A Rosa Parks-inspired bikini has sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with many users condemning the swimwear as disrespectful and exploitative. The bikini, released by the Guatemalan luxury swimwear brand Divinoseas, has been criticized for attempting to profit off the legacy of a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed their dismay, writing, “Trying to capitalize off of a leading figure [of] the Civil Rights Movement & profit off of exploiting Rosa Parks’ legacy by using her name to sell a BIKINI.” Another critic added, “That’s just horrendous. Corporations have no end to the layers of embalmments of their avarice.”
The controversial bikini, a polyester two-piece set, is available in shades of “Sea Salt” and “Light Pink.” The top, featuring ruched triangle-cut cups and string bow ties, is priced at $90 and is currently out of stock. The bottoms, only available in a pink size “Large,” are on sale for $36, down from their original price of $72.
Divinoseas describes the bikini as being “inspired by the woman whose righteous rebellion against apartheid-style segregation in the United States sparked the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.” The brand’s website adds, “Every element in the constellation of her composition contributes to the sets’ seductive yet stately gravitas.”
The fashion house has also named other bikini styles after notable women such as Eleanor Roosevelt and chemist Rosalind Franklin. However, the Rosa Parks-inspired bikini has not been received as a respectful tribute. Instead, it has been met with significant backlash from those who see it as a tasteless attempt to commercialize a pivotal figure in Black history.
One X user commented, “Nothing screams ‘rebellion against apartheid style segregation in the US that sparked the Civil Rights movement’ quite like a non-Black owned business charging $167 for this pink monstrosity.” Another added, “If somebody made a 100% synthetic anything in my ‘honor’ I’d be SO pissed.”
Rosa Parks is best known for her role in the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. Her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus led to her arrest and sparked a year-long boycott of the Montgomery bus system by the Black community.
The bikini’s release has been compared to other controversial tributes to late luminaries. For instance, slain rapper Goonew’s body was propped up on stage at a Washington, D.C. nightclub following his death in April 2022, a display that was widely criticized as “madness” by fans. Similarly, Gracie Hunt, daughter of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, faced backlash for sharing photos from a Kobe Bryant-inspired glam shoot.
The Rosa Parks-inspired bikini has been labeled as “actual insanity” by some social media users, who question the appropriateness of using such a significant historical figure to sell swimwear. One user asked, “WHAT KIND OF WORLD ARE WE IN?” while another stated, “A Rosa Parks-themed bikini top is actual insanity.”
The controversy surrounding the bikini highlights the ongoing debate about how to appropriately honor historical figures and the fine line between tribute and exploitation. While some may argue that the bikini is a form of homage, the overwhelming response suggests that many see it as a disrespectful and misguided attempt to profit from Rosa Parks’ legacy.
In conclusion, the Rosa Parks-inspired bikini by Divinoseas has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media. Many view the swimwear as a blatant attempt to commercialize a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, rather than a respectful tribute. The backlash serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and respect when honoring historical figures, particularly those who have made significant contributions to social justice and equality.
Source: Getty Images, Bettmann Archive, divinoseas.com
