Australian fashion retailer Cotton On has released a statement saying it has reviewed a T-shirt design after concerns that part of the pattern resembled a symbol used to denote the SS or Nazi police.
The SS symbol features a double lightning bolt and has been associated with Nazis since World War II.
Cotton On’s shirt design, marketed to boys, included a cartoon image with sunglasses, with each lens featuring a lightning bolt.
A spokesperson for the retailer said the design had been fully reviewed after a customer raised concerns.
“We have careful consideration for all our designs, including an Ethical Design Program where all of our designers participate in regular training,” the spokesperson said in a statement to The Epoch Times.
“The product in question depicts a playful monster on a skateboard with lightning bolts reflected in its sunglasses.
“We have sold this product for over six months globally without any other feedback.”
However, Cotton On will now change its design.
Move to Alter Shirts Praised by Advocate
The move was praised by Dr. Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC).Dr. Abramovich has spent the last seven years spearheading a national campaign to outlaw public displays of the Nazi swastika, the Nazi salute, and trafficking in Nazi insignia. His efforts led to a federal ban.
“I welcome Cotton On’s swift and thoughtful response and assurance that the design was subjected to rigorous review,” he told The Epoch Times.
“It’s also heartening that they listened to the concerns of this customer and will take appropriate actions.
“I can understand, given the loose similarity of the image to the SS bolts why some people would be disturbed and consider it to be in poor taste and obscene.
“While I accept the assertion by the company that the design has no association with Third Reich insignia, it goes without saying that any imagery that resembles Nazi symbols must be off-limits.”
Dr. Abramovich said it showed the company had acted in a caring way to its customers.
“Businesses should be respectful and sensitive to their customers’ concerns and Cotton On has demonstrated such an approach,” he said.
“It is worth mentioning that the SS bolts is a notorious white supremacist emblem meant to intimidate and sow fear and is derived from the cruel and bestial SS, whose members included the Gestapo and guards at death camps where millions were gassed.
“Imagine the profound pain a Holocaust survivor or anyone who lost relatives at the hands of the Nazis would feel when confronted with any design that slightly resembles this chilling sign of genocide.”
Dr. Abramovich said the ADC now considered the matter closed.
Adidas removed the option from its online store.
