Visionnetwork supports clothing boycott

Visionnetwork supports clothing boycott

Vision network, which aims to reflect the views of around 500,000 Christians in New Zealand, has added its support to calls for a boycott on children's clothing sold by Australian-based chain Cotton On Kids.

Groups, such as the National Council of Women, have called for a boycott until the chain removes a line of offensive babywear.

Some of the t-shirts and suits on sale carry slogans such as “I'm a tits man”, “The condom broke” and “Pardon my nipple breath”.

Vision network's national director, Glyn Carpenter, said he received an unsatisfactory response when he emailed the company.

The company's customer enquiries spokesperson, Lauren Patrick, said the products in the spotlight are a small percentage of the total slogan range.

“Cotton On Kids services all personalities including a market that demands confident and innovative children's clothing. These products are intentionally edgy and irreverent and are certainly not meant to be taken seriously.”

“To say the product range is not for everyone does not take into account the fact that a shirt may be purchased by one person, but when worn becomes a public image. As such it becomes part of the fabric of community and society, making either a positive, or – in this case – a negative contribution,” said Mr Carpenter.

He added that it is always a pity when a business with a reputation for good merchandise is let down by a small percentage of product.

“Retailers need to understand that these things are not clever or funny.

“The slogans use rude language and imagery which is unhelpful – to say the least. Every so often a line has to be drawn in the sand. Without this society gradually loses sight of important themes such as dignity and decency, and another generation grows up thinking things like this are okay.

“In a society which is already wrestling with high levels of abuse, any product or event which reinforces the dehumanisation of people needs to be challenged.”

ENDS

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