MAC Rodarte: Changing Product Names & $100K Donation
MAC Cosmetics for Rodarte Collection for Fall 2010
For the original discussion and debate (which is still on-going), as well as collection details, please visit our original post on MAC Rodarte. We will continue to update you when we have more information. We also continue to ask our readers and visitors to maintain our community standards of respect towards each other in their comments.
This afternoon, MAC responded to our request for any updates, and we were able to receive the following:
STATEMENT FROM M·A·C COSMETICS ON THE M·A·C RODARTE COLLECTION
We understand that product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection have offended our consumers and fans. This was never our intent and we are very sorry. We continue to listen carefully to the comments we have received and have the following plans to address concerns:
- We are committed to donating $100,000 to a non-profit organization that has a proven, successful track-record helping women in need and that can directly improve the lives of women in Juarez in a meaningful way.
- We are changing the product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection.
As we have done in the past, please be assured that we will communicate details regarding our progress in this matter.
STATEMENT FROM RODARTE ON THE M·A·C RODARTE COLLECTION
We recognize that the violence against women taking place in Juarez needs to be met with proactive action. We never intended to make light of this serious issue and we are truly sorry.
Helping to improve the conditions for women in Juarez is a priority for us and we are thankful for all the comments calling attention to the urgency of addressing this situation.
Yes, I planned to before!
33%, 1,440 Votes
No, I won't.
32%, 1,361 Votes
No, but I didn't plan to before (e.g. not my colors).
20%, 869 Votes
Yes, now I will!
13%, 580 Votes
Other - I'll tell you in the comments!
2%, 69 Votes
Total Voters: 4,319
For MAC and Rodarte’s original statements…
Temptalia has reached out to MAC for comment on the collaboration with Rodarte, and if and when we receive more information, we will be certain to share with you. We received official statements from MAC and Rodarte @ 11AM (pst) on July 16th, 2010, which we share below:
STATEMENT FROM M·A·C COSMETICS ON THE M·A·C RODARTE COLLECTION
We understand that product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection have offended some of our consumers and fans. This was never our intent and we are very sorry. We are listening carefully to the comments posted and are grateful to those of you who have brought your concerns to the forefront of our attention. M·A·C will give a portion of the proceeds from the M·A·C Rodarte collection to help those in need in Juarez. We are diligently investigating the best way to do this. Please be assured that we will keep you posted on the details regarding our efforts.
STATEMENT FROM RODARTE ON THE M·A·C AND RODARTE COLLECTION
Our makeup collaboration with M·A·C developed from inspirations on a road trip that we took in Texas last year, from El Paso to Marfa. The ethereal nature of this landscape influenced the creative development and desert palette of the collection. We are truly saddened about injustice in Juarez and it is a very important issue to us. The M·A·C collaboration was intended as a celebration of the beauty of the landscape and people in the areas that we traveled.
WOW. Didn’t expect that, tbh.
all hail the power of the people!!
I agree! I think that blogging (and the internet) has become a powerful tool, and it shows how much we can accomplish by using it. Kudos to both companies for listening to their consumers. On a related note, I hope that means they will re-shoot those creepy promo images.
Kudos to Christine for allowing an open debate and not censoring negative comments against MAC. She is a great blogger and very tolerant person. 🙂
As long as everyone is respectful of each other, I’m happy to moderate! 🙂
I am so disappointed in MAC right now. As a Mexican-American woman and as a make-up consumer, this kind of negligence is so off-putting.
Did you read the post? They’re changing the names and donating $100K…
I did but I’m still not very happy with MAC, I can’t help feeling what I feel.
Wow I am surprised your still not happy. Even if they went out of their way to fix the problem. I also as a Mexican-American and a person that lives in El Paso and right next to Juarez, am more then pleased with what they have done to fix the collection. Olivia just one question, and I am not by any means trying to offend you, but what would it take in your opinion for you to be satisfied with MAC in this situation??
Hello, I want to make a point. I am a black women who is sensitive to the struggles of people who cannot speak or defend themselves. In saying that, I am passionate about this collection by MAC. I have a problem with this line. I think it is exploiting the issues that exist in Juarez. I would have the same issues if this line was a SLAVERY line to represent what happened to Blacks in the south during slavery. I would not want to support a line that called eyeshadows things like, Hanged Man, Rape, Cotton Picking, Planation, Auction Block and Cotton Gin. Does this seem insensitive to you Andrea? Look, VIVA GLAM proceeds support AIDS research right. For VIVA GLAM products are the products named things like: POSITIVE, UNPROTECTED SEX, BURNED, DEATH, AND HIV…. NO, because these names would be considered insensitive. Do you agree? Does anyone agree? Should we have a WORLD TRADE CENTER COLLECTION and name the products, BOMB,BODIES, FIRE FIGHTER, nine11 AND PLANE CRASH?
I agree 100%
I agree. The fact that it happened in the first place is pretty inexcusable; it’s nice that there was an apology given (in the form of the donation, and the amendment of the names), but it shouldn’t have happened at all. Don’t feel bad about how you feel. It’s justified.
You’re right. The fact that it happened in the first place is just horrible.
I agree, the fact that they chose Juarez and had a model who looked like a dead woman seems to coincidental. Maybe they were going for edgy but to me it’s just really bad taste. It is horrible what is happening in Mexico and is nothing to make light of. I’m glad that they have responded to the criticism instead of ignoring it but it doesn’t take away from the fact that the collection was made with really poor taste/judgement on their part IMHO.
I think i understand how you feel. It’s like they gave the collection the seal of approval beforehand and only NOW they decided to make changes and help out Juarez. I know its better that they DID do something in the end but why approved it in the first place? Negligence? Ignorance?
Oh well, at least they’re correcting things now.
i feel a lot of it was mostly negligence and partly ignorance/not caring… 🙁
Yes, but they only had change the names and donate money after the critics…
That´s really sad, just after the critics… 🙁
That doesn’t negate the carelessness on MAC’s part in the first place. It was more of an “oops, we messed up, we’d better try to fix the issue before we lose profits and make people angry”. I agree with Olivia – I, too, am a woman of Mexican-American descent, and am hugely disgusted because this issue is very close to my heart.
I really think this is great that they’ve decided to change the product names instead of just a donation!
I absolutely agree! I was really pleasantly surprised to read this.
Yay! Now that’s more like it! I feel like I can now purchase that light opal mint np that’s coming out!
I’m glad you put a stop to all of those comments Christine! They weren’t necessary 🙂
I am sure it was never their intention to offend anyone. MAC is an “All Ages, All Races, All Sexes” company. I think it says a lot about them as a company that they are making such a large donation as well as changing the names of the products.
i also hope that no matter how much the horrid promo picture cost they change it, it represents nothing but glume, doom and death to me. and the all races all ages all sexes still makes me chuckle, theirs only 2 sexes so it should have been both sexes not all, all is when theres more that 2, if just 2 then its both. every one makes mistakes its just it took mac and rodarte to realise theirs after all the politically aware people and those with a conscience took a stand.
There are technically only two sexes, but there are people who don’t identify with either, or identify with both. So it’s kind of a fine line.
This is true (although I could disagree that there’s only two sexes)…however I think MAC intends to be “All Ages, All Races, All Genders,” it’s just poorly worded (I’m not sure if that’s the fault of the OP or MAC).
That’s also similar to the problem with this collection…not that it’s necessarily poorly worded, however there is a clear lack of attention to fairly obvious social issues. It doesn’t matter if the names change, it’s inspired by a troubling problem that was not adequately addressed and it makes both MAC and Rodarte look ignorant- either the companies did not know or they chose to ignore the issue and both look bad.
For a company as large as MAC, $100,000 isn’t a lot. The profit from the launch of this limited edition collection alone will more than likely cover this, and then some. I commend MAC for changing the names of the products and donating money, but unfortunately, that doesn’t take away from the fact that it appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to the horrible press this collection has received.
That’s true that $100k isn’t a lot to them, but 100,000 USD is a lot in developing countries. Personally, I’m not a fan of companies donating money as a form of apology because it always looks like a selfish/political deed to make them look good. It always looks like there’s no heart in it, too.
Thank goodness MAC is changing the names of the products. I found the original line/names extremely distasteful and offensive. Nice to know we *do* in fact have a voice! Hopefully MAC can find ways to make their donation effective. I’m so glad they seem to be going in the right direction with this.
i didnt even notice the old names opps
I didn’t notice the offensiveness of the names either. Could someone tell me?
Good. I’m glad they changed the names. Everything about it was tasteless before… it’s not like they could plead ignorance on this one, and a simple donation isn’t enough.
I’m surprised and while I don’t know all the details I’m still a proud Mac consumer. I believe they did go above and beyond to make consumers a little less upset. Most companies would probably just issue an apology, which is all I expected from them. I’m proud they did more, but I still would have gotten something if they didn’t. Now I just hope to be able to afford something from this collection and from the disney one…
Wow this is great news! I’m glad they made the right decision.
Yay MAC! I’m happy they’re doing something about this situation. I still cant believe they let the original collection names come out like they did but I’m happy they’re fixing this.
i hope they don’t change all the names cause that’ll throw me off and YAY FOR MAC!! its nice they’re making a donation
I hope they only change the names of the nailpolishes (“Juarez” and “Factory”). They could easily even change them to Marfa and Senorita or something.
I live close to Juarez. And I don’t see how the name ‘Juarez’as a nail polish is offensive. I hope they don’t change it because I wanted to buy it for the name alone. Now ‘Factory’ I do think they should change. Now that was a bad choice for a name. I’m just happy MAC is donating money to a good cause, becuz the ppl of Juarez definitely deserve it. And I’m still planning on buying many items from this collection. In my eyes, I love MAC even more then before for going out of they’re way to please they’re consumers!
im guilty of not being up on my current events :/. whats wrong with the line Rodarte how is it offensive?
Check this post, lady! 🙂 http://www.temptalia.com/mac-rodarte-collection-for-fall-2010
I hope they don’t make the model look almost dead like the last. Felt morbid
i totally agree, that really put me off.
thats great =)I hope itll help settle the controversy. Im glad they listen to their consumers =)Wait, why are you disappointed in MAC Olivia? they made a mistake. they fixed it.
