America has been turned upside down by an American Eagle jeans ad. A single campaign, starring Sydney Sweeney, has provoked an extended conversation about race, beauty, politics, Donald Trump, and sexuality.

American Eagle Outfitters has a message to its critics, who took issue over its ad with 27-year-old actor Sydney Sweeney that sparked a debate over race and Western beauty standards.

The world of fashion advertising is often a high-stakes game of wit, style, and savvy marketing. So, when American Eagle launched its campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, it seemed like a surefire hit.