? As Christians, how do we approach this issue with grace and truth?