Ben & Jerry’s has always found themselves as a brand who uses their prominent platform to both weigh in and take stances on some of our nation’s most controversial social issues.
The Vermont-based creamery recently made waves after releasing a statement online on Thursday [October 6, 2016] in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, tweeting out that “Choosing to be silent in the face of such injustice is not an option.”
Black Lives Matter. Choosing to be silent in the face of such injustice is not an option. https://t.co/6Vy0KHJeKU #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/pK96teLRhd
— Ben & Jerry's (@benandjerrys) October 6, 2016
Naturally, the move was met with a sea of mixed emotions on social media, with an outpouring of support accompanied by a plethora of backlash, including calls to boycott the company.
Ben & Jerry’s has now distinguished itself one of the first major corporations to back the controversial Black Lives Matter affirmation.
“We believe it is due to the systemic racism built into the fabric of our institutions at every level, disadvantaging and discriminating against people of color in ways that go beyond individual intent to discriminate,” read part of the statement. “For this reason, we are not pointing fingers at individuals; we are instead urging us to come together to better our society and institutions so that we may finally fulfill the founding promise of this country: to be a country with dignity and justice for all.”
