PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/GAP KIDS
Global brands don't often feature Muslims in their ad campaigns. Over the passage of time, many have highlighted how minorities such as African-Americans, Hispanics and sometimes even Muslims are not represented on the larger scale that promotes a positive image of them.
Muslim-American breaks barriers as first hijab-wearing TV reporter in US
Recently, pop singer Rihanna became the first African-American to make it to the cover of British Vogue and the community was ecstatic over her inclusion. Much like the fashion magazine, American apparel company Gap recently released their back-to-school campaign. Pleasantly surprising, the ad featured a little girl clad in a Muslim head scarf.
Taking on the new school year together with all the things that connect us. Get into Superdenim-it's comfy, soft, and ready for recess (and all sorts of adventures): https://t.co/OPtll59ig0. #GapToSchool pic.twitter.com/chR0SZEaZT
— GapKids (@GapKids) July 24, 2018
Model Hamdia Ahmed who was the first Miss Maine pagaent contestant to wear a hijab took notice of Gap's ad. Spotting the little girl in a hijab made her connect to the ad on a personal level. She was glad that her community was finally getting a positive representation in mainstream media.
Back to school ad for Gap.!! This makes me so happy OMG.!😭😭 pic.twitter.com/n97dogf25H
— Hamdia Ahmed (@hamdia_ahmed) August 5, 2018
American activist Blair Imani was also quick to laud the efforts by Gap.
https://twitter.com/BlairImani/status/1026628605265240064
Twitter users loved the back-to-school campaign as well stating that it promotes tolerance and spreads the message of peace.
idk what’s cuter the fact that gap put a little hijabi in their recent ad or the fact that she’s rockin the ol’ school slip on hijab we all used to wear lol
— yasu (@theeelioness) August 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/_SJPeace_/status/1026096332996530176
https://twitter.com/ShopWolfchase/status/1026498163975311366
https://twitter.com/shadahdaboss/status/1026063819716608001
@GapKids I love your new ad with the girl wearing a hijab. 💕💕💕💕💕💕
— Maria Swanson (@ZezeSwanson) August 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/shhirsi/status/1026605429584011264
https://twitter.com/YelZelal/status/1025017936640200704
In a first: Hijab wearing 20-year-old to compete in Miss England
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