Racist clothes justify Abercrombie boycott

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Abercrombie T-shirts depicting African Americans in derogatory,
stereotypical roles never would have made it to production. But
when A&F decided to pick on a minority like Asian Americans
with offensive slogans like “Wong Brothers Laundry Service:
two Wongs can make it white!”, the T-shirts are produced by
the thousands. But just because one statement may not incite as
much public outcry as another does not make it any less racist.

Abercrombie & Fitch never should have designed a product
““ much less produced it ““ knowing it was racially
questionable. But as a result of America’s focus on
black/white paradigms and the relatively decent socioeconomic
status of many members of their community, racism against Asian
Americans is often overlooked. This is evident in the exclusion of
Asian Americans in UC affirmative action policies, but is also
prevalent in larger societal attitudes ““ like the one shown
here by Abercrombie. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that
there is little publicity or knowledge of Asian American struggles
or Civil Rights leaders.

College students nationwide are justified in banding together to
boycott Abercrombie products. Taking a stand will send a clear
message that consumers will not tolerate promotion of such blatant
racism. Respect for different histories, traditions and cultures
should not be disregarded because a particular group’s
advocates and struggles are not as visible as another’s.

Abercrombie’s apology was quaint, but the insult has
already been made and the damage done. The real shame, though, is
the large portion of Americans who follow suit, defining racial
sensitivity by what they can get away with rather than by what is
morally correct.