Mall/Fashion culture disgusts me.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm just ranting here....but....

An hour spent in the mall was an hour spent in revulsion. I was returning a shirt that was a christmas gift but was much to small. It was also bought from a store which uses a ton of sweatshop labor. I was in no hurry to keep the shirt so I went to Ingram to return it.

The way the fashion industry has hijacked certain things really has annoyed me on the past 2 visits to the mall. The previous visit was spent scoping out stores for Buy Nothing Day back in November. Anyhow, when I see Che's face on shirts that are made by the people he was trying to liberate for miniscual wages being sold to children who have no idea who Che Guevara was, it just fucking IRKS me. It's the equivilant of Jesus being featured in a porn. It's just so fucking WRONG!

The kicker today was when I walked up the register at Hollisters and was greated by a message on the register. Do you belong? That was the message. As if some stupid overpriced shirt from this shitty store would somehow complete my life.

I know it's nothing more than marketing at work, but at this point I've gotten sick of this whole MTV mindset that occupies EVERYTHING marketed torwards the younger segments of the population.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

That's pop culture.

I don't think you're going to get anybody to change, but if that's what people want and what they respond to - so be it.

Believe me, I agree with you. I just also think that there are those that are happy with the marketing and are obviously responding to it.

[MannyIsGod]

That's pop culture.

I don't think you're going to get anybody to change, but if that's what people want and what they respond to - so be it.

Believe me, I agree with you. I just also think that there are those that are happy with the marketing and are obviously responding to it.

I know, I'm very cynical in any expectations of change to this situation. That doesn't stop me from puking at the sight of this crap.

[Duff McCartney]

Big freaking deal Manny. Buying a shirt from these stores don't mean shit.


The kicker today was when I walked up the register at Hollisters and was greated by a message on the register. Do you belong? That was the message. As if some stupid overpriced shirt from this shitty store would somehow complete my life.

Jeez...it's just a shirt. I dunno what kinda person would expect a shirt to complete their life.

[MannyIsGod]

Actually Duff, I'd venture to say the only thing not worth much shit in this thread is your opinion. But you know, that's just my opinion.

It's actually ironic that you are a huge fan of Lennon and you lack the ability to see the situation for what it is. But I've gotten the impression that you're not much of a thinker. But you know, as you would say that's only from what you post on here, what the hell do I know?

[MannyIsGod]

Big freaking deal Manny. Buying a shirt from these stores don't mean shit.



Jeez...it's just a shirt. I dunno what kinda person would expect a shirt to complete their life.

You know, upon further review, it's obvious you don't even understand the point of the initial post. Do you even know who Guevara is? The fact that his face is now being marketed by shirts made in poor labor conditions in Latin America is fucking NUTS!

To make it simple for you, it's along the lines of someone starting up a religion with Lennon as the mesiah. You know, you probably still don't understand.

Secondly, most of these stores use sweatshop labor. They pay some 12 year old kid 20 cents a day to sit there and make hundreds of these shirts that they turn around and sell for 50 dollars a pop. That shit woudln't be legal here in the United States so corporations simply circumvent our laws and import them instead.

And then we have the marketing. The marketing that uses phrases like "do you belong" to make people believe that you must have a certain type of clothes to fit in. The message is right here plain and simple.

I find all above disgusting, and by shopping there I'd be supporting that, so it DOES mean something.

I don't expect you to give a rats ass. But I did think even you're simplistic ass could comprehend what I didn't like about it.

[Slomo]

I find all above disgusting, and by shopping there I'd be supporting that, so it DOES mean something.

I very much agree with you attitude.

I hate when people say: It's not going to change so why bother?

[GoldToe]

One person can make a difference.

[SequSpur]

Guevara was one my hispanic friends from high school.

[Duff McCartney]

But you know, as you would say that's only from what you post on here, what the hell do I know?

Very little. Yeah okay...if I buy a shirt from one of these places I'm sure my soul will forever be damned.

[MannyIsGod]

Very little. Yeah okay...if I buy a shirt from one of these places I'm sure my soul will forever be damned.

No, and I never said as much. But you will be contributing to a shitty situation.

