Here we go again. Another Saint Patrick’s Day that will be marked in what some here are calling a deeply culturally offensive manner by another big box U.S. retailer.
Last year it was Old Navy that raised the wrath of the Irish when a t-shirt that read “Irish I Was Drunk” went on sale nationally and created public uproar, before it was quickly pulled from the shelves.
This year another well-known chain is pandering to negative stereotypes about the Irish, and once again it’s a store that tilts heavily toward a younger demographic: Urban Outfitters.
The company has been accused in the past of anti-Jewish, anti Black and anti-Catholic sentiments on their clothing.
On a shopping trip to the East Village at the weekend an alert Irish Voice reader happened upon a table of Irish themed items offered in what many consider an insulting tribute to Saint Patrick’s Day.
First for sale was a baseball hat that read “Irish Yoga – Downward Facing Upchuck” that was rounded off with the image of a vomiting man spewing shamrocks. Beside it a green t-shirt with an image of a beer glass was also for sale that read: “Get Me Drunk And We’ll See.”
Alongside the t-shirts and hats other alcohol related paraphernalia were for sale including beer glasses, hip flasks and how-to guides to mixing your own cocktails.
In recent years a growing sensitivity to negative cultural stereotyping has led to major retailers carefully assessing the potential impact of the negative attention. But negative images of the Irish in relation to Saint Patrick’s Day have still been hard to dislodge.
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Read more:
Slideshow: Possibly offensive Irish t-shirts
Old Navy axes offensive ‘Irish I Was Drunk’ t-shirts - VIDEO
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Critics claim it would be impossible to slam any other ethnicity in the U.S. with this kind of negative campaign and they point to an ongoing double standard in the wider U.S. culture.
Speaking to the Irish Voice, historian Michael Lavery said: “If you allow others to cheapen your culture like this they will find it easier to overlook you in every other sphere from politics to culture. Urban Outfitters are trafficking in out of date stereotypes that have been used to diminish the Irish for centuries and I’m sorry to see it still happening in 2012.”
Irish Voice reader Michelle Doyle said: “I’m a mother of three and the last thing I want my kids to see is these kind of images of Ireland and the Irish. I thought we had moved beyond this kind of thing by now? I can’t imagine Italians or African Americans or anyone else standing for this kind of ethnic bashing without an uproar. We’ve been far too slow to take offense I think.”
Responding to the Old Navy t-shirt controversy last year a spokesperson for the store’s parent company said: “We recognize these t-shirts went too far and we sincerely apologize to the Irish community for any offense caused. We are removing all units from the stores and online as soon as physically possible.”
A phone call and email request from the Irish Voice to Urban Outfitters asking for a clarifying statement from the company about their decision to mark Saint Patrick's Day in this particular fashion went unanswered by press time.
The company has been accused before. In 2003 they released a Monopoly parody called Ghettopoly which drew strong criticism from the NAACP while that same year Jewish groups protested after a T shirt depicting a Jewish girl surrounded by dollars was sold.The Jewish American Defence League expressed “outrage and disgust” at the portrayal.
“Jesus Dress Up”, a game created by artist Normal Bob Smith, drew additional critical response form Catholics.
The company has several outlets in Ireland.
Here's some shots of other products on sale:
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.emerald eyed1 | Feb 28, 2012, 02:44 AM EST
Cool your jets, seanomelb. I'm not making a political statement here. Just a comment about the stupid, offensive, vulgar products which surface right about now, the beginning of March. It's an insult to the Irish people and presents an ugly image to the rest of the world. I live in the US, and I admit we're among the worst offenders. Being a drunk is not funny, period, and the reason those offensive products appear is simply to make money. Don't spend your money on them, and they will disappear! Basic economics.
seanomelb | Feb 26, 2012, 01:33 AM EST
Whom did OConnel liberate? He was an unashamed royalist,captain in the yeomanry and a master mason to boot.
emerald eyed1 | Feb 26, 2012, 12:58 AM EST
As a gr gr gr granddaughter of the great Daniel O'Connell, the Liberator, I love celebrating St Patrick's Day and the great parades, food, music, dancers, etc. I LOVE being Irish. But, I'm sick to death of receiving stupid, drunk cards and emails about my "home" country. Lift a glass or two, and have fun, but don't buy that insulting merchandise. I'm no stranger to alcohol, BTW, it runs in my O'Connell family, too, and has ruined not a few lives. Not funny, folks!!!!
