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國際時事跟讀 Ep. L040: Sydney Sweeney Ad Sparks Controversy
Highlights 主題摘要
- American Eagle's ad featuring Sydney Sweeney sparked nationwide social media debate over genetics wordplay.
- Trump publicly defended the controversial ad after Sweeney's Republican registration was revealed.
- Marketing experts debate whether this was calculated outrage marketing or accidental misstep.
American Eagle launched summer advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney in July, showcasing denim collection through television commercials. The campaign centered around wordplay between genes and jeans, with Sweeney explaining how genetic traits are inherited while modeling denim products. The blonde actress delivered lines about genetic inheritance determining physical characteristics, creating connection between biology and fashion. The advertisement gained widespread attention across social media platforms, generating significant buzz for clothing retailer. Initial reactions seemed positive, with viewers appreciating Sweeney star power and creative approach to promoting denim fashion.
美鷹傲飛在七月推出以女星席德妮・史威尼為主角的夏季廣告活動，透過電視廣告展示牛仔服飾系列。這個活動以「基因」和「牛仔褲」之間的文字遊戲為中心，史威尼在展示牛仔產品的同時解釋遺傳特徵如何傳承。這位金髮女星說出關於基因遺傳決定身體特徵的台詞，在生物學和時尚之間建立連結。這支廣告在社群媒體平台上獲得廣泛關注，為服飾零售商帶來顯著話題。初期反應似乎相當正面，觀眾欣賞史威尼的明星魅力和創意的牛仔時尚推廣手法。
The advertisement quickly sparked fierce criticism and debate across social media platforms nationwide. Critics pointed out that having blonde actress discuss good genes, particularly in current political climate, could echo dangerous rhetoric associated with eugenics. Some observers believed advertisement inadvertently reinforced problematic beauty standards, suggesting certain physical traits are genetically more desirable than others. Social media users expressed concerns about potential racial implications, especially considering recent political discourse about immigration. The controversy rapidly divided into camps with supporters who considered criticism excessive, and critics who insisted content was problematic.
這支廣告很快就在全國社群媒體平台上引發激烈的批評和辯論。批評者指出，讓金髮女星談論優良基因，特別是在當前政治氛圍下，可能會呼應與優生學相關的危險言論。一些觀察者認為這支廣告無意中強化了有問題的美貌標準，暗示某些身體特徵在基因上比其他特徵更值得擁有。社群媒體用戶表達了對潛在種族暗示的擔憂，特別是考慮到近期關於移民的政治討論。這場爭議迅速分化成兩個陣營，支持者認為批評過度，批評者則堅持內容確實有問題。
The controversy intensified when reports surfaced revealing that Sweeney is registered as Republican voter in Florida, adding unexpected political dimensions to fashion advertisement debate. President Donald Trump seized opportunity to publicly support both actress and advertisement, posting enthusiastic endorsements on Truth Social platform. Trump praised Sweeney as having hottest ad out there and encouraged her to continue work, effectively transforming fashion marketing campaign into political statement. Conservative media outlets rallied behind advertisement, framing criticism as examples of excessive political correctness. This presidential intervention elevated controversy from simple advertising debate to broader cultural battleground.
當報導揭露史威尼在佛羅里達州註冊為共和黨選民時，爭議急劇升級，為時尚廣告辯論增添了意想不到的政治層面。川普總統抓住機會公開支持這位女星和廣告，在 Truth Social 平台上發布熱情的讚揚。川普稱讚史威尼擁有最火熱的廣告，並鼓勵她繼續工作，有效地將時尚行銷活動轉變為政治表態。保守派媒體紛紛支持這支廣告，將批評聲浪定調為過度政治正確的例子。這次總統介入將爭議從單純的廣告辯論升級為更廣泛的文化戰場。
Following Trump intervention, advertisement controversy transformed into symbol of cultural warfare, with marketing experts analyzing implications for American Eagle brand reputation. Company stock prices experienced significant volatility during controversy period, rising as much as twenty percent, demonstrating investor reactions to controversial marketing strategy. Brand experts remained divided on whether this represented calculated outrage marketing strategy or accidental misstep that aligned with political messaging. Some argued that in today polarized political environment, any attention holds value for brand recognition. American Eagle eventually issued statement insisting advertisement was purely about jeans, but explanation failed to settle ongoing debate.
川普介入後，廣告爭議轉變為文化戰爭的象徵，行銷專家開始分析這對美鷹傲飛品牌聲譽的影響。公司股價在爭議期間經歷顯著波動，最高上漲百分之二十，顯示投資人對爭議性行銷策略的反應。品牌專家對於這是否代表精心計算的爭議行銷策略，還是意外與政治訊息產生關聯的失誤，仍然意見分歧。有些人認為在當今兩極化的政治環境中，任何關注都對品牌認知具有價值。美鷹傲飛最終發表聲明，堅持廣告純粹是關於牛仔褲，但這個解釋未能平息持續的辯論。
Keyword Drills 關鍵字
- Campaign [noun, organized series of activities]: American Eagle launched summer advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney in July.
- Actress [noun, female performer]: The blonde actress delivered lines about genetic inheritance determining physical characteristics.
- Endorsement [noun, public support]: Trump posted enthusiastic endorsements on Truth Social platform.
- Intervention [noun, action taken]: This presidential intervention elevated controversy from simple advertising debate.
- Strategy [noun, plan of action]: Brand experts remained divided on whether this represented calculated outrage marketing strategy.
Reference article:
1. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3v3w62ekq2o
2. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/02/entertainment/sydney-sweeney-american-eagle-ad-dunkin-drama-cec