In 2017 you would think that Americans would be focusing on combating global warming or maybe starting cell-phone free zone movements. Instead, Americans are still battling social injustices that root from racially-motivated police brutality.
This week alone the not-guilty verdict for the officer who murdered the unarmed man Philando Castille came in. Charleen Lyles, a black pregnant woman, was shot dead in her home by police after calling them for help.
Movements like Black Lives Matter were created in response to the injustice that is still prevalent for people of color. So naturally, people may become upset when the movement is cultural appropriated.
Canadian luxury brand Ports 1961 debuted their “Every Color Matters” and “Every Color Matters” shirts at its spring 2018 show during Men’s Fashion week. The internet quickly went into outrage.
“The Ports 1961 spring 18 runway adds insult to murder.” twitter user @sirsargent posted.
The show notes claim that the brand was showing support to the movement. It stated,” This collection is, in its own way, a message of solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement that began in the street and on social media in 2012. The fight against violence and for justice fo black people resonates today in an even wider, bigger way.”
Although the brand received much backlash, it still supports its creations. A representative from the brand told Refinery29:
“We think that Fashion reflects the world around us. In a time of challenge, fear, and disillusion, it is the creative person’s role to try to deliver a message of love and hope. For the past several seasons, Milan Vukmirovic has been exploring the urgency of love and the importance of fraternity, unity, and solidarity. It wasn’t out intention to offend anyone but on the contrary, this collection is, in its own way, a message of solidarity towards people who are suffering from discrimination, violence and bullying acts.
Do you think that brands should have creative expression towards movements that are so significant to certain communities? Should movements be for sale or profit? Comment and share below.