It just really astonished me that such a well-known brand that is famous for its ethos of “All Ages, All Races, All Sexes” (like Amanda said above) and that is even MORE famous for their donations to causes like AIDS research would be so tactless. Femicide in the Mexican border towns is a tragedy that has plagued modern Mexican history and culture and even Mexican/U.S. relations.
I’m glad that they issued this apology and have decided to change the names in the collection and donate money though. There are not a lot of companies that would have donated so much money. But that still doesn’t change my disappointment with their company. This is a mistake that should never have been made in the first place.
I very much agree with you. I’m glad they’ve done something, I’m glad they’re changing the names and donating to a charity that deserves it. But that they made such a tasteless mistake at all does make me think less of them. Also I think the donation amount should have been min 100 000 and a large percentage of the profits made from the collection. 100,000 dollars is nothing to a company as large as MAC.
It might not be a lot of money to MAC, but I’m sure it will be a lot of money to the women of Juarez… and it’s better than nothing!
As much of a disappointment that it was to hear that MAC let the names slide to begin with, I am SO UNBELIEVABLY relieved that they have decided to change the names. And throughout this whole matter, many, many more people have become exposed to the tragedies in Mexico!
I’m so much more stoked on MAC now that they’ve owned –and attempted to fix– their mistakes.
What I am surprised about is that they seem to not have known about it. Normally when you go on a trip don’t you try to find out about where you’re going? I know I like to look things up – even for an impromptu road trip. A simple google search on Juarez, Mexico definitely brings up information on the crimes and murders in the area. This info comes up in the first page of results. I’d have respected them if they released the collection from the beginning with a plan to donate proceeds or a certain amount toward this cause rather than saying “oops” and doing it now b/c they are shamed into it.
I consider myself to be pretty well aware of current events, yet I had never heard of the horrors of Juarez until this controversy arose. It can happen to even the best-informed and best-intentioned of us.
As for the impression they give of being so socially advanced–the only real action they’ve taken in the past has been to develop the Viva Glam line in support of AIDS charities. (I don’t mean to disparage that; it’s more than any other cosmetics company has done and is wonderful.) The “All Ages, All Races, All Sexes” collection was a marketing idea, pure and simple. It didn’t benefit anyone but themselves. Maybe this episode will make us all better able to distinguish between genuine philanthropy and co-opting a fashionable sentiment to make money.
It’s true. We all get swayed into believing some companies are ethically better, but the point of a business is to make money. Commitments like this are pretty much as good as we can expect from large companies, and the small start up companies that may be more socially aware can’t afford to make commitments like this. I’m glad complaining made a difference, as it proves that the company is listening (and it’s in their best interests to do so) to their customers.
Although the collection wasn’t going to stop me from purchasing, I’m suprised and pleased that they are donating AND changing the names. MAC is an amazing company! And thank you Christine for an amazing site and being a great moderater of comments. I hope it shows people that raising awareness of a problem in a positive manner is what really helps their cause.
Do you know if this means that the release date will be postponed?
Hi Jenna,
These are all the details I have at this time.
Can someone please fill me in. Which names were offensive ??
Check out the original post for great insight from readers – http://www.temptalia.com/mac-rodarte-collection-for-fall-2010
Hey Christine, thanks for replying. Im still in question. I’m a “latin american” and I dont find offense to this. Now is this post with the new names ? Compared to the link you asked me to Follow. Still Confused !
Hi Steph,
The new names have not been released yet. Whenever they are, I will be sure to update – but the post still has the original names.
GOOD! thank goodness for strong public opinion!
I’m glad they’re changing the names and giving a good donation…
I’m actually really impressed with this. $100,000 is a good size donation AND they’re changing the names AND they’ve brought awareness of this issue to people that may have not be aware already. I think this is really considerate of MAC.
I think they have done the right thing. I am sure it is not going to be cheap for them to change all of the names on the products they have probably already produced and boxed for distribution for a very near release date but it was the right thing to do. I hope like crazy that no one gets the name of the originally named products and is able to but them on evil bay and make a ton of money off of this horrible situation.
Wow! I did NOT expect this to happen — my hat’s off to MAC! I think it’s wonderful that they’re taking this opportunity to turn something ugly into something beautiful 🙂
i actually found the images, especially in combination with the names, to be much more offensive that the names themselves. wonder if the will get rid of the emaciated, black-eyed young girls that look like they are dead and were dropped in a ditch as well.
I agree about the promo image, whatever the collection, seeing half-dead looking women is just disturbing, full stop. Mac, find some healthy looking beautiful women instead!
Thanks for keeping us updated. I have much respect for a company that publicly admits it’s goof and makes appropriate corrections. While it was not a smart move to start with, this action shows a willingness to listen to it’s consumers. Kudos to Rodarte as well for not falling back on the old standby of “it’s just art”. In a perfect world MAC and/or Rodarte would donate a portion of profits an agency working to aid the women of Juarez, but overall I am glad to see the actions they have taken to address the controversy.
That just shows you how much Mac cares about their customers and how powerful our opinions are. 🙂
I’m glad MAC decided to change a few things about this collection, I truly wasn’t going to buy from this collection but now I will. I think MAC didn’t mean to offend any one intentionally.
i’m sorry you have to go through so many rude and offensive comments :[
Me too, Tina! It’s never fun feeling like you have to censor or limit what people want to say. 🙁
Christine, so sorry your going through this when your blog is suppose to be a place of information for makeup addict like myself. I hate seeing that some people have converted this blog into politic. We all know the world is f*** up! and I do believe that for those who have a problem should do something about it that will make a change beside changing the name on some nail polish, or lipsticks. I’m hispanic and I dont think this should have gone as far as it did. We live in america I do believe in the right of freedom of speech whether we like it or not. Thank you Christine and i’m really sorry again. I hope people get over it because it upsetting to have to deal with this when I come to your website to indulge in my addiction (makeup) not have to hear women bickering about a name.
Rodarte continues to miss the point.
They are the ones who will never get it because they are spoiled brats.
I disagree. Commenting on the personal character of the Rodarte designers is beyond the point. I’ve actually met them before, and they are very nice. I think they just were somewhat ignorant to how bad the situation is. That’s terrible, but they surely didn’t intend to be offensive or mean to anyone. I think the cosmetic names made the actual designers look like bad people. The actual collection they designed was inspired more by the landscape and aesthetics of the region. The names of the products made it seem much more heavy handed and inspired by the actual violence if that makes sense. I think this whole situation is terrible, and I’m not in support of any of this, but it was a mistake.
Any company that actually takes their consumers opinions into consideration and changes accordingly to the very strong opinions of Temptalia readers deserves to be supported, i’ll be anxiously awaiting my purchases from this collection come September. awesome. great job Christine, you’ve made an impact.
No, Lily – the Temptalia community has 🙂 I’ve said it before, but it always bears repeating — Temptalia is nothing without the support and participation of its readers!
Props to MAC for doing this! Too many companies issue apology statements and call it a day. I’m proud to support a company that supports its consumers in return.
I really don’t see this as an amazing thoughtful gesture. I see this change as a smart business move and a way to get some good publicity out of all of this. Still, I’m sure that the donation will be put to good use with the nonprofit organization and will hopefully make a big difference in some women’s lives.
MAC messed up and they are just fixing it, if the bloggers hadn’t caused an uproar, nothing would have changed. However, I do think it is thoughtful they listened and made this change, although it would have been better if they donated proceeds from the collection to a good cause all along.
I really didn’t think it was so overly offensive
Me either, to be honest. I only cringed about the nailpolish named Juarez…..other than that, I was pretty indifferent. I was still going to buy from the collection, and it’s my right to do that without having to feel guilty.
To be honest, I think a lot of people dont actually know what a ghost town is. I think they misinterpreted the line because the chick has “black eyes” which are really meant to look hollow and deserted, much like the town. I’m pretty sure they werent supporting the concept of beating women, and more focusing on the loss of industry and poverty. Their lack of ability to convey that is the true horror.
I honestly have just learned about the controversy surrounding this collection and am somewhat neutral since I don’t have a lot of information about it, but I appreciate that MAC is doing what they can to rectify the situation, especially donating $100,000.
Also I think it’s sad that you had to put that disclaimer at the bottom of the post about not attacking each other in the comments. It’s sad that fellow beauty bloggers/readers would be so rude to each other.
I’m glad they are changing the names. I wasn’t purchasing anything from this collection because of the name (and promo pic!). Kudos MAC.
Whats the big deal?! If there was a product called “I want to kill gays” then its just that. a name. To me it wasnt tastless. Its art and art is subjective.
I wouldn’t want to buy a product called “kill gays!” I hope you wouldn’t, either!
That is your opinion. But it is important to remember that there are many people who would disagree with you. And if a large amount of people are offended by a name (even if it is just a name) is it really worth offending that many people just because you can in art?
It is not just a name since this is not a random string… it has a particular meaning and the meaning is hurting to someone..
I’m with Ryan, although not to that extreme. I think it’s just a name. It’s not like they were naming it “beat the women at 9pm”. It was the name of a city. OPI does that all the time. There are atrocities in every city. Seems silly to single out MAC. Everyone, rush over to OPI and complain about the nail polish “Alaska” and “Tahiti”!!! Alaska spawned Palin and Tahiti is pulling recreational money away from US locations. Both are atrocities! OMG!
I just want to politely point out that Tahiti taking away recreational money from rich Americans who choose to go abroad for vacations is not at all on par with thousands of extremely poorly paid women who are forced to walk the dangerous roads in the middle of the night (risking death and dismemberment) to go work for American conglomerates in a town that is one of the most violent in Mexico and a central part of the drug trafficking between Mexico and US. Yes all cities have a shady component (I lived in Vancouver, the DT east side is shameful if you have ever seen it) but Juarez is very distinctive for being a really bad place. Just Google it before saying that it is like Tahiti or even Alaska…it is certainly no resort or cruise stop.
I’d have to disagree about your mention of Alaska and Tahiti. I think that calling those to examples atrocities greatly belittles the abject horrors that are going on in places like Juarez. While I agree with you that there are bad things happening in every city, I don’t think that most cities can claim the level of absolute fear of being alive that Juarez sadly can. Women and children, some far far to young, being raped and beaten and killed and disfigured, is not something to be compared to ‘Alaska spawned Palin and Tahiti is pulling recreational money away from US locations.’
