(Editor’s note: We realize people may not be thrilled with the mainstream media but we would never promote violence of any kind. And please don’t “shoot the messenger,” we are the REAL news (grassroots journalism bringing you the truth first)!)
According to a report announced on Thursday, “Walmart removed a controversial T-shirt urging violence against journalists from its website after a news association asked for it to be pulled amid ‘today’s vitriolic political and ideological environment.'” 1 The shirt had been available on Walmart’s website for $18.99.
The removed shirt, which you can see in the picture above, says: “Rope. Tree. Journalist. SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.” Regardless of how you feel about the media, this is a step too far.
In a November 29th letter to top Walmart executives, the Radio Television Digital News Association said:
“Although the shirts are available from at least one other e-commerce source, Walmart appears to be the only major retailer selling them in the US…
…We believe they are particularly inflammatory within the context of today’s vitriolic political and ideological environment.”2
This year, according to the US Press Freedom Tracker, nearly three dozen journalists have been assaulted and at least 48 journalists have been killed in other countries worldwide. We live in precarious times.
The third-party seller, Teespring.com was offering the shirt on Walmart.com. Walmart says they plan to investigate Teespring’s remaining merchandise.
