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Twittering Parents Force Withdrawal Of Offensive T-shirts

by Gopalan on Aug 16 2009 1:33 PM

Outraged Australian parents have succeeded in forcing an Australian clothing firm to withdraw a range of children’s t-shirts carrying offensive slogans.

Outraged Australian parents have succeeded in forcing an Australian clothing firm to withdraw a range of children’s t-shirts carrying offensive slogans.

Last month Cotton On had stuck by its range of shirts, which included slogans such as "I'm a tits man'' and "I''m living proof my mum is easy'', saying there was a place in the market for their "edgy'' humour that pushed the boundaries.

But the trendy shirts saying, "They Shake Me,'' was the last straw for many angry parents, who sent emails and Twitter messages to the company this morning expressing their disgust and also threatened to boycott its products.

The threat worked and Cotton On was quick to offer its apologies and also withdraw the t-shirt range.


"Cotton On Kids were unaware until recently that the slogans were being viewed as offensive and that they could progressively cause this extent of angst amongst consumers and social groups alike,'' the company's statement released this afternoon said.

"Although these products are intentionally edgy and irreverent, and the succession of this range was driven by demand, the recent attention implies that the slogans in question have crossed the line.

"The Cotton On Group ... extends an apology to those who have been affected by the slogans.

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It promised to withdraw offensive products from sale and stop their production and "review the ongoing slogans range to ensure no reference is made to categories pertaining to sexually explicit behaviour, child abuse, drugs and profanity.''

"Although Cotton On Kids will continue to service a market that demands confident and edgy clothing that pushes boundaries, it has been recognised that certain references are not appropriate, and will sincerely endeavour to not cross these lines again,'' the statement said.

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Julie Gale from children's rights lobby group Kids Free 2B Kids said Cotton On should be ashamed.

"Issues like the sexualisation and abuse of children aren't humorous. They are serious. This retailer isn't reading the mood of parents out there,'' Ms Gale told Stephen Lunn of The Australian.



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