Politics Through A Rural Lens
Racism and hate are too deeply embedded in our country today. They are ignored and denied, like other difficult problems, that will, if acknowledged and fully addressed, change the way our country’s people, businesses, and institutions work.
This opinion piece in the Washington Post by Emory Professor Carol Anderson explains a critical part of the foundation of racism in our country today, and why we are certain to repeat Ferguson if we continue on the current path.
Fresh on the heels of the National Guard “quelling” the unrest in Ferguson, MO, Urban Outfitters listed a “vintage” Kent State sweatshirt for $129 yesterday.
This fashion backwards item wasn’t well received. Urban Outfitters issued this statement:
“Urban Outfitters sincerely apologizes for any offense our Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt may have caused. 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 one-of-a-kind item was purchased as part of our sun-faded vintage collection. There is no blood on this shirt nor has this item been altered in any way. The red stains are discoloration from the original shade of the shirt and the holes are from natural wear and fray. Again, we deeply regret that this item was perceived negatively and we have removed it immediately from our website to avoid further upset.”
What’s next Urban Outfitters? Will you debut a line of Napalm Personal Care Products next week?
For the youngsters among Rural and Progressive readers, this is what happened in 1970 when the National Guard was sent to Kent State.