Lord Ganesh disappeared from flip-flop shoes but has now appeared on handbags made by the same American company.American Eagles Outfitters withdrew the offending shoes with an image of Lord Ganesh in response to a signature campaign by a Hindu organisation.
However, it was discovered that the same company makes a handbag showing Lord Ganesh in a “derogatory fashion”. So now the Hindu organisation wants the company to withdraw the handbags from the market. The protest against the offending shoes was launched by the American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD).
It is sponsored by World Hindu Council of America (VHP-A).
A senior executive of the company conveyed to the organisation that American Eagle Outfitters will remove from its stores the flip flop shoes that include a likeness of Lord Ganesh.
He said: “Our goal at American Eagle Outfitters is to make AE brand merchandise that is fashionable and affordable for our customers in an inclusive and equitable environment. We value diversity and respect the ideal of freedom of expression of all religious and cultural beliefs.
On behalf of American Eagle Outfitters, please accept this letter as our formal apology for our use of the image resembling Lord Ganesh on this product.
Again, this letter confirms that we will remove these flip flop shoes from our stores in order to maintain the good will and our customer relations with the Hindu community.
We appreciate your interest in the American Eagle brand and hope that you will continue to be satisfied customers of American Eagle Outfitters.”
The American Hindus Against Defamation claimed a “partial” victory and said that its protest petition had already been signed online by more than 4200 people. It said the protest against American Eagle Outfitters will continue, until all the products depicting Hindu deities in a derogatory fashion are withdrawn.