The swastika is an ancient symbol, one that appears in many different cultures and societies. It represents a multitude of beliefs to religious groups and peoples around the world, and was once thought of as a symbol of eternity and peace.
Of course, the rise of the Third Reich in the mid-20th century negated any positive meaning the symbol once reflected. The Nazis took a symbol of peace and made it synonymous with one of the most horrific racial genocides the world has ever seen. The swastika will forever be associated with the Nazis, no matter what anyone tries to do.
Then again, that hasn't stopped people from trying. Just look at Sears, for example. Why associate such a symbol with horrible tragedy when you can impress a new date with some shiny new jewelry? That's right, Sears has been selling swastika rings online.
The description reads:
"Find exactly what you need when browsing through our new gothic jewelry items. This gothic jewelry item in particular features a Swastika ring thats made of .925 Thai silver. Not for Neo Nazi or any Nazi implication. These jewelry items are going to make you look beautiful at your next dinner date."
That's nice: Sears is not only providing customers with top-of-the-line jewelry, but conversation topics as well! Just imagine how many times you'll have to explain to your date that the swastika on your finger isn't supporting the most evil organization of all time, but just a cute accessory!
Of course, Sears has since removed the listing. The retailer claims that the ring made its way to the website by means of a third party seller and should never have been posted.
@annehedonia13 @inglamwetrust @Kveller We appreciate your feedback. This item is a 3rd party Sears Marketplace product that does not... 1/2
— Sears (@Sears) October 13, 2014
@annehedonia13 @inglamwetrust @Kveller ...abide with our guidelines and is being removed. 2/2 — Sears (@Sears) October 13, 2014
@notloralee This item is a 3rd party Sears Marketplace product that does not abide with our guidelines and has been removed. — Sears (@Sears) October 14, 2014
It must be asked, how many different steps does one have to go through to have a listing approved on Sears' site? Apparently, not enough; this isn't the first time something like this has made its way to Sears' marketplace. Zara, a regular seller through Sears, has had multiple items pulled from the site. Originally, the retailer was selling handbags embroidered with the swastika, and later pulled an item that resembled children's concentration camp uniforms.
Customers were understandably outraged, and many took to social media to call for boycotts of the clothing company. Sears made multiple posts on its Facebook and Twitter in response to these complaints, and one has to wonder if the retailer will be changing its approval system in the future. How many times can a store sell Nazi clothing and accessories before upper management gets involved?
Photo: Nicholas Eckhart
