Sydney Sweeney breaks the internet and the stock chart with viral American Eagle ad
Fans liked the relaxed and nostalgic vibe of the campaign, but many people online focused on the slogan: 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.' The slogan caused a big debate because 'jeans' sounds like 'genes.' Some people thought this was a clever pun, but others found it offensive and confusing, as per the report by Yahoo Creators.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
Others
Design Thinking
Finance
Project Management
Product Management
MBA
Technology
Degree
Leadership
Data Science
Operations Management
Cybersecurity
healthcare
Data Science
MCA
CXO
Management
PGDM
Digital Marketing
others
Data Analytics
Artificial Intelligence
Public Policy
Healthcare
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
16 Weeks
Indian School of Business
CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
9 months
IIM Lucknow
SEPO - IIML CHRO India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
28 Weeks
MICA
CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
7 Months
S P Jain Institute of Management and Research
CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
ALSO READ:
Pete Hegseth in hot water: Pentagon boss told to shape up or face the axe, sources say
Debate over deeper meaning of slogan
Critics said the slogan reminded them of 'great genes,' which brings up ideas linked to eugenics — a harmful belief about physical superiority — especially since Sydney is a thin, white, conventionally attractive woman. Some online discussions, like a Reddit thread, called the ad 'racist, sexist, and eugenics-coded.' Others felt the campaign didn't fit with American Eagle's past messages about being inclusive.
Fans who disagreed with the criticism said it was exaggerated, but many couldn't ignore the uncomfortable meaning. A viral tweet said, 'It's not that she doesn't look great in denim. It's that the campaign implies she's the standard for it', as stated by the report by Yahoo Creators.
Live Events
Despite the arguments, the campaign made American Eagle's stock rise by 15 to 18% soon after it launched. People on Reddit and Stocktwits even called the company a new 'meme stock.'
Jeans for a cause, but mixed reactions
Sydney also helped create a special limited-edition jean style called 'The Sydney Jean,' which has a butterfly patch. All money earned from selling these jeans will be donated to Crisis Text Line, an organization helping survivors of domestic violence.
Fashion experts liked the butterfly design because it represents growth and change, but opinions on the campaign's overall message stayed divided. Some people praised Sydney for mixing style with a good cause, while others questioned if the message really matched the charity work, as stated by Yahoo Creators.
ALSO READ:
Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson dating rumors heat up after the naked gun premiere and red carpet kiss
The campaign got a lot of attention, but not all of it was positive. It started a nationwide talk about race, beauty standards, and how brands should act responsibly. The ad brought more young shoppers, especially Gen Z, who love early 2000s fashion but also care about social issues.
Whether this will help sales long-term or cause more criticism is still unknown. Sydney Sweeney's image is now everywhere online, but people are asking more than just what she's wearing — they want to know what she represents and what the brand really means by being 'clever', as per the report by Yahoo Creators.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad going viral?
Because the slogan 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' sparked both praise and backlash for its double meaning and message.
Q2. What is The Sydney Jean and where does the money go?
The Sydney Jean is a limited-edition denim by Sydney Sweeney for American Eagle, and all profits go to Crisis Text Line to help domestic violence survivors.