You shouldn't be buying any shirts untill you pay Jim back though.
:blah

[Duff McCartney]

Secondly, most of these stores use sweatshop labor. They pay some 12 year old kid 20 cents a day to sit there and make hundreds of these shirts that they turn around and sell for 50 dollars a pop. That shit woudln't be legal here in the United States so corporations simply circumvent our laws and import them instead

Right...but I'm sure everybody would prefer they make my American Eagle t-shirt...rather than spend their days making cocaine.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

rather than spend their days making cocaine.

You tired, Duff?

Must be from all that stretching.

That's a pretty far reach and pretty off-base.

That's like me saying I'd prefer to have Walter Pasacrita doing STSA rather than him making cocaine.

[MannyIsGod]

Right...but I'm sure everybody would prefer they make my American Eagle t-shirt...rather than spend their days making cocaine.

or how about we don't allow companies to sell clothing made in a manner that is illegal here in the united states?

I don't understand what you're getting at, you can't possibly think that every kid in a sweatshop has 2 roads in life. Farming Cocaine, or working in the sweatshop.

Go ahead Duff, continue posting. I'm enjoying how the miniscule amount of intelligence dwindles post by post.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I don't understand what you're getting at, you can't possibly think that every kid in a sweatshop has 2 roads in life. Farming Cocaine, or working in the sweatshop.

They can also host radio shows.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

EDIT: I fucked up the joke. Carry on.

[MannyIsGod]

I swear, I really wonder how stupid some people can be. Duff is arguing that sweat shops are ok.

Is this the future of Duff?

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-12/913758/will_ferrell_zoolander_003.jpg

[Duff McCartney]

I didn't say they are okay. Stop putting words in my mouth. Besides...you arguing about the sweatshops is a third of what you are crying about. The other is fashion culture.

[MannyIsGod]

Then what ARE you saying Duff? Make your retarded point a bit more clear.

[Guru of Nothing]

I don't understand what you're getting at, you can't possibly think that every kid in a sweatshop has 2 roads in life. Farming Cocaine, or working in the sweatshop.

I'm sure that many children working in sweatshops have NO alternatives.

....

Best band name I've heard this year - Scissor Sisters.

[Duff McCartney]

Best band name I've heard this year - Scissor Sisters.

Good band.

[Jimcs50]

Manny, it seems to me that you need to take a chill pill. I mean there are a lot more nobler causes to get all riled up about than teenager clothing apparel.

[tlongII]

I swear, I really wonder how stupid some people can be. Duff is arguing that sweat shops are ok.

Is this the future of Duff?

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-12/913758/will_ferrell_zoolander_003.jpg

Manny, I don't think you know what you're talking about. If these "sweatshops" are so bad, why are there thousands of people lined up to try and get a job at them? A big problem with this line of thinking is that we tend to generalize American standards over the population of the rest of the world. I know that footwear factory jobs in Asia are highly sought after. The people in these countries definitely do not think of these jobs as being oppresive.

[Jimcs50]

Manny, let it be known that tlong works for Nike.


:)

[SpursWoman]

Manny, let it be known that tlong works for Nike.


:)


:lol :lol


Another point to consider....if your idea of sweatshop = people making far, far less than the American set minimum wage, you're going to have to start protesting a hell of a lot more than shirts....and you can start with Dell computers. :)

[Clandestino]

personally, i just the malls and shopping.. i haven't been in years.. and yes, i hate kids who wear shit like that too.. they have no idea who che is.. and i hate the little fugging skaters in my neighborhood who are a bunch of little white kids and started spray painting their names and anarchy and that damn little circleA/star/whatever it is on the street.. they are so bad they spray it on the road..

but sweatshop labor...i can't argue with that.. if we knew the conditions that most of the stuff were made in we'd be walking around naked...

[MannyIsGod]

Manny, I don't think you know what you're talking about. If these "sweatshops" are so bad, why are there thousands of people lined up to try and get a job at them? A big problem with this line of thinking is that we tend to generalize American standards over the population of the rest of the world. I know that footwear factory jobs in Asia are highly sought after. The people in these countries definitely do not think of these jobs as being oppresive.

Tlong, and opium is the largest export of Afghanistan, but it's still illegal in the United States.

