The North Face is facing backlash over a new equity course that teaches customers how the outdoors is oppressive against Black people. Critics, including PragerU personality Xaviaer DuRousseau, have slammed the course as "woke nonsense" and accused the company of promoting a divisive narrative.
The North Face, renowned for its outdoor gear, has stirred controversy with the launch of an equity course that presents the outdoors as an oppressive environment for Black individuals. The course has garnered criticism from various quarters, including conservative commentator Xaviaer DuRousseau, who joined Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle" to express his disapproval.
DuRousseau denounced the course as "woke nonsense," arguing that it promotes a distorted view of nature and society. He emphasized that the outdoors should be a welcoming space for all, regardless of race or background.
The detractors of the course argue that it perpetuates a divisive narrative that pits different racial groups against each other. They contend that the outdoors has been enjoyed by people of all cultures for centuries and should not be tainted with the brush of racial oppression.
Supporters of the course, however, defend it as an important step towards acknowledging and addressing the historical and ongoing exclusion of Black people in outdoor spaces. They maintain that the course aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
The controversy surrounding the course highlights the ongoing debate over the role of race and identity in contemporary society. Critics of so-called "woke" culture argue that it exaggerates the significance of race and undermines meritocracy, while proponents see it as a necessary tool for combating systemic inequalities.
The North Face has not publicly commented on the criticism surrounding its equity course. However, the company has faced similar backlash in the past for its support of progressive causes.
In 2021, the company drew criticism for its decision to release a limited-edition jacket in collaboration with streetwear brand Supreme. The jacket featured a design that some critics deemed disrespectful to the American flag, leading to calls for a boycott of the company.
The North Face has also been criticized for its environmental practices. In 2015, the company was accused of greenwashing for using misleading marketing claims about its sustainability efforts.
Despite the controversies, the North Face remains a popular brand among outdoor enthusiasts. The company's iconic products and strong brand loyalty have helped it weather previous storms.
It remains to be seen whether the backlash against the equity course will have a significant impact on the company's reputation and sales. However, the controversy is likely to continue to fuel debate over the role of race and identity in outdoor culture and beyond.
