Nivea Pulls Controversial "Re-Civilize Yourself" Advert With Clean-Shaven Black Man Holding Mask of Black Man with Afro & Scraggly Beard

Nivea pulls controversial "Re-civilize yourself," advertisement with clean shaven black man tossing mask of black man with Afro and scraggly beard.

Nivea found itself in social media hell after an advert showing a clean-shaven black man tossing a mask of a scraggly black man, with an Afro, saying "Re-civilize yourself," sparked outrage and cries of racism against the company. The company has pulled the advert, which was a part of its Revitalizing line of men's skin care products. There were two ads, one featuring a white model, which reads, "Sin City isn't an excuse to look like Hell," and the spot featuring the black model. It shoud be noted that Rihanna is one of parent-company's Beiersdorf AG spokesmodels.

Beiersdorf AG released the following statement to CNN regarding the controversy:

"We are deeply sorry to anyone who may take offense to this specific local advertisement. After realizing that this ad is misleading, it was immediately withdrawn."

The statement went on to say that "Diversity and equal opportunity are crucial values of NIVEA: The brand represents diversity, tolerance, and equal opportunity. We value difference. Direct or indirect discrimination must be ruled out in all decisions by, and in all areas of our activities. This applies regardless of gender, age, race, skin color, religion, ideology, sexual orientation, or disability. Nor should cultural, ethnic, or national origin, and political or philosophical conviction be of any significance."

I have to ask if these companies don't realize what constitutes an insult? I won't accuse them of racism, but I will accuse them of being stupid. We aren't living in that post-racial America where you can shrug stuff off. Um, who needs to re-civilize themselves? Nivea and it's parent company.