Wednesday, January 12, 2011

How very sad


I came across this from another blogger last night and I'll be honest, I was outraged,  shocked, so angry.  An Etsy artist who goes by the name of "You Stupid B%#@&" is causing quite a stir.  The following text is from the petition for Etsy that I signed, along with adding it to both of my facebook accounts and twitter.  Please scroll down to the link, click on it, and add your name to the petition.  It takes less than a minute.  There have already been over 1,000 people sign it since I did last night.

"Congratulations. You Got Bad Touched."

That's the message printed on cards currently for sale on your website by the user "youstupidbitch." That card is offensive, demeaning, and potentially traumatizing to survivors of sexual assault. The same user also sells cards that mock breast cancer patients and mothers of special needs children. All must be removed from your website immediately.

The first card in question feautres a drawing of a naked sexual assault victim curled up on the floor of a shower stall, "printed on heavy duty white cardstock" complete with "red accents and matching envelope." Can you imagine if someone sent that to an actual rape victim? The cards for breast cancer and Down Syndrome are no better. 

Your official Terms of Use state that you "has no control over the quality, safety, morality or legality of any aspect of the items listed." However, in the list of prohibited items, Etsy says that it does not allow items that harass others or that are deemed obscene. I think a strong case can be made that this card fits both categories.

Etsy may not have a legal obligation to remove the cards in question from its site, but it does have, in my opinion, a moral imperative. Does your company really want to be known as the go-to website for cards that harass, offend, and traumatize survivors of sexual assault, breast cancer patients, and parents of children with Down Syndrome? Do you want to open the doors for sellers like youstupidbitch to peddle the wares unimpeded? I hope not. 

Please remove this card from their website and send a message that this type of product is unwelcome on your website.


It even made it to CNN.  Here is the link to the video:


Yes, I was outraged, so angry but now that I've had time to settle down, think about this, and pray... I have decided to leave you with the information and let you do as you please.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5  For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

4 comments:

Cora said...

I signed the petition too. Unbelievable......
Thanks for sharing with other bloggers.

Sew Many Raggedies said...

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I had no idea this was on Etsy. I will definately sign the petition.
~Rene~

basketsnprims said...

Hi, Angie, I wanted to sign it but it was too late. You are right, this is outrageous. thanks for bringing attention to it.
pam

renee said...

Hi Angie,
I have just discovered your blog, and wanted to introduce myself.
As I read this, I just couldn't believe this! What is wrong with people? I know the devil is hard at work, all one has to do is turn on the t.v., but this is just way out of line.
Obviously, the petition was a success, I was ready to sign it.
I have enjoyed your blog, and will be back as I am a follower now.
I hope you will have a good rest of the week.
Blessings,
Renee