Alexis14 | Feb 25, 2012, 05:05 PM EST
This stereotype has been around during my whole lifetime. As I see it, it seems to always be 'ok' to blatantly put down anyone who is white European or white of European descent, especially the Irish with all the drinking nonsense. It's a double standard for sure! This kind of attack on blacks, hispanics, jews, arabs, etc. is never tolerated.
yoyo_gnomesayin | Feb 24, 2012, 11:58 AM EST
BippyBellito - you couldn't be further from the truth. President Obama and "Black hipster gang bangers" have nothing to do with this conversation. UO targets the urban late teen/early adult market, which gets their humor. Racist and anti-Muslim comments are totally inappropriate. And I'm sorry to say that the legendary Irish capacity to consume alcohol was in place long before the Potato Famine of 1845-1851 brought a wave of Irish immigrants to America's shores. It didn't just start three years ago when President Obama took office... As far as UO's clientele, they welcome young people from all ethnic groups. Unlike a hundred years ago, when people never ventured more than 20 miles from their birthplace, today's modern travel systems has caused all urban centers around the globe to be melting pots of cultures. UO reaches beyond religion and ethnicity to provide products for the urban experience. By the way, I don't work for the company, I'm a 61 year old who's grandmother came from Ireland, and despite my moniker, I'm not a gnome. But I have followed this subject in the news for about a decade now. And I wanted the Irish people to know that no offense was intended. It is all a joke about how badly some people behave. Pick your holiday! Maybe UO should start selling special Elijah Seder chairs just before Passover. Or simple aluminum poles and grievance certificates just before Festivus. If you don't get the humor, google it.
IrelandNorth | Feb 24, 2012, 07:39 AM EST
It seems a shame to spoil a simplistic racist stereotype. But I do 40/20/10 ypga practice 6 days per wk., including downward facing [dog], but have yet to experience shamrock shake reflux. If it's not sad-faced scantily-clad former eastern bloc babes on Aer O'Leary/Pope snogging Imam's on United Colours of Benneton/or Paddywhackery merchandise from Urban Outfitters - sex sells/controversy pays. The only bad publicity is no publicity. Ignore them and they'll go away.
BippyBellito | Feb 24, 2012, 05:43 AM EST
Those of us of Irish Catholic heritage in the U.S. have seen this continued attack against our heritage ever since Obama became president. He is an enemy of all things Christian and Caucasian. Urban Outfitters targets the Black hipster gang bangers. They openly mock us with the blessings of their Muslim leadership. Obama, sure as Hell, is behind this!
yoyo_gnomesayin | Feb 23, 2012, 07:43 PM EST
These products are designed to be in your face. That's how UO rolls. When they did the "glitter gun" Christmas tree ornament, people were incensed. But it was a joke. (Not like a real gun that you could buy as a Christmas present at WalMart. That was no joke.) "Ghettopoly" poked fun at serious issues. As did t-shirts with slogans like "Everyone Loves a Jewish Girl" (juxtaposed with a dollar sign) and "New Mexico, Cleaner Than Regular Mexico". And then there was the Jesus Action Figure for all the Born Agains... You need a sense of humor as you go through life. After all, it can be really depressing with all the phony wars, and "My loving God is better than your God. And if you don't agree, I'll kill you..." Unfortunately St. Patrick's Day parades in America have a seamy side: public drunkenness, public urination, and combative behavior. And the offenders are quite often not of Irish decent... The event has become an excuse for people of all ethnic backgrounds to behave badly. And it reflects on the character of the offender - not the Irish people. What can I say... I enjoy UO's humor because edgy humor runs in our family. Did you see the card showing the elderly spinster with a quizzical look on her face? On the inside it says, "My goodness... He has a reptile dysfunction? I didn't even know that he had a lizard..." The bottom line is that if you are offended by UO's over the edge humor, you're not in their target market. Lighten up. No offense intended. (But, if you have a drinking problem, please have it addressed. Or, take up yoga!)
seanomelb | Feb 23, 2012, 06:21 PM EST
fastest is not insulted !! I wonder if a teashirt depicting a black Jew shooting a Palestinian child would upset his sensibilities!!
ciaradexy | Feb 23, 2012, 12:40 PM EST
Shamrock grows all over the world Paddy Mac.
