According to an article by Frank Washkuch on PR Week, Urban
Outfitters issued an apology for the release of a Kent State University
sweatshirt appeared to be covered in blood stains, referring to the 1970
killing of four students on campus.
On Monday Morning, Urban Outfitters apologized for selling
the “vintage” sweatshirt, claiming they did not intend for the sweatshirt to be
perceived as offensive. The retailer
supposedly saw a similar item in a thrift store and viewed it as
“one-of-a-kind.” The retailer explained that the red stains
are "discoloration from the original shade of the shirt and the holes are
from natural wear and fray."
Urban Outfitters also apologized via Twitter:
The
PR team of Urban Outfitters explained, "It was never our intention to
allude to the tragic events that took place at Kent State in 1970, and we are
extremely saddened that this item was perceived as such."
The University replied in defense to the statement,
"May 4, 1970, was a watershed moment for the country
and especially the Kent State family. We lost four students that day while nine
others were wounded and countless others were changed forever. We take great offense to a company using our
pain for their publicity and profit. This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes
a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today."
Personally, I find it absurd that Urban Outfitters could be
so heartless in this campaign. The
retailer clearly did not think its actions through and will now be suffering
the consequences with outraged customers.
I understand completely how the vintage shirt is offensive and how it caused such a disturbance for the Kent State community. Do you think it is possible that the person who found the shirt at the thrift store was by chance too young to have no idea about the 1970 incident that occurred at Kent State. Personally I do like the vintage tie dye look, but I was confused knowing that Kent State's colors are navy and yellow, so I really have no clue why Urban Outfitters would even make the shirt in the red color.
ReplyDeleteMelvin, thank you for your insight! I do think that it is quite possible that the founder of the thrift store sweatshirt was unaware of the 1960 school shooting. However, I do not believe that the manufacturers of the sweatshirt did not realize this when the sweatshirt was being made. I believe the idea was an intentional idea of art and Urban Outfitters did not think through the consequences. I agree that the the-dye look is pretty stylish, but the manufacturers went to far by making the stains red and blood-like. They are definitely now realizing the company's mistake.
ReplyDelete