Urban Outfitters is one of my favorite stores. And as one of my favorite stores to frequent, I would normally defend it against any and all criticism. However, in a recent controversy, there is no way to defend Urban Outfitters. Last week, the store released a faded yellow t-shirt with a Jewish star on the left pocket, strongly resembling the yellow stars Jews were forced to wear during the Nazi regime. Coincidentally, or not, the shirt was released on the store’s website the same week as Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day).
In an article written about the offensive t-shirt, The Canada Free Press dubbed it “Auschwitz chic.” Auschwitz is not chic. The Holocaust is not chic. Genocide is not chic. “Chic” and a Holocaust death camp do not belong in the same conversation, let alone side-by-side in a sentence. Were people in a death camp concerned with their clothing? Doubtful. Their concerns were whether or not they would live to see another day or if they would ever reunite with their family members. As a Jew, I have very personal ties to the Holocaust. My family has forever been impacted by Hitler’s atrocities, and nothing about the Holocaust was humorous. I am horrified that someone would even think to refer to the Holocaust in a comedic sense.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is livid and has already denounced the t-shirt. In an email to the CEO of Urban Outfitters, Philadelphia’s ADL regional director, Barry Morrison, states, “We find this use of symbolism to be extremely distasteful and offensive, and we are outraged that your company would make this product available to your customers.” He then went on to say, “…this represents a new low.”
Although the Holocaust occurred 70 years ago, its importance and significance was not forgotten when it ended. What bewilders me the most is how the designer of the t-shirt interpreted the meaning of being inspired by the Holocaust. As an American Jew, I am proud of my heritage, my culture, and my history. How am I inspired by the Holocaust? I am here today. I am free to practice Judaism in my country. I am free to wear a Jewish star around my neck, instead of being forced to wear a Jewish star on my arm. I can proudly celebrate and carry out the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. We cannot let the world distance itself from the horrors that happened 70 years ago; instead of making a mockery, we must always remember, and never forget.