PaddyMac | Feb 23, 2012, 11:48 AM EST
To make matters worse, they are using a four-leaf clover and not a true shamrock on their t-shirts.
ciaradexy | Feb 23, 2012, 10:49 AM EST
I dont think we drink too much but I think we drink too frequently.
irishwriter | Feb 23, 2012, 09:51 AM EST
@roryobrien: I'll drink to that.
roryobrien | Feb 23, 2012, 09:34 AM EST
As a nation we are cursed with a fondness for the booze. I don't live in Ireland any more but when I go back home I never cease to be amazed, even alarmed, at the quantity of drink people - especially young people - put into themselves. Get real folks
Bernadett | Feb 23, 2012, 06:35 AM EST
I am sick of people saying all IRISH people are drunks,people should take a look around them. I love America and all things American but lets face they have their DRUNKS, JUNKIES, CRIMINALS HOMELESS I could go.My father had a very good saying 'Get the name of an early riser and you can stay in bed until 3 o'clock and i think this has happened to the Irish.
brianmack | Feb 23, 2012, 05:38 AM EST
As an Irishman, pure and bred, I think this is hilarious. If you're Irish and have no sense of humor, you're doomed!
borefield | Feb 23, 2012, 03:03 AM EST
Yes, the Irish do allow their culture to be cheapned by not riaising their voices in strong protest. We need an Irish Al Sharpton!! If urban outfitters put out something like that about Blacks, Hispanics or God Forbid Muslims they would be shut down promptly or worse still, burned down. I am not a patron of urban outfitters, will now make sure I never will be, as for Old Navy, since their blatant display of disrespect I have not bought anything there since their show go ignorance. I have. 6 grandchildren and have explained to each one why we do not shop Old Navy. Each little bit helps educate the ignorant. Let those that are Irish and those that are of Irish decent display their culture proudly and respectfully.
dingle999 | Feb 23, 2012, 02:54 AM EST
"Kids as young as 10 are alcoholics in Ireland because NO ONE obeys laws in the country." Good God infantile comment BTW when was the last time you were in Ireland?
biddyerly | Feb 22, 2012, 10:17 PM EST
Urban Outfitters will be boycotted by all Irish and Irish Americans in their Red Bank store in New Jersey.
biddyerly | Feb 22, 2012, 10:07 PM EST
Hi I'm irish, and this publisity is outrages,.......shame on the Urban Outfitters, how dare they use that Grafic to make money, and Shame on anyone who buy's their products!
sirpeter | Feb 22, 2012, 09:54 PM EST
Fastest.You're a Black,Christian,Jewish EuroAsian American and you are not offended by this humour .Which part of your family made you such feckin'idiot?Are you going to make a habit of making stupid comments like this?Because I don't suffer fools and I will show you the meaning of offense.Fastest annoying person ever.
Heather911 | Feb 22, 2012, 07:45 PM EST
Hollabackgurl, look at your screen name and tell me what hell is hollaback???? and GIRL is not spelled with a "U", so before you shoot your mouth off about someone else , check your own trash.
hollabackgurl | Feb 22, 2012, 07:41 PM EST
Well why would you be Fastest, you're not Irish or being targeted?
Fastest | Feb 22, 2012, 06:46 PM EST
Sirs: I happen to be a Black, Christian and Jewish EuroAsian American and I am not offended by this humor.
CitizenWhy | Feb 22, 2012, 06:33 PM EST
Urban Outfitters is aimed at college students. It has stores near major campuses and sells edgy items that a college bookstore would not sell. On campuses St. Patrick's Day is simply a day to get drunk. It has nothing to do with being Irish or Irish Americans, although many of the Irish American students find it great fun to dress in clownish Irish stereotypes and act stupid. It's a form of carnival. Lighten up.
weecuddy | Feb 22, 2012, 06:27 PM EST
The good thing about Irish people is that they can laugh at themselves. I am from Ireland and the only offensive thing I have found is this George Dillon boy acting like he knows anything about Irish people.
redhand32 | Feb 22, 2012, 06:27 PM EST
This goes on every year and the Irish-American community and its most notable fraternal and other organizations raise little objection. Consequently, Indifference = license. Sadly, many in our own community give tacit approval by signing on to their own de3gradation, purchasing these products and scting poorly in "celebration" of their 1 day annually "Irishness." In the words of former disgraced Congressman Ozzie Myers "Money talks and bullshite walks."