Economic Times WhatsApp channel
)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Water, but make it punk: How Liquid Death took over parties
It may look like a beer can, but it isn't alcoholic. That's how consumers often describe Liquid Death, the latest craze in non-alcoholic drinks. For many, carrying a tall can of this 'water with attitude' means they can join in at parties and social events without feeling left out. Far from being beer, Liquid Death is simply water packaged with a rebellious twist—designed for those who want to party hard without the alcohol. 'It makes you feel like you're still part of the social drinking scene. There's just something about holding a can when everyone else is drinking beer,' expressed a Reddit user. Why are so many Gen Z party-goers swapping pints for a tall can of water that looks just like beer? What is Liquid Death It's still or sparkling water, but dressed up like a craft beer. Packaged in oversized, beer-style aluminium cans stamped with a skull logo and slogans like 'Murder Your Thirst' and 'Death to Plastic', the brand has, since its 2019 launch, built a bold, rebellious identity that resonates with young consumers, particularly those aged 18 to 34. The company was founded by graphic designer Mike Cessario in 2017–18 and was originally crowdfunded through attention-grabbing mock ads. What makes Gen Z pick it up Experts and consumers cite several reasons why Liquid Death is becoming a favourite among youngsters, especially party-goers. It looks like alcohol. The can resembles a beer or an energy drink, so people can drink it at parties without anyone realising it's water. One Reddit user explained, 'I love going to concert venues that have this. Feels like I'm still participating.' Another consumer added, 'Its purpose is partly to help with the habit of drinking, and partly to meet the social expectation of drinking. You're used to grabbing a can, whether in private or public. Now you can reach for water instead of alcohol.' It has also become part of a lifestyle. The company partners with music festivals, skateboarders, and internet culture, making the drink feel more like a community than just a product. Speaking to The Guardian, Megan Dorian, founder of a PR and marketing company, said: 'Liquid Death has effectively created a lifestyle brand rather than just a beverage. By integrating into music festivals and extreme sports events, it has fostered a sense of community among its consumers. ' The brand also carries a social message of eco-friendliness. Its aluminium cans are recyclable, and it champions the motto 'death to plastic'. Marketing expert Rachel Egan told The Guardian that the brand was getting 'Gen Z marketing spot-on' because it addresses their concerns, such as the climate crisis. The company itself stresses that its aluminium cans are 'infinitely recyclable'. Another reason is the cool branding of the product. The heavy-metal design and dark humour make it feel edgy rather than boring. Plus, it's health-friendly — just water with no sugar, no calories, and no hangover. Sold out in 14 minutes Earlier this year, Kylie Kelce launched a playful campaign with Liquid Death called 'Kegs for Pregs'—a five-litre keg of water designed especially for expectant mothers. The ad poked fun at traditional pregnancy rules, encouraging mums-to-be to embrace some light-hearted fun. The response was instant. The product sold out in just 14 minutes, showing how strongly it resonated with today's confident, upbeat mums. In 2023, Travis Barker, drummer for rock band Blink-182, teamed up with the brand for Liquid Death Enema of The State Collectible Enema Kit: The limited-edition package ($182) - giving a nod the band's 1999 album Enema of the State - included a can of Liquid Death water, hand-signed by Barker, and an enema bulb Market value: - In 2023, sales in the US reached around $263 million. - By 2024, the company was valued at $1.4 billion. - A 12-pack (500 ml each) of Still Mountain Water is priced at around ₹14,761, Sparkling Mountain Water at ₹12,885, and Severed Lime Sparkling Water at about ₹19,167. Sober sipping picking up In India, drinks that look like alcohol but aren't are just starting to catch on. Their packaging and 'beer-like' feel let non-drinkers blend in at social gatherings, avoiding awkward questions about why they're not drinking. Millennials and Gen Z are slowly warming up to these options as they allow people to enjoy the party vibe without the hangover. Local brands are now stepping into this space. Some consumers see them as a safer way to decide whether they want to drink alcohol. A Reddit user noted, 'Probably for first-time drinkers to decide whether to try beer or not without actually being drunk.' Others who've tried NA beer say, 'It's non-alcoholic, but malt-flavored, so it tastes exactly like beer. It's cheaper too.' Another consumer added, 'In social settings, it helps—I can enjoy a beer or wine without it turning into bottles or cases. ' According to market research, India's non-alcoholic beverages market was worth about ₹1,377 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly ₹1,986 billion by 2028, growing at 7.3% annually.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
GTA 6 boat physics debate heats up online as fans clash over realism vs classic arcade-style gameplay: ‘They should fix car mechanics'
