KMT's Anti-Drug Rally Filter Sparks Online Backlash for 'Ugly' Design

Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party has ignited a debate online with the release of a social media filter designed to promote an upcoming anti-drug rally. The filter, intended for profile pictures, has drawn widespread criticism and ridicule from netizens who question its design and appropriateness.

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Who would use such an ugly filter?

The KMT's Culture and Communications Committee Chairman, Chen I-hsin, announced the filter as part of the "I Am Human, I Oppose Poisonous Oil" rally. He explained that the filter's visual concept, featuring slogans like "Forcing me to eat poisonous oil, forcing me to the streets" and elements such as the Presidential Office, clenched fists, and "carcinogenic oil," aims to express public anger and demands regarding food safety crises.

However, the design has been met with harsh online commentary. Netizens have widely panned the filter, with remarks ranging from "Who would use such an ugly filter?" to comparisons with "religious offerings" or questioning if it was designed by a Chinese company due to its perceived "Chinese aesthetics." Some users expressed confusion over the design elements, particularly the letter 'K', with one commenter sarcastically asking if it stood for "ketamine."

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If you don't say it, I thought it was a religious group preparing for a ritual.

The KMT chairman defended the rally's visual theme, emphasizing its connection to food safety concerns. Despite the party's intentions, the social media reaction suggests the filter's execution has significantly missed the mark with the public, overshadowing the intended message of the anti-drug campaign.

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This design, if you don't say it, I thought this K was for ketamine.