Jharmon1 | Feb 22, 2012, 05:56 PM EST
Yoga is something that is to bring one relaxation and peace but with “Urban Outfitters” take on it cause unrest and disappointment. The image of someone drunk vomiting up shamrocks with the caption “ Irish Yoga Downward Facing Upchuck” goes beyond a tongue and cheek humor to promoting another stereotype. The Irish are more then drunk vomiting party goers. They represent every facet of society that helped build, maintain this country. So why is it again a corporation seeks to profit on tearing down a group of people in stead of raising them up? St. Patrick’s Day for many is more then getting wasted on Green Beer and making fools of themselves. For many its a day to take a moment and show some extra Irish Pride for their Patron Saint. It’s time to share the culture, music, traditions and love of a land that was left behind to make a better life for themselves and for the generations to come. The image that Urban Outfitters is betraying does nothing to promote Irish Pride for St. Patricks Day but is trying to cash in on some cheap stereotypes that wouldn’t sell any other time of year except for St. Patrick’s Day. Let’s keep all the green “money” that they seek to get for themselves for selling offensive merchandise and spend it rather on the companies that support the Irish people and their traditions.
monkeyapplenerd | Feb 22, 2012, 05:49 PM EST
Offensive yes absolutely.
Jimsales74 | Feb 22, 2012, 05:15 PM EST
Butlerport: As a native New Yorker, the fact is that MOST of the morons at the parade are NOR Irish, except March 17th. I call it amateur Irish day, and don't go. You said that Ireland is to drinking, what Vagas is to gambling? I lived in Germany for a couple of years, and they drink just as hard, or harder, as anyone on the planet. Finally, I've known drunks of every color and creed--So save it.
Jimsales74 | Feb 22, 2012, 05:04 PM EST
OK some are funny, but how is it that it's OK to goof on the Irish? Let's say, for instance, the cap said "Black Yoga" and depicted a Afrocentric man with his hands behind his back. Or a Jew with a big hooked nose with a caption that read "Because Air is Free" Can you hear the howls? The reports at 6 and 11:00? And it would go on for days. But as long as you're Irish, or Catholic, there is no foul we are somehow fair game. Don't get me wrong, I'm not calling for a recall or anything, but, seriously. . .
ciaradexy | Feb 22, 2012, 04:46 PM EST
GEORGINA-I dont drink so again, youve outdone yourself with nonsensical drivel. Well done!
ciaradexy | Feb 22, 2012, 04:46 PM EST
Merefallow, georgedillon is an anti irish racist who perpetuates the diddley dee image of the Irish and when we dont conform, he calls us racist. Hes a vile little dwarf of a man.
seanomelb | Feb 22, 2012, 04:32 PM EST
I wish that ignorant anti-Irish slimeball Georgy boy would vent his hate somewhere else.
merefalow | Feb 22, 2012, 04:24 PM EST
I HATE THE STEREOTYPING OF MY COUNTRY,as some leprochoun inhabited thatch roofed, diddely dee place,which we ourselves to a certain degree self parody, that's sort of okay when we do it to ourselves,but god help you if anyone else does it, especially in a nasty non funny way.i defy anyone who is patriotic not to feel shame when he see,s his countrymen behaving in a thuggish drunken loud violent,offensive way,whatever country you are from,but to put out propaganda like this is seriously offensive,boycott,and you should all know where that name came from and why,if you don,t look it up.
seamuscraic | Feb 22, 2012, 04:03 PM EST
The best way to respond to this type of offensive behavior is to hit them in their pocketbook. Don't buy their products - any of them. Picket their stores and if your stock portfolio happens to have shares of their or their parent company, sell them. Write letters protesting and phone their home office. Tie up their phone lines and slow their productivity down by forcing them to deal with adverse media coverage.
