photo by Ty Smith
Pennsylvania-based company Urban Outfitters stirred up controversy last week when they released a Kent State University vintage sweatshirt that was decorated with a bloodstained like pattern. The product offended many people including the University because it was suggestive of the Kent State Massacre that took place in 1970.

Throughout modern times, fashion has played a big role in protesting against injustices. It has also played a role in raising awareness in the public. But when it comes down to it, a line between reference and exploitation must be established and should never be crossed. 

It is evident that Urban Outfitters has crossed a line that separates historical awareness and mockery. 

To this day, survivors of the Kent State Massacre of 1970 are traumatized, and a $129 bloodstained Kent State University sweatshirt probably is not helping. People have every right to feel upset about this particular Kent State sweatshirt, especially the family of the four victims, whose lives are forever haunted by the thought of the madness that occurred on May 4, 1970 by the guns of the Ohio National Guard.

By the way, this “classic” sweatshirt allegedly sold out only after a few weeks of its release to the public market, when in reality, it was most likely removed from the market by Urban Outfitters.

Kent State University’s statement is completely reasonable when it says that the item is “beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today.” This statement was released last Monday and can be found on their webpage.

How should the public feel about this item? How about outraged? Disgusted? Upset? The list can go on and on. 

According to Adam Chandler of The Wire, Urban Outfitters released an apology saying they did not mean to be offensive or mock the victims of the violent event that took place on Kent State’s campus during a Vietnam War protest. 

Urban Outfitters’ statement said the sweatshirt was not to be seen as a bloody item, but was actually a “one-of-a-kind item” that was a part of their “sun-faded vintage collection,” and the blood stains were just “discoloration.” Its statement is completely unbelievable since Urban Outfitters is notorious for selling offensive items, including shirts that say “Depression” and “Eat less.” Can we say, “Public Relations saved the day?”

Crystal Carroll, the spokesperson for Urban Outfitters, said the shirt is officially off of the market, according to Jessica Durando of USA Today. However, on Urban Outfitters’ website, the disturbing item is labeled as “sold out.” Yes, ladies and gentlemen. This is a cover-up. 

On Twitter, the trends “#UrbanOutfitters” and “#KentState” have been popping up on the social network. Urban Outfitters has repeatedly shared its apology concerning the outrageous item. It also shared numerous excuses on Twitter, stating, “The holes are from natural wear and fray,” and is not referencing bullet holes. 

How can anyone in the public accept this as a valid explanation, or excuse for why they wanted to sell this sweatshirt to the people? Was this an attempt at being artistic, or was this an attempt to gain more popularity for another controversial item? Based on the company’s previous actions, it’s clear this is just another publicity stunt.