The amount of suffering in Juarez, I believe, should not be made light of.
I think it’s not only about names, Ryan. The names in themselves are indeed simply what they are: just names. But if you think of the big picture, then it’s different…. It’s the combination of everything that is problematic: name (Juarez -> femicide of the girls who work in factories) + products (eyeshadow veined with red -> blood / lip eraser -> corpse appearance) + promo image (girl’s face almost look like a skull with the black orbits and the pale skinny figure). The combination of all those factors evocate a whole situation without clearly mentionning it and lots have seen in this concept a sick romantization of dramatic events. Telling ‘it’s art and art is subjective’ is a bit naive as MAC is quite a big player in the business make up industry and not properly ‘artists’ (like painters/sculptors/musicians might be). The objective #1 of MAC is not bring a personal vision of the world like (normally) artists want to but simply sell make up – even if they do it with a lot of creativity and passion. If they change the names, they change the dynamic and the whole ambiance/tone of the collection.
They should have kept the original names.
I agree. Because these names in conjuction with a proactive statement and action against the atrocities would have been a powerful tool for education on the issue. Now it’s obvious that it was a major oversight on their part, and a very tasteless one at that. It is hard not to suspect that their renaming of the items seems to be more about public image than social concern.
I think it’s great that the company was able to listen to the concerns of the consumers. It’s great what they’re doing now, but I wish they would have come to this conclusion a different way. In any case, it’s great that the donation is being made and I hope it’s put to good use.
I agree it is very good that MAC decided to change the names of its Rodarte collection products, but I was also surprised they approved such names in the first place. Well, no one is perfect and they have shown a great attitude by deciding to make these changes AND a donation. If they had kept the original product names, most certainly this collection would not have been well received in Mexico; maybe it would not have been brought here at all. When I first read the original post, I did not even consider buying anything from this collection. As a MAC fan, I am very happy they listened. Thank you so much, Christine, for helping to make a positive change through your wonderful blog!
Thank you very much Christine for this post and for updating us on the situation. It has been an emotional 2 days for lots of bloggers who felt totally outraged and hurt by the upcoming collection. 2 days of trying to raise awareness on the matter and why exactly this is much a further bigger deal than just a quarrel over product names. I’d like to mention all the 60 + bloggers who joined us forces yesterday to express their anger and decided collectively to write a post about it. We have nothing to gain from it other than raising awareness. Thank you everyone who joined and retweeeted our posts. This link is for me some kind of petition against the line. Thank you very much for reading:
http://bit.ly/bloggerzunite
MAC is making the best of a bad situation. The sisters, however, oughta get a PR firm which knows how to write better canned, trite responses: “proactive action” is about as meaningless and redundant as can be, but the sisters are the ones who started this mess so it’s doubtful they’ll fess up. $4000 dresses inspired by poverty and crimes against Latinas — they really care!
I honestly don’t see how Rodarte got the inspiration in the first place. Why would I want to buy makeup that tells the story of the needless slaughter of women, some of whom are children? Honestly, I believe MAC is simply trying to keep themselves a fanbase, and cover their own behinds. When they approved these names however long ago, there certainly wasn’t concern for the victims in Juarez then.
Here’s the inspiration behind Rodarte’s collection. I appreciate everything MAC is doing to right their wrongs. I hope that everybody can view the name changes and donation as being a positive step forward.
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-RODARTE
you won’t buy it because you associate VIOLENCE with the name. other people react differently to the names. what rodarte was trying to convey was an aesthetic, not violence.
So, in keeping with what you’re saying, if MAC released a blush called “Twin Towers” and a lipgloss called “Burning” and an eyeshadow called “Terror” all in the same collection, you wouldn’t have a negative reaction at all? It’s simply how you interpret the name?
THANK YOU.
I’m satisfied with MAC’s actions. They’ve donated a substantial sum of money to help the women of Juarez (though, for the sake of completeness, I’d like to know the name of the organization) and are changing the offending names. The latter must be causing them a lot of trouble–not just the expense, but also the delay involved in renaming the products.
Rodarte’s statement, however, leaves much to be desired. They haven’t matched either of MAC’s actions–they’re not giving up a cent of their profit and are unrepentently keeping the offending names. Poor showing, Rodarte.
I’m so glad they’re donating so much money, but I don’t think changing the names was necessary. Sure, some of the names are a bit dark, but its reality.
I’m so glad to hear this!
Simply put, I would not know about the situation in Juarez if it were not for this collection and controversy. I’m not defending MAC, but I think we should all admit that the awareness they created for the situation is priceless.
Well, I’m going to buy stuff from this collection now. The color descriptions sound so gorgeous, but the names were so off-putting and offensive.
Whether people think that MAC made a mistake or not, I think it’s safe to say that they’re doing the right thing now and that good is coming from this. Granted, it’s damage control, but at least they’re aware of what happened and now they might pay much more attention to prevent something like this from happening again.
I am so happy that MAC is changing the names, and making a very generous donation. In retrospect, if MAC had not had those names originally, it may not have drawn attention to the issue at hand, so in a way it’s good that this collection brought up a dialogue about the problems in Juarez. I know for me I didn’t realize how bad it actually was down there- I knew there were issues but not that it was so sickeningly nightmarish. I am very proud of MAC for putting their tail between their legs, admitting wrong doing and taking care of the situation.
I’m glad that MAC is taking this beyond a donation by changing the names of the products. Kudos to them.
wow, im glad they listen to their costumers unlike most stores and they know how to talk action.
<3
MAC Stands for makeup.ART.cosmetics, How many forms of art have you seen that bring controversial issues to our attention? This has always been something that I have loved about MAC. They are humanitarians and they truly do express through makeup. One of my favorite ways to express how I feel is to strike controversy so maybe that’s why it make sense to me. The only thing they could have done differently is address the issue beforehand. If you are not satisfied think about the fact that they did not have to go through the hassle of changing the names and donating money.
art can and frequently is controversial. but, as was pointed out earlier in the comments, makeup up itself is not art, it is a medium used to create art. there is a big difference.
creating the makeup is in itself an art. the medium is still an important part of art making.
Exactly. And the products/campaign would glamorize the women of Juarez, making light of the situation.
Absolutly not.
That was very classy on the part of MAC. Very impressed with this gesture.
mac and rodarte really dropped the ball here. i was so horrified to read about what they did in the names and looks of the collection. it’s really quite tragic.
I think this would be a lot different of a situation if originally mac and rodarte were trying to make a statement against the injustice that is happening in juarez by using the collection and then continuing to use the proceeds for trying to stop that, there would have been controversy but in a better way than what they chose to do. it’s despicable.
sorry for rambling. xoxo
If they said they were inspired by a deserted town in Kansas, kept all the same names of products, would there have been this kind of reaction?
Probably not considering there aren’t thousands of men and women being murdered like there are in Juarez.
Women. That’s why the situation is referred to as mass femicide.
No. I didn’t plan to before but even if I did, I wouldn’t.
This is amazing! Much thanks to Christine for allowing us to discuss it on her website and get our voices heard! This is a small victory for the women of Juarez and women everywhere!
I think I will still pass. No color, even by a different name, would be worth my stamp of approval, as it’s inception was so badly misguided. I am thankful to MAC though for the enlightment thru controversy, and their efforts to right a wrong. They are still the company we know and love.
I completely agree.
In all honesty, I believe that MAC and Rodarte made a mistake and weren’t aware of how deeply this would offend some individuals. I do, however, believe that what is happening in Juarez is an atrocity that is being revealed, to those who didn’t know otherwise. I’m sure that the google searches on Juarez slayings has jumped sky high. Any time that one can shed light on something like that and make people more socially aware, is always a good thing in my opinion. Yes…we all share a love of makeup, but I think we also all share a sense of sisterhood on this sight and I hope that we can all become enlightened and aware of a problem that exists among WOMEN!
I’m happy that people were able to make a difference in this collection, and that MAC will be donating the money to the charity. It shows to me that MAC cares about their customers. As for Rodarte, I wasn’t familiar with the designer before all of this, but now I would say I’m not a fan of them. I understand art is controversial, I just don’t understand why they would want to glamorize the women of Juarez and market their look as something romantic and alluring. Doesn’t make sense to me.
The way I interpreted it was that they wanted to show that there’s more to Juarez than the violence we hear about in the news, that there are actual people there, living their lives despite the violence. Artistically, the juxtaposition of violence and a beautiful landscape has always fascinated rich people. Still, they went about it in the wrong way and it came off as tasteless – which makes me think my interpretation is just the way I WISHED theirs was.
But I can definitely believe that MAC didn’t mean to offend – some marketing decisions just slip through the cracks sometimes, no matter how much preparation goes into them. This is a bad comparison, but there is the classic
Not sure why I didn’t finish my thought there, but basically, it seems more careless than calculated, but the effect is the same.
Thanks for letting us know Christine. I called MAC Canada, and they had no information about the response to this collection. I found that interesting.
No problem, Ember. MAC literally emailed me minutes before I made this post, so I imagine it may take some time to disseminate it throughout the company!
I think something good has come out of this/it’s been a learning experience, however unbelievable it was that MAC was actually going to go through with such an offensive collection. More people are aware of the issues surrounding Juarez now than would have been. Let’s hope this kind of ‘mixup’ never happens again.
I know that a lot of people had an issue with the inspiration and the names of the products, but I am greatful that they chose Juarez as inspiration. I read a lot of news stories and not once had I heard of the tragedy in Juarez and the terrible murders there. While I don’t think it was their intention, this has brought in a lot of attention to what is happening in Mexico, and for that I am happy. Hopefully MAC’s mistake will do good and bring more awareness to what is going on in the bordertowns.
It’s nice that they’re changing the names and all, but if they think that money will change my opinion about them It wont. Money doesn’t fix everything. It’s like when I was a child and I’d get upset with my parents and they would try to fix everything by buying me a toy. This is the same thing. Trying to buy off adults like we are children. I’m staying away.
I dont understand why the names were a offensive?
I knew the names meant something, but I didn’t care! They shouldn’t have to change the names!
Thank you, MAC! I sent an e-mail, along with hundreds/thousands of others, asking for name changes to the products. I wanted that green polish so badly, but there was no way I could bring a nailpolish labeled “Juarez” into my home and feel good or comfortable using it. So, thank you MAC and Rodarte for listening/really hearing to your customer’s concerns. It may be all about money but it’s also about social consciousness.