sirpeter | Feb 22, 2012, 03:57 PM EST
@butlerreport.You would swear nobody else in the world drank.If we are a nation of drunks.Then the Americans are a nation of fatties.The Chinese are a nation of gamblers.Here are some facts:In spite of the most stringent drug policies and punitive laws in the world,the United States has the highest levels of lifetime illegal cocaine and marijuana use.The United States also has the highest rate of lifetime tobacco use but comes in third in alcohol use, behind the Ukraine and Germany.Ireland has the highest beer drinkers,but not the highest alcohol consumption.Of course you would know this if you did a bit of research.
pugsmom | Feb 22, 2012, 03:45 PM EST
@George....neither one of my Irish grannies touched a drop of liquor, and while I don't abstain wholeheartedly, a bottle of anything alcoholic can last for years in my house, and most of what is used goes into cakes and puddings of all sorts. My grandpa wasn't a teetotaler, but he certainly didn't fit the "stereotypical" Irish drunk, and being half Native American, he carried the potential "double whammy" for being an alcoholic. Now my dad, who was BRITISH.....yeah, he was a drunk AND a gambler, only, not from Las Vegas.
PatriciaMarya | Feb 22, 2012, 03:41 PM EST
And to add injury to insult, all of the products were probably made in China or some other "offshore" haven. Would be fascinating to see who Urban Outfitters handles this. There is one at the corner of 72nd and Broadway in my neighborhood; may go by and see if they have stocked any of these there. If other groups can ask for respect, maybe it is time for the Irish to start doing the same. Will keep an eye out on this at UO store. Binge drinking is no longer a joke situation as is the image of the Jolly Fat person - we now know the real health and financial effects of these pseudo-comical images.
GeorgeDillon | Feb 22, 2012, 03:40 PM EST
manhattan: "I took an offensive shirt to the Manager at Walmart who just looked at me as a crazy pain in the neck to him it was just "lighten up'." That's strange, I did the very same thing to the manager of Penneys department store right beside the Post Office in Dublin's O'Connell Street in 2010. His reaction was the same too--total incomprehension of why anyone would find T-shirts showing the Irish lying in their own vomit offensive. That's when I resolved--if the Irish have gone so low as to lose their self-respect, why should I have their pride for them? They can stay wallowing in their vomit if they don't have sufficient backbone to object.
ciaradexy | Feb 22, 2012, 03:35 PM EST
Ipcusack, what the heck has this got to do with religion? 30% of Irish attend mass, why are you bringing religion into an argument about tshirts?
GeorgeDillon | Feb 22, 2012, 03:35 PM EST
What's all the fuss about Urban Outfitters? Go over to Dublin right now and you'll see the same shirts on sale in the Penneys department store. If it's good enough for the Irish in Ireland why are so many people here bellyaching? Jews are smart, Italians are good cooks, the Irish are drunks. That's not rocket science. Get with the program, people.
pugsmom | Feb 22, 2012, 03:30 PM EST
If this was aimed at any other culture, race, or religion.....well, it simply WOULDN'T be aimed at any other group because of the "OUTRAGE!" So why should the Irish be the butt of someone's idea of humor, and then be expected to sit back and "take it?"
butlerreport | Feb 22, 2012, 03:00 PM EST
Having lived in NYC & Florida for many a St. Paddy's day, the drunk, vomiting Paddy is what is seen on the street. As offended as some are, we are regarded as a nation of drunks; Ireland is to drinking what Vegas is to gambling. It is a well earned moniker.
lpcusack | Feb 22, 2012, 02:55 PM EST
WE MUST BOYCOTT URBAN OUTFITTERS!!! Growing up, my parents and grandparents taught me that St. Patrick's day was a special day, a day of thanksgiving to celebrate our heritage. The entire family would gather and we'd have a feast and thank God. This hat racist and merely reflects stereotypes that have been perpetuated by those that hate Catholics. I will never shop at Urban Outfitters again until they apologize for this insult. Remember, the Irish invented the idea of a boycott. It's a well known fact.
billyjustin | Feb 22, 2012, 02:54 PM EST
every country in the world celebrates its yearly festival, marti gras,4th of july, october fest, brazil festival, at these times everybody goes over the limit, but if u feel insulted by the sale of unpleasant clothing or remarks, stand up and boycott the company,, very simple, dont let morons get you down, life is tough enough, billy from limerick.
