The New Yorker Article on Sydney Sweeney References 'Aryan Princess' and 'Black Man's Hunger' Stereotypes

A recent article in The New Yorker, titled "The Banal Provocation of Sydney Sweeney’s Jeans," has drawn significant attention and criticism for its use of controversial language when discussing actress Sydney Sweeney's public image. The piece, published on August 2, 2025, by Doreen St. Félix, delves into the ongoing debate surrounding Sweeney's recent American Eagle ad campaign and her perceived role in contemporary culture wars. Conservative commentator Christopher F. Rufo highlighted specific phrases from the article in a tweet, questioning the editorial choices.

The article's contentious phrases include a reference to Sweeney's "adoring legion" wanting to recruit her as a "kind of Aryan princess," and a discussion contrasting "breasts, and the desire for them, are stereotyped as objects of white desire, as opposed to, say, the Black man’s hunger for ass." These phrases were used within the commentary to analyze societal perceptions and stereotypes rather than as direct descriptions by the magazine itself. Rufo's tweet, however, presented these quotes without their full contextual framing, sparking further debate.

The New Yorker piece primarily dissects the controversy surrounding Sweeney's American Eagle denim advertisement, which featured a pun on "genes" and "jeans." This campaign faced backlash from some critics who interpreted its focus on Sweeney's appearance and the "good genes" tagline as having eugenic undertones. The ad's release positioned Sweeney at the center of a broader cultural discussion about beauty standards, political affiliations, and perceived "anti-woke" sentiments in advertising.

Following the American Eagle ad, Sweeney became a focal point for various political commentators. Figures such as former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly defended Sweeney, framing her as a symbol against "cancel culture" and "woke" ideologies. This support further amplified the narrative of Sweeney as an "anti-woke" icon, adding layers to the public's perception of her and the controversies she is associated with.

Christopher F. Rufo's tweet, which quoted the specific phrases from The New Yorker article, reignited discussions about the appropriateness of such language in mainstream media. His post, stating, > "The New Yorker is out here talking about Sydney Sweeney's 'Aryan princess' breasts and the 'Black man's hunger for ass,' and I'm not really sure what decade we are in anymore," underscored concerns about the nature of cultural commentary and its potential to perpetuate or highlight problematic stereotypes. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between critical analysis and the potential for misinterpretation in public discourse.