MAC is such a wonderful company, they help so many in need, I believe MAC would never knowingly make light of these women in Juarez.
I’m glad to see that they are changing the names as well as making a donation, though I honestly still think it’s odd that something like this would get the green light without ANYONE saying something earlier. Did everyone involved in creating the collection think that it was all just a-ok? 😛
Thanks for adding the poll too! I’m curious to see how it plays out. At the moment I’m actually kind of surprised that many people were just going to buy it anyway… I’m not AT ALL the king of politically correct, but there were a lot of elements to this collection that I felt were just in poor taste (there probably still are really). Hopefully MAC does some work with raising awareness as well (it’s a shame that this is launching so close to Viva Gaga and Viva Cyndi – I don’t think they could pull off a PR win so close to that campaign).
I never knew what was going on in Juarez, good to know that people care and want to spread the word. I thought I would buy some of the colors in the collection but I think my money is better spent donating directly to an organization that helps women there rather than MAC donating a portion of the proceeds for me. Better that your whole $20+ goes for a donation rather than what’s left after MAC pays manufacturing costs, etc.
What a pleasant change.
It’s amazing something as insignificant as naming products “ghost town”, “factory” and “juarez” can create such an uprising. Mac (er Estee Lauder) is just protecting themselves by donating and changing names.
It has been suggested that the sisters behind Rodarte picked Juarez for inspiration and these specific names to draw attention to the violence and lack of media coverage in the Mexican city. If anything, I think the decision to use Juarez for inspiration was genius, because if anything, it drew an incredible amount of attention to the issue and educated many of us (myself included) to the travesty in Juarez. Naming a product after perhaps the most violence city in the world and a few products after a common place of employment and a descriptor aren’t bad things. As one reader commented, “it’s not like they named a nailpolish “I hate gays””. Named after places that have experienced horrible things. NARS names eyeshadow duos after cities around the world all the time, and I”m sure some of them have experienced horrible crimes to humanity (perhaps not on the same scale as Juarez), but this has never been mentioned.
Christine and Temptalia readers, I thank you for educating me on this mattter, but I also thank MAC and Rodarte for stirring the pot. Most companies are so overly careful to not offend anyone, to not hurt their reputation by any means. Here they took a chance.
It is offensive because the crimes in Juarez are directed at women who work in the factories and come home to the slums and are abducted in the night. The MAC products and the Rodarte clothes are products women use and it is just not taking the violence and rape of innocent women seriously.
Here is a video by At the Drive In..they are from El Paso and the video describes the violence and rape of thousands of women..some are very young.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wR1MVdDmUA&feature=fvw
I am glad that this issue has been brought to light and Mac has changed the names. I think that is another thing we need to look at…names of cosmetics. I mean is “Orgasm” blush from Nars really a appropriate name when when young girls shop at places like Sephora? But that’s a whole other discussion!
i think orgasm is a quite appropriate name – if you dont know what sex is by the time you’re wearing makeup, then you’re probably too young to be wearing makeup…
but ha ha you’re right, this is definitely a discussion for another post!
Although not quite on topic, a relevant and interesting discussion to have. I’ve thought about those popular Bleach Black nail polish shades “Jizz” and “Dickweed”…
It’s completely different though, as I said in the previous post:
Let me reiterate my point – there’s a big difference between Urban Decay naming products “5150″, “Jailbait”, “Blunt”, “Quickie” or NARS’s “Orgasm”, “Deep Throat”, “Hustler” despite the names being very clear references to drug usage and sexuality and the names used in the Rodarte collection. People who are upset by this aren’t merely uppity prudes who get upset about anything. I’ve browsed through Temptalia extensively and haven’t seen anyone get upset over the name of a product until this point. So what’s the difference? The collaboration separates the names from the actual events happening and instead repackages notions of Juarez and life as a maquiladora as dreamy, etheral, or haunting. It doesn’t provide the insight to a REAL situation whereas products like NARS’s “Orgasm” isn’t connected to anything nearly as concrete. Honestly, if Rodarte wanted to delve into a more dark or mystical aspect of Mexican culture they could have easily used Dia de Los Muertos as a theme and it would have seemed more respectful.
I hope they get rid of the ugly, weird models too. I usually like “weird”, but they creeped me out :/
I’m very exited about about this collection, but I also was to begin with. I understand why so many people have taken offense to this collection, its names, and what it’s been built upon. However, I feel that both make-up and fashion are a form of art, and that everyone has the right to express themselves freely. I feel this collection did just that, and by drawing attention to these happenings in Juarez, they also drew awareness, even if in a morbid sense. (There is nothing good about what is going on there.) However, I also feel it is refreshing to see a company listen so closely to its consumers needs and desires and to take action accordingly. I appreciate what they’ve chosen to do in this situation and look forward the collection.
Christine, I really respect you and what you’ve done with your blog, and I appreciate you keeping us up to tabs on everything as it unfolds. I really appreciate the way you’ve handled the situation on the message boards. Thanks for everything you do!
Thanks, Emily! I really appreciate your support — it is always very hard to stay neutral and remain out of the fray, since surely we all have an opinion — but it has always been my goal to create a community where beauty lovers feel welcome and allow everyone else to speak their mind.
I would not mind the colors but I think I will save my money for a bigger collection as Mac in the groove already killed my budget, I think it is very nice of them to donate some money, it just shows how much they care about their consumers.
First, I want to say that I understand where everyone’s coming from. In my opinion, I don’t think that they should have changed the names of the products. I think that it would have meant more if they didn’t because now it’s just another donation. I understand that some people found offense to the name but because they did, the issue was raised. So what if they never named it that in the first place?? Would MAC have donated 100K to help these women out? Probably not. This is just how I see it.
I am just glad people on this site noticed the names were offensive and spoke up so people like me, who sadly did not know of this injustice, are aware of it and can now try to help work against it. I am glad MAC is giving the money, but I think it was imperative to also change the names as it should not be promoted that money fixes everything. I hope they change the images as well, as they are very disturbing. I am going back an forth on whether or not I would prefer that they pull the line all together though.
Thanks for your moderating Christine!
I haven’t taken offense in the Rodarte collection anyway, but maybe because Mexico is worlds away and I can’t relate. Now I kinda feel how some people are feeling. If MAC named their products after the recent journalist massacre here in the Philippines, or the civil war between the government and Muslim rebels, I’d really be offended. I’m praying for the victims of the Juarez murders.
Christine, the discussion in your blog really opened a lot of eyes. Kudos to you.
Aww, sweet of you to say so, but it’s really to all of you – kudos to all of you!! 🙂
Well, i’m sorry, but i didn’t think the names were at all offensive. I think that the names served for a bigguer purpose, to alert women what other women was suffering. MAC is a worldwide known company and Rodarte tryed to use it to aware the world of the f*cked up things that happens in Juarez. But as always, people misunderstood the good intentions.
I really doubt that half the people who commented here, knew about tragedy in Juarez. Well, in the end served the purpose
It seems to me from MAC and Rodarte’s statements that they were not considering the suffering and murders of women and many other people in Juarez. They seemed surprised at the reaction of the consumers, not like they did this for a bigger purpose. In all I have read, the people and situation of Juarez was never taken into consideration.
this is awesome!!!!!
Its not like they can undo the past. But imho they are responding the right way. Unlike Steve who never took the blame. MAC did and thats what matters. They could just as easily not done a thing and for a superhouse like them it wouldnt have impacted them significantly.
I think its good that they listen to consumers, but I think in this instance, people are being seriously over sensitive. *shrug* i didnt care for the collection and the MAC people in Santa Monica are rude so I don’t go there often anyway.
That’s great!They did everything they could to fix the problem.
I am very impressed that MAC did this, even though I wasn’t really offended originally. By doing this, MAC is essentially saying “we were wrong” (if you want to view it that way). I just expected name changes, but not a donation (let alone one of that size!). This just gives me so much more respect for MAC, especially in that they actually listen to their customers.
I think it would be equally awesome if, with each purchase from this collection, X amount would be donated to the charity that is already receiving the $100K donation.
However, even with the donation, the violence in Juarez will still continue, and that’s the sad thing about this all.
Does anybody know when the new names will be released? I’m interested to see what they will be changed to.
Mac was extremely vague in regards to what this non profit organization they will be donating 100k to. Unless they are upfront, I think it is all talk.
Sorry Mac, but you need to think about what you are going to do before you decide to act on it. No respect from me.
at least theey are donating! thats awesome!!!!!!
Just because MAC says they are committed to donating 100k, Doesn’t mean they will.
Even if the names are changed, I’d still think of the original names when I used the products. Not only will I not purchase from this collection, but I will also avoid purchasing MAC in the foreseeable future. I’m sure at some point I will start buying their products again, but right now, I’m still way too upset that zero thought was put into the naming of these products.
Same here. I’ve bought my last MAC products ever.
When I first read about the controversy I felt shocked and confronted, but now as I continue to think about it I honestly think the original collection was beautiful. I still feel uneasy but I don’t want to turn away from it and pretend its not there.
I just wish that this was Rodarte and MACs original intention.
To inspire, to empower, to confront and to promote awareness.
Yes it is haunting and ghoulish but aren’t these women survivors?
Should we look at them with pity and see them as victims or should we empower them to feel proud and live their life with dignity. To send a message that women everywhere see them as an inspiration and that we are working together to improve the standing of women world wide?
They fight tooth and nail day in and day out for their existence.
Isn’t this a message we can all take inspiration from?
Makeup may seem trivial but why is it somehow considered a less worthy form of self expression?
If this imagery was hanging on a wall in an exhibition people would be clamouring to buy it and someone would still be making money from it.
When I saw the colours in the collection, the names and that promotional image, I could close my eyes and vividly imagine these women lined up in the desert ready to start their shift at work. The fear they must feel, the trepidation and the anxiety – it truly touched me and at first I wanted to run from it back into my white, western existence but now I don’t, now I want to help, to put my money where my mouth is.
Art is subjective. As I said above I just wish this was the original intention of the collaboration.
I could just copy everything you said.
