Tuesday, April 23, 2002

CALL FOR ACTION AGAINST RACISM

In a horrifying example of institutionalized racism, Abercrombie & Fitch has recently marketed t-shirts featuring caricatures of Asians with stereotypical slogans. Not only is this appalling, the effect on our community is significant. Interracial adoptees, many of them Asian, often express that issues of race and identity present daily struggles, particularly in adolescence. As families try to raise their children to understand and embrace their differences of race and culture, this corporate racism is devastating. If school children observe Abercrombie & Fitch publishing racist comments about Asians, it reinforces that it is OK to make racist remarks to our children--in fact they have told them what to say. Abercrombie & Fitch, and people in general, must understand that these racist stereotypes are not only disgusting, they have a disturbing impact on the world in which our children live and grow up. As adoptive families and advocates we must stand up for our children. Be their voice. Please contact Abercrombie & Fitch immediately and ask your friends and family to join in fighting racism for our children. Read Holt's Response Contact Abercrombie & Fitch: Michael S. Jeffries CEO 6301 Fitch Path New Albany, OH 43054 Ph: 614-283-6500 Fax: 614-283-6710 Abercrombie@abercrombie.com

CBS News Article - Asian Groups Teed Off By Shirts

CNN Article - Abercrombie pulls 'racist' Asian theme T-shirts

LA Times Article - Answering Protests, Retailer to Pull Line of T-Shirts That Mock Asians

San Francisco' KRON 4 Article - A&F Shirts: New Generation Forgotten History?

Questions, contact Susan Cox at (541)687-2202 or susanc@holtinternational.org Info-Update Archive Sign up for Info-Updates