Converse's accidental controversy

On September 3rd, Converse posted an ad featuring K-pop star Karina in a white skirt holding Chuck 70s. Two weeks later, people online claimed the spotlight's edge resembled a Klan hood and the shoes looked like a body.

“Lynching is not a creative concept. The Ku Klux Klan is not an aesthetic.”

The apology came immediately

Converse apologized within a day and pulled the campaign. But that wasn't enough for Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter, who demanded a public explanation of how the images passed approval.

Oxford United's 9/11 mistake

The English football club released a college-style jersey with UNITED and 93 on September 11th, the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The range was pulled within two hours, but the club still issued a full apology a week later.

Ed Sheeran apologizes for nothing

Before performing in Philadelphia, Ed Sheeran apologized to 60,000 people for a rapper's politics, a stadium owner's ban, and a promoter's decision. He was apologizing for things he didn't do and doesn't control.

“I am making mistakes and I'm so, so sorry.”

The apology industrial complex

Crisis management, cultural fragmentation, and social media have created a system where innocent people must apologize just to survive. Converse, Oxford United, and Ed Sheeran all did nothing wrong but still had to grovel.

A correction is enough

Real harm done deliberately deserves an apology and consequences. But unintentional mistakes need only a correction. Saying we've withdrawn it is a complete sentence.

“We've withdrawn it is a complete sentence.”