I agree. Also, I just want to mention that I’ve participated in a lot of protests and things like that, and people often wear costumes and makeup to make a dramatic statement. And this collection spoke to me because 1) it made me think of the collection as “makeup to wear while you protest the situation in Juarez” (the ghost girl as a reminder of the atrocities) and 2) I could imagine myself putting on this makeup everyday and having it be a reminder of the suffering of women everywhere and how I shouldn’t forget that, and I should try to help.
I’m not saying that MAC and/or Rodarte would agree with me or shared those intentions in any way, I’m just trying to be honest about my original reaction to the collection.
I didn’t really find the names that offending and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t their interntion to offend anyone either
I would have bought from this collection either way. i like the products and the names made me look up what was happening in Juarez so i didnt see a problem. they should have said they would donate the money before this though.
I don’t want to sound insensitive but good god this was uncalled for :/ I mean it’s not like MAC was planning out the names like “oh yeah we can totally stick it to these people”… They should have just kept the old names. I was going to buy stuff from this collection before and I still will.
If you read the comments in the previous post you will find that Rodarte was quite direct in what references it was making to what occurs in Juarez. While it may not have been a direct attack or as you call it “sticking it to the people”, divorcing the realities of life in Juarez to promote a line of cosmetics is not what I would consider thoughtful. Both parties involved in promoting and creating this line of products was aware of the references and proceeded with the former names as if it was acceptable and not making light of a very serious issue. Personally, I can’t feel comfortable supporting something like that.
They said they were inspired by the landscape not all the evil. It’s just some makeup for crying out loud. I’d be more concerned if Britney Spears put out a song named “Juarez” and directly attacked the people. But I guess we should call up NARS and tell them that their eyeshadow Tokyo is related to all the rape of Korean Women that went on during WWII and then let’s call up all the other cosmetic companies that have any cosmetic, hair product, or anything else named after a city or landmark and tell them all the dramatic and horrible stuff that went on or is going on. It’s like putting emphasis on a mole that has a 1% chance of being cancerous.
good. I’m very happy that MAC is listening to the concerns of their customers. as they should, afterall.. we ARE the ones who are pulling in their profit. pft
I was going to buy SOMETHING from the collection if it looked great. I’ll wait to see the swatches. It makes me feel better that they are doing this, but they could donate MORE- they donate 100% for viva glam. I don’t think the name changes would help, i think they help bring awareness.
Not really my kinda colors or products… if anything a pigment or two.
I am extremely happy to know that the discussion in these pages has changed the situation. Christine, your site has had a social impact on this important subject. Sometimes make up can be useful also for important things. 🙂
(and to say the truth, no, I would have not buy anything of that collection, before the name change and the donation, since I got quite disappointed…)
In all honesty, when “Rodarte” was first posted, I saw the picture of the model and stopped reading… Why, oh why, would any woman, any where, want to strive to achieve THAT look or use anything associated with it? I never read the names of the products because I had NO interest, WHAT-SO-EVER in looking Dead. Ghostly. Exhumed. With all the crazy twisted representations of women out there and all the crazy twisted thoughts women have about what we think we should look like — the NAMES of the products are getting changes? Good Gawd.
To me this is a just a way to get people to buy this collection. I am still boycotting this collection and maybe even MAC entirely. Just because they change the names of a product and “donate” 100k to a charity doesn’t make me feel happy. I am a mexican woman and i am beyond disgusted to even CARE if they feel about about the names they chose. MAC and Rodarte KNEW what they were doing, so know to say “oh we are going to change our names” isnt enough. It isnt JUST the names, its the fact that SOMEONE approved of this and didnt think that it would offend anyone. LAME…
What else they supposed to do?They apologize,change names,give money…What else can they do?I am mexican too and it touched me,but everybody makes mistakes…MAC apologized and I think they are great.
This is some truly terrible PR on the part of MAC. I just assumed that the purpose of such controversial product names was to draw attention to the plight of these women, rather than to make light of the situation (in addition to moving some product, of course.) Whether or not that was the original intent, why neither MAC nor Rodarte has taken that angle in any of their statements is beyond me. Hooray for a generous donation to a deserving cause, but all this backpedaling and apologizing is ridiculous and could have been avoided with one well-worded (and presumably well-meaning) press release.
MAC: if you need a new PR director, I am available!
Christine: thanks for opening up discussion on this topic.
My sentiments exactly!
I think MAC made a wise decision to make a donation. However, I feel it was forced on them. It was not their original intent. Many might not be offended or think it’s not a big deal, but the murders in Juarez are serious. very serious. and the names of the products clearly reference them. The model herself alludes to death. She’s pale and looks like a ghost. By supporting this collection, I feel like I’m helping a brand profit from the missing and murdered young girls and that is not okay with me. Even with the new decision to donate $100,00 I will not support the collection. MAC could have definitely approached this in a different manner from the start. That would have made a huge difference.
Actually I am divided here, not about the absolute horror of what is going on in Ciudad Juarez, but with the whole campaign.
I didn´t like the names, I think the situation is really bad and should always be taken seriously as women are still victims of violence there. But, on the other hand, I am impressed with the reaction, with how women have spoken, saying no to using these names and voicing their opinions, and how all these voices have been heard. Ok, I agree that maybe MAC should have shown more respect from the beginning, and that money can´t do enough, as the problem is so serious and terrible, but at least, people are talking, they are explaining that not everything goes, that there are limits and people that had no idea what is going on in Juarez are learning about the terror women experience there, so, I see a ray of light here, maybe it is just me….
I agree. People are saying “oh, they really must care about their customers since they paid attention to us.” Umm HELLOOO?? They are a company, they did it to benefit themselves not the people. This is how business works. They are not sittin there thinking about the feelings of others, rather than the huge outrage and decline of sales. Its a business, and businesses will think with $$ for their company in mind. Plus MAC is a large enough company, I’m sure all that was said was “oh snap, ok well lets just add some donations so we can keep making sales, but we wont pull the collection because that would cost US too much money!”
It was a cool collection with a cool theme and people have to twist it and complain when something might be a little interesting. I doubt people would be so puffed up if a collection had names like Arabia or Kenya (which we all know isn’t the best female friendly places).
Honestly I think many people took this collection way out of proportion. I can understand why people were upset, and I do know about the situation in Juarez, but come on, if you didn’t like the names MAC/Rodarte chose you have the choice of not buying the products. And I think it’s awful that so many are criticizing MAC for apologizing and for donating only $100,000 to helping women in Juarez. How can some of you say that this amount is nothing?? Why MAC has to be the only one doing something to help others?? You don’t need to be rich in order to help other people, you can help whenever way you can and if you want too. I have read comments of some that say that they are Mexican-American or that they live in or close to Juarez, but none of them express that they will do something to help, instead they only criticize MAC. I’m really indifferent with the name changing, I was going to buy from this collection anyways, and I don’t think anyone should feel guilty about it only because some people didn’t like the names of some of the products. If you’re disappointed in MAC because of this collection, you have lost respect for them or whatever just don’t buy from them, boycott their products, but if you really feel strong about the situation in Juarez really do something that can actually help them, instead of going after a cosmetics company.
I do completely agree with you.
Well Said!!!
It’s true. There are a lot of women on here who are saying “I will not buy from this collection”. Not many are saying “Instead of buying from this collection, I will donate the money that I would have spent”.
Christine, kudos to you for creating a forum that goes beyond just make-up and beauty products. I’m glad that all of us have Temptalia to express how we feel about a subject and in doing so have helped bring about a change. As for MAC’s response to this whole issue…i’m impressed and will be proud to continue buying from them.
To all those people who don’t think MAC will follow through with the donation: did you know that MAC donated money for support during the Haiti crisis? If my memory serves me correctly, MAC donated more than some countries did. And did you also know that the full price of a Viva Glam is donated to the MAC Aids Fund, not just a portion after expenses? How many other companies do that?
You know maybe MAC can do more collections based on an issue/crisis in the future and donate proceeds from the sales. Like if they expand the AIDS Viva MAC and include other things. And include brochures explaining the issue and problem. Maybe more women’s issues. Like one collection a year that has some kind of benefit and awareness program with it.
I still think they can come out with a brochure or postcard for this collection and explain more about the women’s issue in Mexico and Juarez.
Makeup can be a tool to spread awareness, but not by exploiting and glamorizing violence or using victims without explaining the background and consequences.
That is a really great idea Holly. I hope they do it too! 🙂
I agree 100%.
I’m kind of glad all this drama went down.. before it, I had no idea of what was happening in Juarez. I think this has all brought about wonderful attention to the issue, and hopefully the awareness will help to stem public assistance to the people in these terrible conditions. Serious Kudos to Christine for dealing with this tastefully and allowing the readers to have healthy debate about the issue!
xo
I expected them to change the names, and I’m proud they did. I’m also proud they made the large donation. I may buy something form the collection, but I may not.
have rodarte said anything about their involvement in the collection does anybody know? MAC are taking all the flak but surely rodarte have a part to play too?
I am glad MAC made this “mistake”. They reached so many new people about the current situation, many of whom would not have read it if it was a press release.
It’s great to hear about the donation, however (and I know I’m gonna be shot down now) I couldn’t care less what some eyeshadows and blushes are called tbh. I was always gonna buy what I wanted anyway. Still, it’s a good achievement and it certainly made me look into this issue, I’d never even heard of Juarez before. (Yes, yes, I’m ignorant.)
I will definitely take a closer look at the collection now. Before I was put off, but some of the products do interest me very much.
The driving force behind the MAC and Rodarte collections is profit. If awareness of the violence in Juarez had been the objective, the donation would have been offered from the beginning.
100% agreed!
I think it’s very classy of MAC to donate the money. It would’ve been classier to keep the names and have the intention to donate beforehand though, not afterwards. I don’t know a lot about the issue besides what I’ve read in the cmmts so I feel I wouldn’t be able to address it properly. I have to say this though: I think it’s quite sillly (of some of you) to tear at MAC one minute b.o. a name given to one of their product (for whatever reason it may be) and then be totally fine with it the next because they’ve promised to change it. It’s great that they did & even better that they did it b.o. the Temptalia community but that doesn’t really change the intention, does it? Well, at least they’ve brought some needed attention to the matter. I hope they can truly make a difference in those women’s lives.
I have to say I’m still a bit undecided about this situation.
I am impressed that MAC decided to change the names and give a donation (although it would be better if they also added a largish proportion of the profits). I am impressed at the overall public opinion and how it made a large corporation change their policy. I am impressed that the corporation listened to the public opinion.