CelticQueenUSA | Feb 22, 2012, 02:47 PM EST
Simple fix: Leave merchandise on the shelves and walk away from pubs.
Skibberrean | Feb 22, 2012, 02:41 PM EST
I was raised to love and respect my Irish heritage as my Great Grand parents on both sides came from Ireland. We celebrated at Mass and in our Catholic School. We were taught respect for our relatives, ourselves our heritage and our beloved United States of America!
Bernadett | Feb 22, 2012, 02:39 PM EST
As an Irish woman, I think its what we Irish call a bit of fun. There is enough real problems in the world without getting upset about some thing that people have a choice as to buy or not to buy the items. Hollabackgurl I dont think you should pass comments on ones grammar, as a person who has a problem with dyslexia I find it very hurtful when people put people down when they dont know anything about them. When it comes to Americans I have to say, I think they are wonderful people at least those I have had the pleasure to meet.Happy St. Paddys day to everyone.
manhattan | Feb 22, 2012, 02:31 PM EST
Sorry, but Mamaginty is right we Americans buy this garbage and do not protest when we are insulted. No other nationality would put up with this. I took an offensive shirt to the Manager at Walmart who just looked at me as a crazy pain in the neck to him it was just "lighten up'. Years ago I got involved with checking out the awful St. Patrick day cards. At work around the holiday everyone would say "oh oh here goes the card lady again". A group in Boston bought stock in Hallmark and other card companies that way they could go to the stockholders meetings and protest the offensive cards. But it still goes on. We are the silent majority in this country and I believe Mamaginnty was trying to make us stop feeding into the stereotype posted about us.
hollabackgurl | Feb 22, 2012, 02:08 PM EST
Heather911 you'd have a better chance of having people read your posts if you grappled with the mysteries of grammar first. How's that for funny?
Heather911 | Feb 22, 2012, 02:03 PM EST
It is funny, I was raised to believe that the Irish enjoyed comedy and loved to make others laugh and have a good time. Now, it seems that this was a bogus lie and instead, the Irish enjoy to bash America and brag about how much better they are and insult their fellow man. And Yet, you claim Americans are full of hate.
Heather911 | Feb 22, 2012, 02:01 PM EST
Mamaginnty, You disgust me.
Heather911 | Feb 22, 2012, 01:56 PM EST
Maybe, instead of the Irish getting so offensive, they should look at this from a positive point of view. Many Americans take things so seriously in life and they enjoy the light hearted, jolly humors of the Irish and like to participate in their culture. My Father's side of the family is Scottish/Irish and all of them can drink anyone under the table. Americans like that. It is good comedy. However, you Irish are not as innocent either when it comes to stereotypes. I've witnessed YOUR foolish comments on Americans as well. So, before you pull the laundry off your neighbors line, you better look at your own.
Banagheroffaly | Feb 22, 2012, 01:39 PM EST
Yes, I think it is absolutely offensive and it ought to be published a lot more publicly than in a letter to Urban Oufitters. You know where those letters get stored, in the trashcan! Who cares, once they have passed through the front door. The only way a letter is going to make a difference is to share it with a muckraker.
mamaginnty | Feb 22, 2012, 01:34 PM EST
As always the so called Americans are at the irish again, thank god we Irish ....in Ireland...can laugh at thier foolishness
PaddyIrishman | Feb 22, 2012, 01:23 PM EST
We should boycott!
JBRAFTREE | Feb 22, 2012, 01:01 PM EST
Just go into their bloody store and tell them " I will never, ever buy your products, and point to their depictions of the Irish. There's gotta be a better way for these chains to make money!!!
peterson | Feb 22, 2012, 12:47 PM EST
They are stupid !!
calceltic | Feb 22, 2012, 12:45 PM EST
I am 1st generation American, and was always disgusted with the way St Pats day was celebrated. As a child we would participate in the Parades in San Francisco and wear our green, hand crocheted shawls no less, it was the 70's after all. Anyway, Green Beer? and drink until you puke, everyone is Irish today BS supports the bars and as long as money is to be made it will never stop. The Irish are the most stereotyped in the media aside from the Italians maybe.
peterson | Feb 22, 2012, 12:45 PM EST
Boycot the stupid retailer !
