Walmart Leaves Shoppers Incensed After Retailing ‘All Lives Matter’ T-Shirts
Image via Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com
In the midst of Black Lives Matter protests, Walmart is suffering backlash after customers unearthed T-shirts that were printed with “All Lives Matter” slogans on its online platforms.
The tagline appears in several styles on Walmart.com, with one version retailing on Walmart Canada’s online marketplace.
The “All Lives Matter” term dismisses the intention of “Black Lives Matter,” and is often used by White supremacists and people who misunderstand the movement’s message that Black lives matter too, and that all lives can only matter if Black lives do.
Apart from the “All Lives Matter” T-shirts, garments emblazoned with slogans like “Irish Lives Matter,” “Bartender Lives Matter,” and “Blue Lives Matter”—a reference to police officers—can be found in these platforms.
Social media users were particularly disappointed by the “All Lives Matter” T-shirts, seeing as how people are exasperatingly fighting for racial equality and the correction of systemic racism following the killing of George Floyd and other innocent Black lives who died at the hands of unscrupulous law enforcers.
“Seriously? Whomever thought this was a good idea did not consult with the PR department,” one Twitter user responded.
Some reminded that Walmart had issued a public statement vowing to take a stand against racism, but selling “All Lives Matter” products wasn’t going to help things.
The company’s promise on 6 June read, “We know it takes more than talk. It takes action. We are taking steps to address racism head-on and accelerate change.”
While the garments are still up on Walmart.com, the Canadian division has removed its listing from its marketplace and explained the product was from a third-party seller.
“We stand against any form of racism or discrimination,” said Adam Grachnik, director of corporate affairs at Walmart Canada, in a statement. “We promote listening, seeking to understand and embracing individual differences,” he added.
Walmart Canada assured that it will review related products “to ensure compliance with our terms and conditions.”
Are you kidding me @WalmartCanada???
— Kate Udle (@KateUdle) June 23, 2020
Disgusting. Do better. https://t.co/xKiE82NAWi
June 23, 2020
They sell more options on the US Walmart website 🤢🤮 @Walmart pic.twitter.com/K5avlBXoB4
— Keetana Siva (@KeetsKoncepts) June 24, 2020
Hey @WalmartCanada. This is gross and you should know better. And don’t send me some, “Sorry this is upsetting to you, Michael. DM us and let us know why” bullshit response. Selling ugly merchandise that promotes white supremacy is why. https://t.co/ZCYnouMJ3H
— Michael Yerxa (@mikeyerxa) June 23, 2020
Walmart Canada: We are taking steps to address racism.
— Farzana Khan (@_Farzanakhan) June 23, 2020
Also Walmart: This ALL LIVES MATTER merch is available for pick up in three locations near you.
Absolutely disgusting. Remove this right now @WalmartCanada https://t.co/cUg4yRrKef pic.twitter.com/TFW4vVwuIH
[via B&T, images via various sources]
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