Snapchat criticised over Bob Marley filter on 4/20 'marijuana day'
- Published
Snapchat is coming in for criticism after launching a Bob Marley filter on the anniversary of 4/20 - a so-called "celebration of marijuana".
Some are angry at the reggae legend being portrayed as "nothing more than a weed mascot".
Others say the filter is offensive because it encourages white users to "black up".
The day known as "4/20" seems to originate from a group of friends in California back in 1971.
They met after school at 4:20pm on 20 April and went in search of a crop of marijuana north-west of San Francisco.
The farm was never actually discovered but the group smoked cannabis the whole time and began referring to the day as 4/20.
The term spread and it is still marked today, 45 years on.
Snapchat users spotted the Bob Marley filter appear earlier.
It's been called "pathetic" and "disrespectful" by some.
Why is everything Bob Marley did in his life reduced to weed and dreads?, external
Snapchat tripping with that Bob Marley filter. Very disrespectful., external
Oh dear. Why did snapchat think that Bob Marley filter was a good idea..., external
If I see one more "Bob Marley" snapchat story you're getting blocked, external
Others questioned why Snapchat had chosen this anniversary and not the singer's birthday.
And some say it is encouraging people to "black-up".
Others just found it a bit weird.
This Bob Marley filter on Snapchat is so creepy. Who thought this was a good idea?, external
And annoying.
Ashley tweeted: That bob Marley filter finna get on my nerves today, I already know it., external
Some just think everyone's overreacting.
In a statement to Newsbeat, Snapchat said: "The lens we launched today was created in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate, and gives people a new way to share their appreciation for Bob Marley and his music.
"Millions of Snapchatters have enjoyed Bob Marley's music, and we respect his life and achievements."
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