The fast fashion chain Forever 21 are facing backlash over a men’s T-shirt which reads: “Don’t say maybe if you want to say no”. The shirt, which was available in stores and online has been accused of perpetrating rape culture.
For the unaware, ‘rape culture’ refers to a society which normalises rape and sexual assault through the use of images, language, laws and social attitudes towards rape and rape victims.
Images just like this abomination, which was on sale for just $19.90:
Forever 21 has removed the product from its website, and offered the following statement:
“Forever 21 strives to exemplify the highest ethical standards and takes feedback and product concerns very seriously. With regards to the t-shirt in question, upon receiving feedback from our customers, we took immediate action to have it removed from our website. We sincerely apologise to anyone who was offended by the product.”
Who signed off on this shirt?! https://t.co/gz7Te2KAiL
— AnnaMaria Di Pietro (@AnnaMariaDP) March 14, 2016
@Forever21 how about we not perpetuate rape culture with your $19.99 shirt “don’t say maybe if you want to say no” why is this a good idea?? — Elle Wal (@LWald13) March 14, 2016
Wow @Forever21 way to make fun of victim blaming for rape culture. Cool guys. pic.twitter.com/jxyprfG0XY
— Gabrielle Dulberg (@briebee2) March 14, 2016
.@Forever21 clearly didn’t have a PR person in the room when they decided to sell a shirt supporting rape culture. pic.twitter.com/lmKqkM2MWb
— Erin (@E_Zaran) March 14, 2016