As many people stated here, they never even heard of the situation of Juarez before this issue, so it’s a positive outcome that people are aware and making pressure to change something.
But I am very disappointed that MAC let it go that far and made this mistake in the first place. To me, the only way I can believe that MAC really learned the lesson and will not make bad decisions like this in the future is if they commit to a foundation/ help a charity in the long run.
Giving a one-off donation and then forgetting about this does not scream “We’ve made a mistake, we take these women’s plight seriously, we are committed to be part of a change”. MAC should make a “life-long” commitment to change this situation – either with constant donations and awareness or setting up their own foundation.
Just my 2 cents.
I am glad they are changing the names and donating the money. If they don’t change the promo picture too, they are idiots. Part of my strong feelings all along have been a protectiveness towards MAC as a brand ie they really shouldn’t put something like this out. As for buying from this collection, I’ve already developed a visceral disgust reaction towards this line that, well, may or may not change but probably won’t, but most people won’t have heard of this scandal and therefore will not have that reaction. You know, like how people don’t want to drink lemonade that’s been poured through a clean fly swatter, even though it’s not going to harm them, because it activates a disgust reaction. It is indeed like when Capitol had to pull the Beatles’ original Yesterday and Today cover; they still released the album, just with a different cover.
I honestly don’t think $100,000 is enough. They will make so much more than that off of the collection, they should have donated more.
Honestly, I feel MAC will lose money on this collection with all the backlash.
Hey Christine, I haven’t been through all the comments yet, but is there anywhere that the supportive readers here could make a donation of their own to help the situation?
Hey Sev,
So far, I only know of these: Amnesty International (http://www.amnestyusa.org) and NOW (http://www.now.org). However, both are more general organizations, so I’m not sure if you can donate specifically for the women in Juarez through either.
I’m glad that MAC is making the move to change the names and donate, but I’m mostly appalled that the names, and the collection concept itself was even approved. Instead of romanticizing, and maybe even celebrating the (apparently) ethereal, eery, and very truly dangerous aspects of Juarez, the Rodarte and MAC people perhaps could have made a collection encouraging the strength it takes to walk those dangerous roads at night just so you could earn for you and your family. They could have maybe celebrated the protest some women have started to raise awareness and to commemorate their family, and MAC could have perhaps named some of the pink products after the pink crosses erected for the victims. Though MAC has made a great effort to try to correct their mistakes, I think it’ll be difficult for most of us to completely forgive Rodarte and MAC.
personally i’d like to see a larger donation and to a named charity. ideally, i think mac should have donated all proceeds from this collection, rather than a one-off donation that, in terms of their daily turnover is not a significant amount.
Erm is MAC + Rodarte even going to come out internationally at this point? LOL I have been reading about Rodarte in magazines for a little while now and from the pics of all their fashion shows, they always like to make all their catwalk models look deathly, ghostly, Addams Family/Tim Burton-ish, and grunge-y- 90s -ish like the girl in the pic above.
I just think these particular designers like that type of look when showcasing their clothes. They don’t use ‘healthier’, sun-tanned, womanly, or retro looks on their models. Sometimes other designers like Alexander McQueen would do the same thing with their models on the runway but the Rodarte ppeple use that above look a lot. When in Rome….
it is interesting how they named some of the pieces. if you go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciudad_Ju%C3%A1rez in the second paragraph it’s ironic how juarez and factory are both words that stand out and make that connection of death in Juarez against women FACTORY workers. funny that MAC would choose those two words! i wonder what their train of thought was when brainstorming names? on another note, i am glad in a way that they made this mistake because personally, i didn’t know about the tragedies of this city until now. yes i know i was living under a rock and i never watch the news. but now more awareness can be made, thus more effort to help the women and children that live there.
I’m really happy with MAC’s responsiveness to the issue that arose. It’s great to see large companies value the opinions of their consumers, and I believe that awareness was made due to the controversy that surrounded this collection.
I would also like to thank you, Christine, for creating an open place of discussion on the topic. I believe many readers are now more aware than ever, and this is because of you. Thanks again!
It is my pleasure, Shal! 🙂
Hopefully they won’t change the names to shitty names, since they named the products after the inspiration…
I didn’t plan on buying this before,it just didn’t spark an interest with me but what MAC is doing is great. It rare to see a company so in tuned with what their customers are saying.
I still didn’t get the memo… what were the offensive names?
Oh boy MAC sure stepped in a cow pie with this partnership. Its good to see some changes. Before the changes I wasn’t going to buy anything because it felt like I was taking advantage of the women of Juarez. I’m a bit on the goulish side and I’d think a collection based on zombies was cool. A launch based on women in poverty and at risk for violence is NOT cool.
I am mexican and was not offended by the product names. i think some people are too touchy. I praise Mac that is helping in some way and drawing attention to the issue in Juarez I don’t see any other makeup brand doing the same.
I knew they were going to do this! They needed to because a lot of people were not going to buy the products with the names they had. I am very excited about this collection though. The colors sound very pretty!
So am I to understand that the donation will come from MAC not exactly from Rodarte?
While I appreciate the gesture on MAC’s part I don’t see any effort on Rodarte’s part, so I will not support this particular collection.
Sure the donation is appreciated and thoughtful but I still feel like it’s too little too late. Even with the name change I still choose to NOT support this collection.
Wow! 100K & an apology 😐 I am sorry but that is not enough. They really need to pull the line completely and retool it.
i would be great if they could come up with some inspirational names for the products, even though the whole situation is tragic, one should be Hope and maybe Justice.
I think it’s sad to see people say that $100k isn’t enough. I don’t think there is any dollar amount that can fix these types of social problems, but I haven’t come across any one else (yet) associated with these articles that have made the same donation.
It may not be enough to turn the tide, but it’s one hundred thousand dollars more than before.. and the awareness brought to the situation is priceless. Every little bit helps for any cause that needs it.
I hoped MAC would change those tacky names and am glad they will. Also pleased about the donation.
A bit disgusted with Rodarte though. Notice no donation offer from them! Interesting…
MAC/Rodarte DID do enough reasearch to make this look like a custom tailored exploitation, weather you are offended or not. Just imagine if they designed a 9/11 Collection with colors like Twisted Metal, Charred Remains, Crushed Concrete and Freighter Decay, we would loose our collective marbles. Would it be okay if they did not intend to donate any of those proceeds to a related charity and just made money off the situation?
The fasion looks like death and the make-up names coinside, maybe the women of Juarez can sue them for some type of copywright infringement, it would come out to much more than a paltry $100,000 afterthought. MAC isn’t sorry they did this, they are sorry they got caught.
Very well said!! They did do their research to come out with those names. The fact that they decide to use them in the collection is just unforgivable.
I am very disappointed. First because they act like idiots by creating this collection this way, it’s very insulting.
Second, because they think, it’s not a problem which can be fix, just with good communication and a big donation.
So easy to apologize when you realize that you are loosing your customers and you have nothing else to do !
agreed
This truly is disapointing, they should have atleast done some research about Mexico before putting those names. However, people can’t only blame MAC about just the names, people should get involved by donating money too and to stop buying from the companies owning the factories as well.
You know, after thinking about this more, I’m not sure that I’m on board with changing the names. Giving the donation, I am totally on board with that–but changing the names, I dunno.
It’s like taking a disturbing concept and trying to cover it up so that people can ignore or forget about how it’s disturbing. Even though the names are different, the basic inspiration is still there. I don’t see how changing the names *really* makes the line more “okay” if you were offended by the concept.
If MAC was originally trying to make money off the suffering of these women, they’re still gonna be doing that…just under different names.
I’m coming from my point of view where I *want* to be reminded of the factories in Juarez, I *want* to think of the women that are forced into making the products we keep buying (I mean, heck, let’s not just get mad at MAC, let’s get mad at the American companies that are running those sweatshops, and ask them to enforce better working conditions!). I don’t want to forget them and I don’t want them to be forgotten about.
I thought this was a helpful comment:
“I am an artist activist that has been organizing art projects related to the murders in Juarez since 2001. When I first got involved with the victim mothers and heard their testimonies, they specifically asked us Americans not to launch boycotts on the factories there. Mainly, because they need their jobs and money to eat. That is why we strategized to create public awareness through art. It has been an unusual way of activism, but it is working to bring pressure on the Mexican government and support the victim families in Juarez. Another way is to write to your political leaders. Let them know that we do not want to create new business deals with Mexico, until there are investigations on the murders and resolution/restitution to the families.”
For me this whole ‘statement-thing’ is becoming a bit ridiculous.
Before this collection, 95% of the people who buy MAC didn’t knew anything about the situation in Juarez. It is a very sad story, the violence to women. But MAC has always been a bit controversial; so why changing the names?
You really need to have respect for the situation there, and for the women. But I think it would be better if MAC just kept the names.
Now there’s more attention to the situation there, so that’s good, no?
There is always controversy in art. I think the artists should have stood for what they created and left the names as is.
Look I won’t argue with the way some people here feel about the incident with the MAC + Rodarte collection and I agree with some people here that MAC spoke up finally yet Rodarte seems to be be ‘all quiet on the western front’, but the Bordertown Mineralize eyeshadow in this collection looks almost exactly like the Petticoat MSF in the In The Groove collection with the signature ‘red veining’.
And yet people are saying that MAC purposely made the Bordertown shadow ‘blood splattered’ in order to disrespect dead women in Juarez? Erm…..OK…… I don’t know about that one yet people here sound SO SO certain! LOL LOL
Thank you so much for hosting this whole discussion, Temptalia. 🙂 I and a lot of other people have been educated about the situation in Juarez and been able to discuss our opinions in a dignified and intelligent environment, and I really appreciate your making this possible.
I’m really glad MAC is doing something and it’s always touching when people’s protests get heard. I still don’t plan to touch this collection, or anything else associated with Rodarte, in the foreseeable future. I think any painful aspect of the human condition can be used as artistic inspiration in a respectful way, but to do that (or make jokes, or be lighthearted)without being a jerk, you have to understand and care about the gravity of the real situation. I don’t think that’s the case with Rodarte.
It is actually Offensive i didn’t like the colors 2 start out with but it turned me away more
MAC just needs to go ahead and pull this collection and eat the cost.