Rebelforce | Feb 22, 2012, 12:44 PM EST
Why not provide the phone number or email address for Urban Outfitters that consumers can call to give the store some "feedback"? We all know these people only care about their pocketbooks. If enough people call up and say "I am boycotting your store" because of your offensive and bigoted anti-Irish clothing line this problem would be solved faster than you could say, "anti-defamation League".
KevinPKavanagh | Feb 22, 2012, 12:29 PM EST
I agree 100% with JCannaday3. Both my parents were born/raised in Galway/Kinvara so I'm extremely proud of my Irish heritage (& visit often) but I get so frustrated with so many Irish folks fueling these terrible stereotypes with their own excessive drinking. I don't really know anyone who loves a cold Pint as much as I do but there is no reason to get drunk off your arse!! My Uncle Willie in Kinvara always said to drink for the company and not for the Drink!! This year, St. Pat's is on a Saturday so why not go to Mass then get together with some family & friends and have a nice Ham, spuds & cabbage dinner with a Guinness or two or maybe some Jameson BUT keep it under control so you don't add the fuel to the flame which Urban Outfitters is burning....Slainte!!!
Paradigm | Feb 22, 2012, 12:25 PM EST
Sure there isn't any such thing as an American - only Irish-Americans; Italian-Americans; Jewish-Americans; African-Americans and God help us - Greek-Americans; etc etc. None of them look or sound like the real thing!
mhichil | Feb 22, 2012, 11:59 AM EST
don't feel singled out, america trashes everyone, its a symptom of self loathing . No ethnicity is sacred here.. shame!
debimcguin | Feb 22, 2012, 11:52 AM EST
I will also send an email to Urban Outfitters, this is disgusting!!!!!
KarenMurphy | Feb 22, 2012, 11:45 AM EST
I just sent a note to Urban Outfitters expressing my disgust over these products. I suggest others do the same.
hollabackgurl | Feb 22, 2012, 11:35 AM EST
The article was written by an Irish born writer timbobdennehy, does that answer your question? People get offended by things that are obviously offensive regardless of where they were born.
timbobdennehy | Feb 22, 2012, 11:32 AM EST
why is it always the irish-americans,and not the actual irish,getting offended by the slightest little thing,i find the clothing highly humourous because its a gimmick,nothing personal.you know you can profit by laughing at yourself.there is a lad down the road here,he is black irish and gay,and he does'nt get upset.
citizen69 | Feb 22, 2012, 11:25 AM EST
You have to ask who are these items aimed at? They're aimed at people of irish heritage and they must be buying them or they wouldn't be on the shelves year after year. A lot of people seem to think that getting drunk is part of their inherited irish culture. It's something the Irish play on. Try walking into any Irish gift/tourism store in Ireland without seeing countless alcohol related items for sale.
Murph46 | Feb 22, 2012, 11:19 AM EST
Stereotypical impression or not,it is ingrained a lot in society and the powers that be.Consider Mayor (NYC)Bloombergs remarks about drunken Irish.If we said money grubbing Jews,the holocaust card would get played.As I have said in many articles,there is an Irish Backlash -Get your Irish up and fight it!
Searlit | Feb 22, 2012, 11:08 AM EST
Gross! Such is the image of Urban Outfitters, now.
Stevekeefe | Feb 22, 2012, 11:08 AM EST
Interesting that Irish Central is publishing several "news articles" about how Irish Americans sometimes act like Yahus or Neanderthal-like brutes...especially around Saint Patrick's Day. Don't see how such wedge-'issue' reporting contributes to the improvement of Ireland-U.S. relations. I find articles like those parochial and, frankly, offensive to the thousands of fine, proud Irish Americans who turn out to march on Saint Patrick's Day.
jcannaday3 | Feb 22, 2012, 11:02 AM EST
I'm second generation out of Galway and I think, while this kind of merchandise is offensive, it reflects perceptions which are grounded in some truth. Alcoholism runs rampant in my Irish family and on my return visits to relatives in Ireland it is a major part of their social lives. Try walking the city centre of Dublin or Galway and NOT see how pervasive it is. Of course it's wrong to generalize and "culture-bash" but we have to take some responsibility for the perception. I'll be going to the same St. Pat's parties in a few weeks as I have done for over 30 years. I will absoultely have a Guiness or two, but I will also see way too many people over-imbibing and acting a fool. I can only imagine what passers-by would think, and they would probably admit this merchandise reflects AT LEAST IN PART what we do.
seagreen | Feb 22, 2012, 10:54 AM EST
Set Garter snakes loose in all of their stores...
