What do you guys think about the ads in this page...

[BIG BROTHER]

So yeah, comrades, what do you guys think about the ads on this page, that are from pages that sell "communist", "anarchist", and "che" shirts. I was thinking of actual buying some shirts, their desing is pretty sick, but, now that I think about it, aren't those guys running those pages just other capitalist, and by buying from their pages, wouldn't I be just a poser?

[Marsella]

So yeah, comrades, what do you guys think about the ads on this page, that are from pages that sell "communist", "anarchist", and "che" shirts. I was thinking of actual buying some shirts, their desing is pretty sick, but, now that I think about it, aren't those guys running those pages just other capitalist, and by buying from their pages, wouldn't I be just a poser?

Oh no! I can't buy my groceries otherwise I will be giving profit to capitalists and hence be a poser!

:scared:

[Winter]

I know I'm gonna buy some shirts, guess that makes me a revisionist. :rolleyes:

[BIG BROTHER]

Oh no! I can't buy my groceries otherwise I will be giving profit to capitalists and hence be a poser!

:scared:

ok...I think I get the point, as long as we're in a capitalist society we might as well buy what we need...

any other opinions? if not then I think I'll just go a head and buy myself some red shirts!:laugh:

[Winter]

Living in a capitalist country, we have no choice but to take part in it. If we choose not to, we would all end up like anarchist ( who never heard of Bakunin ) gutter punks on the street. I hate capitalism and see what it does to people on a daily basis, just watch the news, but I know I'm damned if I do and extremely damned if I don't. I think a good way for society to take you seriously is to be succesful economically. That's an unfortunate statement, but that's the way capitalism has formed the mind of the masses.

[jake williams]

The ads make me go ick. I mean, yeah, we shouldn't completely withdraw ourselves from capitalist society, but still. I actually had an interesting e-mail exchange with "neofaction apparel" though.


Me:
This is sick. Who buys your shirts? First it's a for-profit corporation, at least that you're ordering from if it's not you guys yourselves. Is there a union involved? And the shirts themselves - these have to be parodies. I mean, some of them, sure, but who would sincerely wear a KGB shirt because of political affiliations, and not just because they think it makes them "cool".

Really. What's your target demographic. Ignorant, hypocritical rich people? I mean, well enough if you're openly mocking dumb kids wearing Che shirts, but it looks like you're trying to be sincere.


Them, in a considerably courteous reply:
Hi Jamie,

We're sorry if some of our designs, or the fact that we're using
communism as the inspiration for a capitalist venture, offends you. We
know that there will inevitably be people, like yourself, who feel this
way, but there are many others who /do/ actually want this kind of
stuff. You only need to do a quick search for "communist t shirts" to
see how many stores offer communist and socialist themed shirts. Clearly
there /is/ a market for it. We hope that we're doing it in a less
cynical way than many of the other stores out there.

Is there a union involved? No, but the reason we use Spreadshirt to
fulfill our orders, is because they have a strict "no sweatshop" policy
for their suppliers, all of whom must meet and adhere to Spreadshirt's
ethical business practice guidelines in order to be taken on board.

As for the KGB design, we'd agree with you on that one - it's most
likely only people who think it makes them look cool who'd wear it. The
good news is, we've sold very few of those shirts, so there can't be too
many people who think like that. Nevertheless, our dilemma is that as a
business venture, it's just common sense for us to cater for those
people too.

We're certainly not trying to mock anyone, no matter what they're
political views are, but in view of what we sell, we know we're not
going to be able to please everyone.

So, once again, our apologies for any offense, and let us assure you
that we respect your views every bit as much as the views of the people
who /do/ want what we offer.

Best wishes,

Neo Faction Apparel.

I replied back, but heard nothing in response and we'll leave it there.

[Aduro]

I myslf try to withdraw myself from capitalism as much as possible. What people need to understand is that in this society, people NEED to make money, and there are different ways that could be done. What's the difference between that website, and somebody running a corner shop?
At least the shop is doing good, by having it on a small scale, and using sweatshop-free procducts. Sure, some of their t-shirt designs may be their for people to look 'cool', but most of their designs might make people question whoever is wearing them, and hopefully this will introduce people into more leftist ideas.

[La Bicicletta]

It doesn't bother me. It's a factual aspect of capitalism that the establishment recuperates radical or revolutionary tendencies, making them their own.

And if a t-shirt looks cool, you've got to wear it.

[BIG BROTHER]

I myslf try to withdraw myself from capitalism as much as possible. What people need to understand is that in this society, people NEED to make money, and there are different ways that could be done. What's the difference between that website, and somebody running a corner shop?
At least the shop is doing good, by having it on a small scale, and using sweatshop-free procducts. Sure, some of their t-shirt designs may be their for people to look 'cool', but most of their designs might make people question whoever is wearing them, and hopefully this will introduce people into more leftist ideas.

that seems like a positive point...any body else wants to leave their opinion?