Good Talks|July 09, 2014 10:33 EDT
Urban Outfitters Controversy: Retailer Under Fire by Hindu Community for Lord Ganesha Apparel; Deity 'Meant to be Worshipped in Temples' Not on Feet (PICTURES)
Popular clothing chain Urban Outfitters is coming under fire for their misuse of the Hindu religion, and making profit off of something deemed holy by another culture.
Lord Ganesha, is a Hindu god resembling an elephant. He is known as the remover of obstacles, and is often associated with intellect and wisdom.
Last year Urban Outfitters introduced a line Lord Ganesha socks which enraged the hindu community, "Lord Ganesh was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples and home shrines and not be wrapped around one's feet," said President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed, according to ColorLines.com. See a picture of the socks here.
Along with these Ganesha socks, there was also a similar run of ones with Jesus on them.
One commenter on Facebook took to the controversy, and further stated why the deity being on socks is even more egregious for Hindu's, "Hindus do everything possible to make sure their feet are not touching, facing, or even pointing towards objects of worship or respect," said Sonalee Rashatwar.
The clothing chain is now putting Ganesha on duvet covers. While the socks were only $8, this cover runs from $129 to $169. According to ColorLines, Zed chimed in again and said the god is not to be slept on. See the Duvet cover here.
"I shudder to think of all the 20-somethings dying to get their hipster racism on by flaunting this duvet in the middle of their Bushwick loft decorated with votive candles," said Erin Myer of Bustle.
Another company named Tantra Tees sells a Lord Ganesha hat, which is unusual because it is an Indian company.
What do you think of this controversy? Is it insensitive to religion or is it blown out of proportion? Better yet, had this been Jesus or Muhammed, would it have obtained more attention?