I agree with you. No amount of money will repair this kind of damage, it would be best if they kept their collections a little more classy as well
They may say that the names on the products will be changed but the damage has been done! MAC disappointed me with this collection and how misinformed they were about Juarez and it’s people!
I personly think if they can change the names of these items, they sure in the heck can make enough LE items to go around. Maybe we should start whining more about certain products being sold out in less then 10 minutes! =(
$100k doesn’t seem like enough.
I honestly thought the names were more sleepy hollow esque than offensive. But, if it was MAC & Rodartes intention to bring the Juarez issue to light; they surely did. Now many people who didn’t know of the horrors in Juarez before (like me); are now informed and may be willing to help.
While I don’t agree with the names or the “theme” of this collection, if i see something I like, I’m going to buy it. I’m a mexican american woman, just being honest.
I live in the El Paso, am Mexican-American, was never for a moment offended by anything regarding this collection and I’m actually disappointed that MAC will be changing the product names. Sometimes shock is necessary to bring circumstances to light. MAC did that and now I feel like the impact is diminished because people did not take the time to understand what MAC was doing and why, I fear that with name changes to the products consumers will forget or willfully ignore the educational point of this collection.
What’s $100,000 to a company like Mac? That’s profit easily made by a common person when selling ones house, needless to say for a company as large as MAC. It doesn’t make it better!!! I don’t know why some of you are getting all happy about it, it’s like a penny to them. Some mistakes are just simply not fixable and this was one of them, trully offensive and tasteless on their part. I am very disappointed and believe they probably thought we as Latinas were so ignorant we werent going to care, excuse my poor grammar but I was not born here and English is my second language and for that I take credit.
Now I believe that Mac is not about all races, for I feel they don’t believe they have consumers like me that should matter what I might find offensive and careless, who told them those promo pictures are appeling? Now that I think about it, I have never seen a promo picture with a Latina in it..I am not a consumer that buys Mac products once a year, Im the type that follows upcoming collections and spends close to $400 or more, depending on collections and plus what I purchase between collections (a true Mac’s fan). As a final note: I am not Mexican but I am Latina and I still care about what has happened in Juarez. I am not leaving this comment to discuss my opinion with anyone , I will not be responding to anyones comments regarding my opinion.
i honestly think people are blowing this way out of proportion everyone makes mistakes and im sure the M.A.C employees the chose the names didn’t all sit around a table laughing and making fun of any of the violence that occurs in Juarez it was normal people just picking names for the new collection and like i said people make mistakes, it is a serious subject and im sure M.A.C didn’t want this all to happen…..and its not like they just didn’t address the problem there changing the names and donating 100k which wont fix everything but its better then them doing nothing.
christine you are truly an amazing blogger i would of already had a heart attack im sorry you had to deal with so many horrible comments towards you and other readers and i think its great how respectful you are of everyones opinions on the mac/rodarte situation
Thank you, Halo!
I did not see a problem with this prior to the uproar. I planned on purchasing items from this collection when the post was first up. I certainly am more aware of the situation in Juarez now that all this has happened. I don’t think MAC was condoning what is going on or promoting it by this line, if anything all this did was bring awareness to it. I don’t think MAC had to change any names, but I am glad that they have responded to “complaints” by their loyal fans. It shows that MAC really does stand behind their products, and cares about the opinions of their customers.
great way of putting it
I am SO dissapointed in MAC. I knew these collections were becoming ridiculous, but this just does it. I think any woman who has respect for herself as a woman would not dare to purchase from this collection.
Until MAC cleans up their act and stops trying to manipulate money out of people, I will only be buying from makeup forever and other sephora brands. NARS and MUFE would never stoop this low, they keep it classy and stick to MAKEUP, not try so hard to produce names for a collection.
I dont care if MAC donated all of it, they are screwed up enough to have done it in the first place, the only reason they are donating now is because they woke up and smelt the legal matters coming their way. I have loved MAC forever, but this has gone too far.
It’s still sad that MAC and Rodarte would try to profit from the exploitation, murder and rape of these women in Juarez.
I don’t think Rodarte ever even visited Juarez. Their collection is based on fear and fantasy and not reality or events or even sensitivity to the people living there. Instead of making real life ghosts and corpses, why don’t they stop using the factories and sweatshops in the fashion industry?
I haven’t even heard of this, what were the products named after? I’m surprised it’s created such an uproar.
MAC grosses so many millions a year, that this kind of donation after what they did is an insult. Somebody involved in the creative process must have known about Juarez.
I will give my money to amnesty (who have campaigned on this) instead. Very disappointed.
OMG!! i think mac should give atleast 70% of their profits to the cause! Mac is wealthy!! we spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on mac..so its only fair to give some $$ to the cause!!
$100,000 is an insult. I am from Juarez and even when I did not loose a loved one because of the matters in question I feel the pain of all those families affected. MAC shame on you.
I think we should all focus on the positive. The names were changed, due largely in part to us bloggers/consumers. This shows the power of our voices. Much needed attention is being brought to the situation in Juarez. So many people didn’t even know about what has been going on, myself included. Because of this insensitive mistake, numerous people are now being educated on these crimes. And also, let’s be honest: MAC is donating $100K. That’s $100K more going towards saving lives that otherwise would not have. I see it as a blessing that has come out of something negative. Yes, they made a mistake. They’ve admitted that fact and have taken steps to try and rectify it. It should not have happened in the first place, but hey, look at what has come out this!! 🙂
I just want to point out that it wasn’t MAC that brought awareness to the issue but the beauty bloggers and online community that did it. Let’s not give MAC credit unless they actually earn it.
Hear hear!
i dont think that they meant to offend anyone but as a mexican american i am very bothered and offended byt their ignorance and just by the simple fact that they do this all for a buck. I stopped purchasing from mac long ago becuz the constant new “limited edition” collections are just ridiculous! i love makeup and i can buy as much as i choose, but mac is just taking advantage of that love for makeup and making it a dangerous addiction! i know the words limited edition haunted me and made me think i HAD TO HAVE every prouduct as im sure many other have felt the same. i hate to say but i dont think my thoughts of this company will ever change
Hi there,
I wanted to let you know that an official petition has been started by those who believe MAC and Rodarte have not gone far enough in their efforts to help the women of Juarez.
You’ll find the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/macrodarte/
Any support would be much appreciated.
Signed it!
MAC needs to pull this collection. Just the idea of knowing basis of this collection is an extreme turn off. Pull the collection but still continue with donation. Period!
This collection made CNN News this morning!
Really? Wow! What did they say?
That’s what I was thinking wow! Here is the transcript that aired this morning on CNN News.
Aired July 22, 2010 – 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Juarez, Mexico, murderous drug cartels run wild, innocent people killed pretty much every day. Bodies found in the streets, buried alive in some cases, the mayor’s life threatened, cops murdered, cars bombed. It’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
And for some reason make up companies thought it would be a great theme for a new line. Can you believe this? The makeup groups Mac and Rodarte teamed up for a new line labeled Ghost Town, Juarez, Badlands and Factory, and actually used models that many say look like they’re dead. Is murder beautiful? Are drug cartels attractive? As you can imagine, Hispanic activists are furious.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARLOS QUINTANILLA, HISPANIC ACTIVIST: It’s regretful that they would take the pain and suffering of a community and make profits off of it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: So now, Mac has apologized and it is going to donate part of the collection’s proceeds to a charity in Juarez. That’s right, part of the proceeds. Critics say that the whole line should die.
http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1007/22/cnr.02.html
How have you been doing Christine? I know it’s been a long time since I posted anything but I still try to read the blog daily.
Thanks for sharing, Heather! I googled this AM and didn’t find anything, then when I googled later on, I saw the same transcript!
I am good — feeling a bit behind at the moment, which is never a good feeling!
I’m glad you’re still reading daily 🙂
Your fast at replying! No it doesn’t feel good to be behind. I hope you get all caught up tonight. If you don’t mind me asking, what are your thoughts about all this? Did you know when you posted this that it might offend some people?
Hey Heather,
I’ve chosen to be neutral and keep my views to myself. I’d much rather this be a forum for everyone to discuss, rather than one where I make a to-do on my opinion and end up as more of a reactionary post. I want everyone to feel like they can express their opinion, no matter what it is, and not worry about being censored or having to defend themselves to me (or in turn, me having to defend myself to others). I feel like because I have been a moderator rather than a participant, it has really allowed for amazing discussion in both this post as well as the original post – because there is no one person’s opinion to focus on.
I totally understand.
Thanks, Heather 🙂 I appreciate it!
I DON’T KNOW WUT IS THE BIG DEAL I DID’NT FIND ANYTHING WRONG PEOPLE ALWAYS MAKING EVERYTHING SUCH A BIG DEAL. THAT IS WHY THIS WORLD IS SO FULL OF DRAMA LET’S JUST FIND SOMETHING IN OUR LIVES THAT WONT BE SO NEGATIVE..AND STOP FINDING THINGS TO START CONTROVERSY EITHER U ACCEPT THE APOLOGY AS THEY ALREADY DID OR JUST SURPASS THE COLLECTION
So if someone made a collection with a theme of woman being abused and named their products, black eye, broken bones, and maybe abuse, than that would be no big deal too? There is a right way of doing things and a wrong way. Caring more about making money and pupping out one collection after another, rather than on what is actually happening and what the product represends. Sometimes we must stand up and voice our opinions loud and clear when we feel that someone is doing something wrong. This is not drama it’s people actually giving a deam, noticing the ugly and voicing their discust.
I personally don’t feel that 100K is enough. MAC has collections that come out every other month and get lots of money in sales. I’m sure the company can donate more money. I also feel if they keep the same pictures with the dead looking models, it is still glamourizing “dead women”. I’m just disappointed that MAC had to be “backed into a corner” to change the inappropriate names, issue an apology, and donate money. The only positive element to this situation is that it made people aware of what has been going on in Juarez who had no clue what was going on so close to home.
