Custom and pre-designed T-shirt company Skreened actually opened their latest e-newsletter with these two Occupy Wall Street-inspired (the protest “fighting to strengthen democracy, and to end the domination of big money interests,” according to their website) images side-by-side. Serving needs for both the one percent and the 99 percent nearly 50-50, Skreened offers a safe, digital haven in which one may browse sweatshop-free apparel to represent your opinion in the protests. Because that makes sense!
The company, a self-proclaimed “leader in ethical and socially responsible on-demand printing,” offers 20 pompous, sometimes downright mean designs geared to appeal to the one percent (or rather, those supporting the one percent — how many cotton Ts do those few diamond-encrusted fat cats need?). However, those fist-pumping beneath the 99 percent tarp have more than double the selection to promote their stance, including one suggesting the idea to “Occupy Snooki.” Ooh, I bet the protestors will dig that one!
Perhaps most upsetting off all the OWS designs is one featured on the 99 percent-friendly page.
The description of this particular style reads: “Are you sick of hearing from hippies with their peaceful ‘protests’ and whining? Send a clear message that fire power gets things done, not flower power.” Woah, buddy. I thought one of the distinct guidelines in the OWS movement was to protest only peacefully? So… how does this one work? I digress.
What good is having political views if you don’t blast ‘em across your chest? Solidarity! Not. It’s about time someone cashes in on propaganda for #OWS.
How do you feel about these conflicting political designs on the same website? Have you followed the Occupy protests at all? Would you ever consider wearing one of these?
orchid / 184 posts
I’m on the 99% side
I would only use violence as a last resort, though.
dahlia / 2103 posts
I am most definitely on the side of 99%. I’d like to participate in the protests but there isn’t much going on in my area and I sure as hell don’t have time to organize one since A) I don’t know many people, and B) I’m working and going to school full-time. Funny that many of the ones who want to protest can’t because we’re too busy working for our (crappy) wages.
guest
It’s American capitalism at it’s very best (and worst). Needless to say, if OWSers bought these shirts I’d raise my eyebrows. Though I do anyway because I don’t particularly feel aligned with OWS or Occupy anything. It’s actually rather alienating for me, personally.
guest
I’ve always wanted to sell Che shirts and items, make a profit and laugh at the irony.
guest
99%, there’s protesting going on in my area, downtown kansas city, but i’ve yet to participate, though my friends have. lol tax the rich, then eat them!