September 15, 2014
Urban Outfitters' Blood Spattered Kent State Sweatshirt Causes Uproar
EDGE READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Irony took a sharp right turn into bad taste in the world of sportswear when multinational clothing retailer Urban Outfitters released a limited edition faux vintage blood-spattered sweatshirt bearing the Kent State seal.
The one-size sweatshirt, which retails for $129, is seen in bad taste as it references the 1970 shooting of four unarmed Vietnam war-protesting students by the Ohio National Guard.
According to Buzzfeed, the sweatshirt, which is now listed as being sold out, was described on the Urban Outfitters website as:
Washed soft and perfectly broken in, this vintage Kent State sweatshirt is cut in a loose, slouchy fit. Excellent vintage condition. We only have one, so get it or regret it!
The item has caused a firestorm on Twitter.
@UrbanOutfitters are you serious w/that Kent State sweatshirt? It is appalling to think that someone at your company thought that was cool.
More tasteless & insensitive clothing designs emerge from #urbanoutfitters. Seriously, guys! #wtf http://wapo.st/1qYLojg
Yet another reason to boycott @UrbanOutfitters they're selling a vintage blood spattered kent state sweatshirt
This isn't the first time Urban Outfitters has come under fire for its questionable clothing.
Business Insider points out that the retailer was recently chastised for marketing a women's t-shirt with the word "depression" on it that many saw as making light of mental illness.
In 2011, in response to donations made by the company to anti-gay presidential hopeful, Rick Santorum, Miley Cyrus tweeted "Love that everybody is hating on Urban Outfitters.... Not only do they steal from artists but every time you give them money you help finance a campaign against gay equality. #SHADYASHELL."
People, reports the now sold-out Kent State sweatshirt is currently being flipped on eBay.