The fact is that we have the standards in America for a reason. I don't expect American minimum wage to be paid in places where that's the average yearly income. But I also don't expect my shoes to be made by some 12 year old for 20 cents a day because Nike shipped the factory overseas to avoid paying American Wages, yet was able to give their CEO's an astonomical raise.

I'm using a generic made up situation, but the scary thing is it's not too far off.

Do you remember the days when Wal Mart sold nothing but American goods? Gone. Walk into American Eagle and I dare you to find a shirt that is actually made in America. I've tried, and I succeed. On about the 30th clothing Item checked after 20 minutes. Maybe they should be Not So American Eagle. Same thing goes for Nike shoes. Find some made in America, I don't know if I have recently. New Balance manages to do it, though I'm sure that'll change when Nike buys them out too. I admit, I'm wearing Nike's right now. But they were bought like 4 or 5 years ago.

I'm not opposed to corporations making money but I am opposed to child labor and shipping jobs overseas to conditions that are illegal here(with the obvious exception of wage. I don't expect forgien work locations to be held to American wage standards).

Honestly, Duff got one point right. That was only a portion of my gripe. The rest of the targeted marketing and how easily our population falls for it, and the insulting use of icons like Che Guevara were other aspects of my bitch fest.

[MannyIsGod]

Manny, it seems to me that you need to take a chill pill. I mean there are a lot more nobler causes to get all riled up about than teenager clothing apparel.

I'm not planning on making it a focus of my life anytime soon. The everlasting virgin just annoyed me with his initial post.

[tlongII]

Tlong, and opium is the largest export of Afghanistan, but it's still illegal in the United States.

The fact is that we have the standards in America for a reason. I don't expect American minimum wage to be paid in places where that's the average yearly income. But I also don't expect my shoes to be made by some 12 year old for 20 cents a day because Nike shipped the factory overseas to avoid paying American Wages, yet was able to give their CEO's an astonomical raise.

I'm using a generic made up situation, but the scary thing is it's not too far off.

Do you remember the days when Wal Mart sold nothing but American goods? Gone. Walk into American Eagle and I dare you to find a shirt that is actually made in America. I've tried, and I succeed. On about the 30th clothing Item checked after 20 minutes. Maybe they should be Not So American Eagle. Same thing goes for Nike shoes. Find some made in America, I don't know if I have recently. New Balance manages to do it, though I'm sure that'll change when Nike buys them out too. I admit, I'm wearing Nike's right now. But they were bought like 4 or 5 years ago.

I'm not opposed to corporations making money but I am opposed to child labor and shipping jobs overseas to conditions that are illegal here(with the obvious exception of wage. I don't expect forgien work locations to be held to American wage standards).

Honestly, Duff got one point right. That was only a portion of my gripe. The rest of the targeted marketing and how easily our population falls for it, and the insulting use of icons like Che Guevara were other aspects of my bitch fest.

The reason that Wal-Mart and American Eagle are selling goods made overseas is due to the fact we live in a global marketplace now. I agree that "illegal" working conditions should be avoided and as a matter of fact they are avoided by most accounts. The use of child labor is done without the knowledge of most American companies that have their goods produced overseas. However, some human rights violations do occur. Overall though the people in these developing nations are much better off for having this business brought to them than if it wasn't.

[TheWriter]

I was at North Star Mall last Monday and there were these two girls (no older than 14) who looked like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Thery were both blonde, looked dittzy as hell, had these bright colored mismatching clothes (both wearing short skirts) on, retarded brand name purses, and both times I passed by them while shopping, were on thier cell phones. It was some funny shit, just to see how much attention they wanted.

Sad.

[MannyIsGod]

The reason that Wal-Mart and American Eagle are selling goods made overseas is due to the fact we live in a global marketplace now. I agree that "illegal" working conditions should be avoided and as a matter of fact they are avoided by most accounts. The use of child labor is done without the knowledge of most American companies that have their goods produced overseas. However, some human rights violations do occur. Overall though the people in these developing nations are much better off for having this business brought to them than if it wasn't.


I think more companies should follow the example set by the Gap. They are now running a rigerous campaign to keep from using illegaly produced clothing. I applaud that.

[T Park]

The reason that Wal-Mart and American Eagle are selling goods made overseas is due to the fact we live in a global marketplace now. I agree that "illegal" working conditions should be avoided and as a matter of fact they are avoided by most accounts. The use of child labor is done without the knowledge of most American companies that have their goods produced overseas. However, some human rights violations do occur. Overall though the people in these developing nations are much better off for having this business brought to them than if it wasn't.


