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| Olde Tyme Religion |
| Sufi fury over 'sacred symbol' in perfume ad |
| 2014-06-30 |
| An advertisement featuring the model daughter of Mick Jagger has been singled out by followers of a branch of Islam, who said it ‘cheapens’ and ‘degrades’ one of its holiest symbols. The pictures of Georgia May - daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall - have triggered demonstrations by Sufi Muslims in London, as well as in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Los Angeles, since they were first released in the middle of last year. The advertisement shows Miss Jagger with an ornate H-like symbol on her wrist. The sign is similar to one Sufis use to refer to Allah and representatives of the community have said it is ‘heartbreaking’ to see it used to make money. American student Nasim Bahadorani, one of the protest organisers, said, "To use something that means so much to us for corporate profit cheapens our sacred symbol. It’s disrespectful, offensive and degrading. We have this sign that to us represents blessed peace. It’s a refuge. To see it disgraced like this for a company to make money is heartbreaking." Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli, which has used the image in campaigns since 2011, says the symbols are not the same. It is a stance supported by the EU, which last month rejected a request by Sufi groups to ban the company from using the sign. Despite the ruling, campaigners have kept up the pressure on social media using the hashtag '#TakeOffJustLogo' and have singled out Miss Jagger’s campaign, which includes a video where she refers to the symbol as a 'snakebite' and a 'sign of seduction'. This is not the first time Roberto Cavalli has gotten into trouble over the use of religious symbols. Ten years ago, they made a line of bikinis which depicted Hindu gods. The company apologized at the time and said any offense was unintentional. |
| Posted by:ryuge |