Mac should donate all of the money that they make from this collection to that cause. For them 100,000 is like a dollar for an average consumer. That won’t even make any difference at all. Normally I would say that it’s the gesture and thought that counts, but not in this case. This is like making a hollocaust collection and having names like stripe pijamas, gas or some other horribly offencive names. The whole idea is that this happen in the first place. Names corresponding to streetwalkers, and all things that are wrong with this horrible place is amazing to me. Why would you make cosmetics for mostly woman and then take inspiration from a city that has so many of females tortured, raped and killed on daily bases? Make the main model look as if she was dead and put offensive names on products? They should have not done this in the first place. If they wanted to bring public attention to the situation than they should have done it much different. This is making money over any common sence.
If $100,000 really won’t make any difference at all, then I don’t understand why none of the readers here making a fuss are speaking up about donating. Especially if $100,000 for MAC is like $1 for the average consumer… I haven’t heard anyone on here talking about donating even just $1. If people are claiming to be enlightened and angered by this collection, then why is no one doing anything?? Why is MAC the only one able to make a difference??? If you are angry enough to avoid this collection, you should care enough to donate the money you save to a good cause.
Becuase we, as consumers, have not done something to offend others about this matter. MAC is this company that claims to have been so good to other foundations, but now they went and offended many about this situation in juarez. That donation is pity of “oops we made a mistake, but we still want your money”. I think many would agree it would have been better if the entire collection would have been pulled. People are not offended that MAC was not going to doante in the first place, but because they created names and pictures that were offensive.
I think changing the names and donating money is more a damage control tatics in response to the negative feedback. It is good that they did repsond, but I agree it shouldn’t have happened in the first place. If they really wanted to celebrate the landscape and people in Juarez, they could use other names and photos which reflect that. If their intention was to help women in Juarez, they could have launch their marketing company as such in the first place, like their AIDS compaigns. Since they did not do neither, this is just damage control to save their reputations. The only positive outcome in this is that now there are more poeple award of the tragedy in Juarez.
I love reading blogs and have much admiration for many bloggers out there and think they get a rough deal as being taken as ‘serious’. I think bloggers should be taken as serious contributors.
But I have to have my two cent worth in this debate about the new MAC Rodarte collection.
I respect that we all have different views but I actually do believe that this debate has missed a bigger issue.
From a marketing view I understand that MAC/Rodarte have had to act to appease the potential PR disaster by the negative reviews by realising statements and donations etc.
I take the seriousness of what happens in places like Juarez and to the women and children as horrific. This goes without saying.
But, I think that the idea that there was ‘negligence‘, ‘a company just trying to be edgy and missing the point’ is a little easy to be critical especially online these days. The constant ‘OMG how cold they be so reckless…’ implies that Rodarte and MAC did this on purpose.
Regardless what you think of MAC products this company donate a load of money and awareness to AIDS charities and before it was cool to do so.
I think beauty is the eye of the beholder, there are places in our world that are full of contrast including places that are full of beauty and where bad things happen too. I am sure that the Rodarte sisters saw many beautiful places on their road trip. I found the images of the models quite ‘ethereal’.
I think that the Rodarte sisters and MAC are being unfairly treated here. I think the names have offended people but not intentional, the company are trying to fix the problem/blunder/insensitivity whatever you want to call it. I personally don’t feel offended by the names but I am upset that there is a horrible situation in a place like Juarez.
I ask the beauty community out there to ask themselves besides demanding MAC donate all the profits to say ‘sorry’ what are we as individuals doing about the reason why this issue offends us all? Juarez is only one place in a world full of violence and don’t misinterpret my words. I am merely trying to say places in Juarez exist EVERYWHERE. Violence against women and children exist in other places that are beautiful as well as also confronting to our sensibilities.
We all seem so intelligent these days because we can Google a situation and report verbatim on it online. We look a little smarter and get so angry doing so -but we don’t do anything about it except complain.
If people are offended then they are its done. MAC are offering to do what they can to fix the situation. If they did nothing then I wouldn’t be writing this. They made a mistake they apologised. Sometimes we need accept that even a company like MAC with all its marketing and resources etc make mistakes. Are we all that pious we have never made mistakes too? I am always a fan of boycotting but I wonder at the end of the day how many of the people angry now will think about this collection next year when something new and ’convertible’ is released by MAC and is the ‘must have item’.
Its good to feel like there is more to life then makeup.
I am not defending that this collection has offended people I am just asking people to look at a bigger picture here.
I’m from the state of Chihuahua where Juarez is located, my issue with this collection is not the names of the products but with tha attempt by M-A-C to use this horrible tragedy to profit, which is the reason why all of this is happening to begin with… the desire to profit by unscrupulous companies that stop at nothing to make an extra penny with out any regard for their fellow human beeing…
To truly understand what is happening in Juarez this is a good site to visit
http://womenofjuarez.egenerica.com/content/view/31/29/
If you want to donate to an organization that is truly doing something to help on this issue and is close to the victims families
http://www.casa-amiga.org.mx/
I’m not asociated with them but is a well known, respected organization that is corruption free (a hard thing to find in Juarez)
I seem to left some links out 🙁
if you go to this site and on the right click on grups we support link you can find more info about organizations that are also a good option for donations or to find out how else you can help
http://www.amigosdemujeres.org/
and here you can find some of the corporations that have maquiladoras in Juarez
http://www.amnestyusa.org/askamnesty/women_juarez200402_3.html
http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=1528
These are great links.Thanks for putting them out there.
What concerns me is that Casa Amiga is only in Spanish.I understand Spanish perfectly, but obviously not everyone does.Im going to contact them and ask if they need help translating their messages.
Once again thanks for the links.
Hi,
this might sound naive, but whats the issue going on currenttly? i’m stil pretty young and not familar with what is going on with this controversey. can someone explain why this collection was “offensive”? I am not familiar with any of the terms. thank you
I didn’t really care about the names to begin with. I think it’s admirable that MAC decided to change them because people got upset, but I think it’s just makeup. Don’t look into it. It’s completely superficial.
In a way, this has done something positive, besides the donation.
There are very many people who are NOT socially conscious and were unaware of the violence going on in the world around us. Had it not been for being curious about what the fuss was with MAC/Rodarte, they’d still be in the dark regarding this issue. Now they know, and the more people that know, the more people that can get involved and make a difference.
Has anybody looked at this collection as a way to bring awareness? Not everything has to be looked at in a negative light.
The irony is, somewhere in the world there are MAC employees who managed to get their hands on the prototype products, and they will probably sell them for a ridiculous price on eBay…all MAC is really doing by acting upon the complaints is creating a frenzy for the products with the original names.
This really makes me question MAC and their process in developing their collections. I’m pretty stunned with several of these names. Not only are they tacky and offensive, but I find them uninspiring for someone who loves makeup. I mean, sometimes people buy products just for the name. “Bordertown” doesn’t make me want to buy.
If they wanted to shed a light on the violence in Juarez, having a special product named “Juarez” (with proceeds benefiting a related charity, like they do with Viva Glam) would have been a better idea.
i feel like i should buy something, as after all mac is donating so much money to teh cause, but out of principle i really wouldnt normally, i can see boxes and boxes of these ending up in CCOs for time to come…
i will not buy anything from this colection and mac thinks that with 100k or 200k is gonna bring back those girls or make them feel better are u kidding me mac makes more money than that in a day. and people who thinks that money makes everything better well it doesnt. is like a big slap in your face. thinking that all mexicans will be happy with a little hand out?
Mac: Huge mistake!!!! But I hope they make sure that the money they are going to donate goes to the victims and not to the corruption!!! Things happen for a reason!!! We learn from mistakes and some people need help,the situation in Juarez has affected so many families and this will not resolve the problem but any help they can get I think is more than welcome!!!
its all about the all mighty dollar for mac, giving money dosent make up for what they did.
You know. A lot of you keep this going and going, but what is it really you are doing to help the cause in Juarez? Yapping about it on a make-up board and attacking one another isn’t the way it works. The problem isn’t giving money to this cause, but write to the government, law enforement, do something. When the Holicaust happened no one cared or gave money to those who suffered. People were burned alive, starves, tortured, children were used for medical purposes without any kind of anesthesia, they were taken from their parents, tortured, starved, burned alive as well. There is no comparison between the two. The Holicaust was done because of someone’s religious beliefs. Both are horrible. It is happening all over the world still not just in Juarez. Stop whining and start doing something. Start a public campaign on facebook. Get signatures. Just stop with all the nonsense on a cosmetic board already. It’s getting redundant. Plus a lot of you aren’t reading. MAC is a GREAT company. Just the fact that they are giving money towards this cause (which they don’t have to) and are changing the names says a lot.
Maybe MAC should release a line of HOLOCAUST inspired makeup. Let’s see what kind of reaction they would get from the public.
That’s exactly right. They should do a line that brings awarness to the tragedy or go the Rodarte way and name their products “gas chaimber” ,”we love hitler”, and maybe”death”. There is a right way and a wrong way to go about things. Also, this post was created specifically for people to voice their views on it so why do some get offended that we all do just that? And also, just because we comment on this blog does not mean we did not donate ourselves, where did tyhis come from? When you are a big company that claims to be all into charity you are responsible for what your creative department puts out as products, themes and names. Why did this had to go this fare for someone at MAC to notice the mistake, I just can’t understand. Someone should have been paying attention to this in the breginning and sad” gee, this is not a good idea”.
Hey!
Sorry but I am kinda lost. The reason for finding this collection offensive is a product being name Juarez? Please keep in mind I am not being critical about it is just a mere question!
Thank you
It’s like “a rose by any other name” doesn’t matter that they changed the names. The deed was done. I do however like that they responded by seeking to correct themselves, and I like that they will continue to provide funding. Lord knows the massacres are horrific and the negligence of the Mexican police is inexcusable. Just a thought, did this controversy actually bring about greater awareness about the murders in Juarez?
I am happy that MAC made an apology and fixed the collection but I refuse to spend a penny on any product from this collection. I wish that more people would take a stand and force MAC to take a closer look at what they deem appropriate. A collection doesn’t get released as soon as an idea pop’s into somebody’s head – it has to go through hundreds of hands before it reaches the public – this concern had to have been brought up before and they chose to ignore it. I will not spend my money on products that I do not believe in. There is nothing MAC can do to change my mind about the collection – they should have just taken it off the market.
i know that there’s been a lot of talk about this.. but honestly, i’m only looking at the product, not the meaning behind it. i’m not trying to say i don’t care or anything though. i’m glad that mac has decided to donate. i actually blame the rodarte sisters more than anything else for even being inspired by juarez.