Jewelry Store Faces Backlash For Selling Items Named After Black Victims
Screenshot via Shan Shui Studio
Nonprofit group Shan Shui designed a jewelry line with items named after Black victims who were killed by police officers.
The collection was called Wear Their Names, in reference to the Black Lives Matter movement’s tagline “Say Their Names,” which was created to raise awareness on the victims.
Among the pieces were garments named “The Trayvon,” after Trayvon Martin, and “The Breonna,” after Breonna Taylor.
The collection included a range of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, along with a shattered piece of glass from store windows that were smashed during the infamous Charleston protest-turned-riot on 30 May 2020.
Social media users were predictably upset about the product labels and accused the organization of exploiting the tragedies. One expressed, “It’s as if the name attached to the product determines the monetary value of each life. That’s what I’m getting; it’s disturbing.”
The website’s interface has since been replaced with an apology statement. Designers said that they realized “using those names was inappropriate and in poor taste,” although the collection was created “in good faith,” with plans to donate proceeds to a national nonprofit called From Privilege to Progress.
Also is it just me, or is naming each accessory after victims of police brutality & then pricing them differently giving.....slave auction-ey vibes??? It’s as if the name attached to the product determines the monetary value of each life. That’s what I’m getting, it’s disturbing.
— sophie the cat lady (@sophieming_) September 8, 2020
Some of the most disrespectful shit I’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/tTtWGa1blr
— Father Jawn Mistique (@jelly_hines) September 9, 2020
[via The Daily Dot, cover image via Shan Shui Studio]
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