One of the most anticipated features fans are hoping to see in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is a major improvement in boat physics, especially realistic docking mechanics. While the series has long been praised for its immersive open worlds and detailed vehicle handling, boats have traditionally felt a bit arcade-like and simplified. A Reddit post mentioned that GTA 6 has taken the boat physics to the next level, especially when it comes to docking, which has sparked discussions. After spending some time in a maritime town recently, observing boats glide through a small harbour, it's clear that authentic boat physics would add a thrilling new layer of depth and challenge to the game. As per the post, docking a boat in real life is no easy feat. It requires precision, patience, and a strong understanding of how water currents, wind, and inertia affect a vessel's movement. Even small boats can be tricky to manoeuvre without scraping the hull or colliding with docks and other vessels. Embracing realism: How advanced boat physics could elevate gameplay in GTA 6 In GTA 6, many players look forward to this kind of realistic challenge, moving away from the simplified 'arcade' feel and embracing nuanced steering, momentum, and environmental factors. Imagine having to carefully adjust your throttle, angle your boat just right, and compensate for wind and waves as you attempt to dock at a busy marina or a hidden cove. It would make every boat ride feel like an accomplishment and elevate the overall immersion. This level of detail would also open up new gameplay possibilities, like boat races, smuggling runs, or even search-and-rescue missions that rely heavily on mastering watercraft handling. Given Rockstar's reputation for pushing the boundaries of open-world realism, it's easy to imagine them nailing this aspect of gameplay. By implementing authentic boat physics and realistic docking, GTA 6 could set a new standard for how watercraft are handled in open-world games—and make spending time on the water as engaging as cruising city streets or flying planes. Fans react to the boat docking post As soon as the post surfaced on social media, it quickly garnered massive attention. One said, 'GTA will never satisfy everyone. Ppl out here holding their breath for accurate boat docking.' 'Yeah, I kept thinking if they implement boat docking, my guess is it would be like when we hitch our horses in RDR2. Some type of automatic animation or something. I wouldn't expect us to have to dock it or anything lol,' one joked. 'GTA 6 is not a boat simulator or a truck simulator or whatever simulator. It's a crime game for fuck sake. You are waiting for the wrong game.' 'First, they should fix car physics. Add weight to both cars and human beings.' 'I doubt players would even do that. It's like parking the car in a parking spot. Barely people do it, especially when they prefer to jump out of it while still on the move 😏. They beach it somewhere or just jump out of it. GTA was never a simulator.'
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
GTA 6 real-world easter egg: This car used by Rockstar for game's development is available on auction
Representative Image. (Credit: Rockstar) A car that Rockstar Games used in the development of the highly anticipated game Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6 is being sold at an auction. Fans who bid for this vehicle, which was modelled and placed into the game, can own a rare piece of memorabilia before the upcoming open-world game releases. With over a decade since the launch of GTA 5, excitement for the new game is at an all-time high. Take-Two Interactive's CEO has also expressed confidence in the game's release date, which is still months away. The game's maker announced the car's auction with a post shared on Reddit. Here are all the details about the auction of the car that was used in the game. Car used in GTA 6 development up for auction: All details The 2013 Chevy, which is now available for auction, was 3D-scanned and used as an in-game cop car in GTA 6. 3D scanning records the fine details of a real-world object and converts them into a digital mesh that can be used in games and animations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo The auction will allow players to drive the same model later, both virtually and in real life. It comes with Vice City police decals on the doors, rear and front hood, along with a custom "SCAREDU" plate. The Reddit listing notes that the car was also used to promote the game. However, it doesn't share other details on how and where it was utilised for that purpose. The auction listing (as seen by GamerRadar) reads: 'This car is one of the actual used models for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 video game and was 3D scanned directly into the game, meaning you'll be able to drive this exact car in the game. This car was driven to promote the new GTA 6 game. The car is completely street legal and complies with all legal regulations for driving a 'replica' police car. [It] has all of the police parts, including the light bar, siren, brush guard, spot lights on either side, and other details." This car's auction started at just $10 and has already climbed past $3,000 with multiple bids. Located in Colorado, the vehicle is fully ready to hit the streets and is in working condition, meaning the buyer can technically drive this gaming collectable home. While cars have often been featured in gaming partnerships, it's rare for a vehicle directly used by developers to hit the market, making this an unusual piece of memorabilia that could turn heads if spotted on the road. The auction is set to end this weekend, which means that someone could own and drive a GTA 6 car before the game itself launches on May 26, 2026. WhatsApp Makes Group Calls Smarter
