The Background of Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt is a tax preparation company that has been in operation since 1982. With over 6,000 locations in the United States, Jackson Hewitt offers tax preparation services to individuals and small businesses. The company is known for its catchy slogans and memorable ad campaigns, but its latest commercial has caused quite a stir.
The Offensive Commercial
The commercial in question features a white man dressed in a suit and tie, standing in front of a group of African American women. The man proceeds to sing a song about how easy it is to file taxes with Jackson Hewitt, while the women dance and sway in the background. The commercial has been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes about African American women.
The Backlash
The commercial quickly went viral, with many people expressing their outrage on social media. The hashtag #NotBuyingIt began trending, with users calling out the company for its insensitive portrayal of African American women. Many people called for a boycott of Jackson Hewitt and demanded that the company issue an apology.
The Company’s Response
Jackson Hewitt initially defended the commercial, stating that it was intended to be humorous and was not meant to offend anyone. However, as the backlash continued to grow, the company eventually issued a statement apologizing for the commercial. The statement read, in part, “We apologize for any offense that our recent commercial may have caused. We understand that it was not appropriate and we take full responsibility for our actions.”
The Impact on Jackson Hewitt
The controversy surrounding the commercial had a significant impact on Jackson Hewitt’s reputation. The company’s social media pages were flooded with negative comments, and many people vowed to never use its services again. Additionally, the company faced backlash from advocacy groups and civil rights organizations, who called for a boycott of the company.
The Lesson Learned
The offensive Jackson Hewitt commercial serves as a reminder of the power of advertising and the importance of being mindful of the images and messages that are portrayed in ads. Companies have a responsibility to ensure that their ads do not perpetuate negative stereotypes or offend any group of people. By taking the time to consider the impact of their ads, companies can avoid similar controversies and maintain a positive reputation.
In Conclusion
The offensive Jackson Hewitt commercial caused a significant backlash and had a lasting impact on the company’s reputation. The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of the images and messages that are portrayed in ads. Companies that take the time to consider the impact of their ads can avoid similar controversies and maintain a positive reputation.