Is Snapchat really pro-women? This might have been the question running inside the minds of many when the famous social networking site launched three new filters on International Women's Day.
While Snapchat might have just wanted to honor the three women who had commendable contribution to the society - Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, civil rights activist Rosa Parks, and scientist Marie Curie - it instead drew some flak. It appeared that a number of people have not been happy with how it celebrated the descendants of Eve.
On Thursday, the world was merrymaking for the International Women's Day, and numerous activities have been organized to celebrate it. Along with the celebration, Snapchat also picked its own way to pay tribute to the women.
One particular filter that irked many was reportedly the transformation to the self-portrait of Kahlo. While the Mexican artist painted herself with dark skin and eyes, this is no longer the case when someone uses the Frida Kahlo filter. When used, the user's skin, especially the face area, turns a lot lighter with her lips painted with bright red lipstick. The signature unibrow and the floral headdress and braids are retained, though.
For their part, the Frida Kahlo Corporation said in a statement that the lens used for Snapchat was intended to "capture the faces of all her followers around the world."
"In the age of the selfie, Frida is considered to be the first selfie artist, she told a story of love, life, strength and passion thru her self-portraits," the group added.
Meanwhile, the Marie Curie filter did not escape criticisms as well. "The Marie Curie snapchat lens makes ur face thinner and gives u full eye makeup thank GOD wouldn't want to be an unhot scientist [sic]," one Amy Brown wrote on Twitter Snapchat's International Women's Day filters.