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From tiki torches to hockey, C'ville compels brands to denounce their white supremacist patrons
From tiki torches to hockey, Charlottesville compels brands to denounce their white supremacist patrons
By Katie Mettler August 14 at 9:45 AM
Last weekend in Charlottesville, hundreds of people espousing white nationalist, neo-Nazi and Klux Klux Klan ideology marched in the dark through the University of Virginia campus spewing racist taunts while illuminating the night with tiki torches in hand.
Until then, the fire-tipped poles were mostly associated with backyard barbecue ambiance, kitschy Polynesian luaus and mosquito-repellent. Now, tiki torches are among the growing list of products and logos being used by white nationalists.
Corporations, in a bid to protect their brands and images, have been quick to denounce the groups. ... “TIKI Brand is not associated in any way with the events that took place in Charlottesville and are deeply saddened and disappointed,” the company wrote Saturday on its Facebook page. “We do not support their message or the use of our products in this way.”
In just the last year, half a dozen name brands or companies have had to publicly distance their products — including New Balance tennis shoes and Fred Perry polo shirts — from white nationalist groups after official, or unofficial, endorsements from its followers.
....
Katie Mettler is a reporter for The Washington Post's Morning Mix team. She previously worked for the Tampa Bay Times. Follow @kemettler
By Katie Mettler August 14 at 9:45 AM
Last weekend in Charlottesville, hundreds of people espousing white nationalist, neo-Nazi and Klux Klux Klan ideology marched in the dark through the University of Virginia campus spewing racist taunts while illuminating the night with tiki torches in hand.
Until then, the fire-tipped poles were mostly associated with backyard barbecue ambiance, kitschy Polynesian luaus and mosquito-repellent. Now, tiki torches are among the growing list of products and logos being used by white nationalists.
Corporations, in a bid to protect their brands and images, have been quick to denounce the groups. ... “TIKI Brand is not associated in any way with the events that took place in Charlottesville and are deeply saddened and disappointed,” the company wrote Saturday on its Facebook page. “We do not support their message or the use of our products in this way.”
In just the last year, half a dozen name brands or companies have had to publicly distance their products — including New Balance tennis shoes and Fred Perry polo shirts — from white nationalist groups after official, or unofficial, endorsements from its followers.
....
Katie Mettler is a reporter for The Washington Post's Morning Mix team. She previously worked for the Tampa Bay Times. Follow @kemettler