Cant say I argue this.


I think companies should use a little more dilligence in seeing how the conditions of there workers are.

What they are paid?? If you had to pay them, what the American wage is, these companies couldnt afford to operate.

Unions have priced all the jobs out of this country.

[Bandit2981]

when i found out my jeans were made using child labor in sweatshops, i wrote a letter to the company, saying reconsider your labor practices...a few months later, i get a letter back saying 'thanks for being a loyal customer' and they included a coupon for a 25% discount on their jeans...so i got smart and wrote letters everyday to all the stores who carry the brand, asking them to stop supporting the companies that use child labor in sweatshops, and i just kept getting letters back thanking me for my concern and more coupons for more discounts on more jeans! so im telling my friend about it, and she flips out saying between all the letters and coupons, some paper company cut down a small forest, driving out 2 indiginous tribes, hundreds of endangered animals, and thousands of plant species, some of which may contain vaccinnes for HIV, cancer and syphyllis! meanwhile, the guys cutting down the trees are 13 year old kids who will work night and day for months, just to save up enough money to buy a pair of jeans made by child labor in sweatshops!! :nerd :nerd :p

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

when i found out my jeans were made using child labor in sweatshops, i wrote a letter to the company, saying reconsider your labor practices...a few months later, i get a letter back saying 'thanks for being a loyal customer' and they included a coupon for a 25% discount on their jeans...so i got smart and wrote letters everyday to all the stores who carry the brand, asking them to stop supporting the companies that use child labor in sweatshops, and i just kept getting letters back thanking me for my concern and more coupons for more discounts on more jeans! so im telling my friend about it, and she flips out saying between all the letters and coupons, some paper company cut down a small forest, driving out 2 indiginous tribes, hundreds of endangered animals, and thousands of plant species, some of which may contain vaccinnes for HIV, cancer and syphyllis! meanwhile, the guys cutting down the trees are 13 year old kids who will work night and day for months, just to save up enough money to buy a pair of jeans made by child labor in sweatshops!! :nerd :nerd :p

Isn't this a radio ad?

[Bandit2981]

well its both radio and tv for AABB blood donation

[Spurminator]

http://images.southparkstudios.com/media/images/812/812_image_10.jpg

[T Park]

Stupid spoiled whore.


Pretty much sums up Paris Hilton.


Tell me again why that slut gets so much fame?

[SequSpur]

Because she is named after a beautiful city and a hotel.

But I agree, she is kinda like a hoe.

[Disharmony]

On the subject of fashion: Does anyone know what Baller IDs (the Lance Armstrong ones are exempted from this question) are for? Furthermore, why is it popular and why is everyone wearing it?

[bigzak25]

i got nothing against stupid spoiled whores.....but i'd like to have something against them. :eyebrows

my trips to the mall entail parking in the closest parking lot to dillards at northstar, going in, buying a gift card, and leaving. i might have to put the walking shoes on if little whores are walking around everywhere.....i'll only look at the 18&up though, promise.

are levi's and dockers made in sweatshops too? nikes as well? what about the big and tall shirts? oh Jesus.....

[Jimcs50]

Stupid spoiled whore.


Pretty much sums up Paris Hilton.


Tell me again why that slut gets so much fame?


There is nothing wrong with stupid spoiled whores....I'd do em.


:)

[T Park]

and youd have to douse yourself in Dial soap afterwards.


Once again, Paris Hilton, Her dad owns Hilton hotels, and shes a stick slut.

Why, again, is she popular.


question

[Spurminator]

She's easy to market to best consumer demographic: Women ages 12-30.

[desflood]

She's popular because she's rich. And all I can do is hope she contracts some nasty STD and it kills her before my kids (especially my daughter) are old enough to find out who she is.

[desflood]

Not to sound uncharitable or anything... :angel

[Drachen]

I saw something funny, someone had defaced all of those little green transformer "things" (for electricity), at an apartment complex I lived at, by keying Pentagrams into the green paint. What is so funny about this is they used the star of david (a 6 pointed star) rather than a 5 pointed PENTAgram.