Something is wrong with segments of a society that trades tragic event of its past for a quick buck. Even worse, is when we accept cheap humor as a substitute for knowledge, understanding and respect.
In an online article for CNBC.com (September 15, 2014) entitled: “Urban Oufitters’ blood-spattered sweatshirt stirs outcry,” we learn that:
A red, blood-spattered sweatshirt emblazoned with Kent State University’s name was up for sale on Urban Outfitters’ website, causing outrage among shoppers. According to Gawker, the $129 sweatshirt was listed under its “Vintage Finds” category, which stocks only one of each “handpicked” item; so it was listed with a tagline that read: “We only have one, so get it or regret it!’”
For those who either don’t remember or weren’t born yet, Kent State occurred at the height of the protests against the war in Vietnam. At Kent State, the National Guard was pitted against the student protestors. Things got out of hand and in the end, four students were killed and nine were injured. It was a great tragedy for the nation during a tumultuous time. Some genius in the Urban Outfitter organization, in an effort to be humorous and edgy decided to sell a Kent State sweatshirt with blood stains.
Kent State University issued the following statement:
, “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.”
To which the public relations agency at Urban Outfitters is probably thinking: “Look at all the great publicity it gave us. We rock!”
Political correctness is a moving target
If Urban Outfitters had mocked recent events, the shock and outrage would be over the top. Can you imagine a blood stained T-shirt saying: “Ferguson, Missouri?” How about a blood-spattered orange sweatshirt mocking an ISIS beheading? Why then, is an event that occurred 45 years ago acceptable to turn into parody?
If there is any excuse that Urban Outfitters might offer for its lack of ethics, it might be that those in corporate have completely lost their sense of empathy. They might figure that “Old School” events don’t count in their current view of the world. Perhaps they believe that nothing that occurred before their generation matters. I can understand that. It is the arrogance of youth.
Here is a problem they may wish to consider at some point: everyone ages, and the electronic gadgetry, the latest fashions, the trends, the Reality TV, the Kardashians, music; all of it changes and will pass.
For the present, consumers should realize that they always have a choice. To be “offended,” is one thing but to stop purchasing their products or even sending an email to the corporate big-shots to show displeasure is quite another. It is called ethics in action.
In the end, only good ethics remain. Urban Outfitters may be wise to remember that.