CitizenWhy | Feb 22, 2012, 10:49 AM EST
Why would anyone even think of such an image? College students would like this kind of image, and St. P's Day at most colleges in not Irish, just an excuse to get drunk. The image is of a college students.
beaumax99 | Feb 22, 2012, 10:45 AM EST
Direct insult to all Irish...I will never buy at Urban Outfitters again.
MarybethC.P. | Feb 22, 2012, 10:44 AM EST
I've been complaining about disgusting merchandise like this column mentions for decades - to individual merchants and franchises - and addressing this issue with our Irish-American organizations. About 20 years ago, the Irish-American community nationwide was able to gather collectively, and force Hallmark to remove offensive St. Patrick's Day cards from their line. Hallmark has since displayed great sensitivity to the Irish, and went from nasty sentiments on cards, to beautiful images with Irish blessings, Irish history, and Irish traditions. In the past year, I have written several documents for the Irish Anti-Defamation Federation, showing some of the many things offensive to the Irish, and expressing ways that merchants can still make a buck off us during the month of March, WITHOUT going down that bad road. We at the IADF work hard year round to dispel these wicked images of Ireland and her people, images that continue to foster prejudice wherever they are seen.
bigguy1999 | Feb 22, 2012, 10:43 AM EST
this is not funny at all its is very distastful for irish and irish americans alike february is black history month why not a tee shirt showing teen age slave girls being gang raped by the white owners or chinese new year show the genoside that went on in bejing in the 70 and 80s or for columbus day also the rape of native american boy and girls by columbus and his men lets see these.
Murph46 | Feb 22, 2012, 10:37 AM EST
Best way to counter-let them get stuck with offensive products on their shelves for years!And send them E-mails telling them!
rekuehn | Feb 22, 2012, 10:36 AM EST
Shameful and disgusting! If there is a boycott of Urban Outfitters, sign me up! What an insult to beautiful Ireland
joepen5 | Feb 22, 2012, 10:34 AM EST
This is hilarious. It is just a lot of fun. Stop making a big deal out of it.
pepper5691 | Feb 22, 2012, 10:32 AM EST
I was born and raised in the States and I find this very disrespectful! I have Irish blood in me, but even if I didn't I would still feel this way. I don't shop places like Urban Outfitters for this very reason. I really hope they are forced to pull this from their shelves.
faberm1 | Feb 22, 2012, 10:10 AM EST
Beadh náire agus aiféala orthu! (There should be shame and regret on them). This is an insult to any person with any Irish culture in them. Can you imagine such t-shirts with any other overt racist or cultural slurs. It would not be tolerated. This denigrates all things Irish.
donal1951 | Feb 22, 2012, 09:57 AM EST
I will never buy anything from Urban Outfitters, or any other store that offers such stereotypical junk for sale. Many of us celebrate St. Patrick's Day quietly with a boiled dinner featuring corned beef and cabbage or ham in place of the corned beef and maybe a pint or two of the black stuff, but not nearly enough to get drunk. I generally prepare my own dinner in a slow cooker and buy just enough Guinness for myself and a guest to enjoy, not to waste by getting drunk.
cillowen | Feb 22, 2012, 09:53 AM EST
they must'ave gotten a batch of this stuff from o'seas for pennies apiece cause I can only see clovers. I'd pee over the lot and 'em but not do it in a bottle. So there, they can take their pissy liquor and do a mouth gargle by their lonesome.
ConnieCobe | Feb 22, 2012, 08:47 AM EST
I agree 100% with like2tweets comment. "Disgraceful, dreadful,unbelievable--these people should be boycotted." Unfortunately there are those who will find humor in this sad-sad marketing scheme.
kittyobitty | Feb 22, 2012, 08:44 AM EST
Yes, Yes I do.....
like2tweet | Feb 22, 2012, 08:08 AM EST
disgraceful, dreadful, unbelievable -- these people should be boycotted