Helen Keller, the famous deaf and blind US woman, is typically held as a figure of inspiration in triumphing over adversity. Yet in China, she has become an unlikely style icon.
That’s because a Chinese company has just released its own brand of sunglasses named after the historical figure, who is apparently widely known in China as she is part of school curriculum and discussions in classrooms around the country.
The company even has their own motto that is apparently inspired by Keller herself: “You see the world, the world sees you”
Although the sunglasses are apparently a tribute to the life of Helen Keller, you wouldn’t think so by watching a recently-released advert for the shades, which features snappers treating a woman wearing her Helen Keller sunglasses as though she is a celebrity.
Chen Wenjing, a spokesperson for the company behind the sunglasses, has stated that they were aware Helen Keller was blind, but went ahead with the brand name as they value was her philanthropist spirit to publicise her sunglasses, rather than any ability to actually see.
So while the decision to name a brand of sunglasses over a famous blind person was apparently intentional, it doesn’t make the decision any less baffling.
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