yes! i have an 'on principle' hatred for aa and refuse to buy from them. is it just me, or are the sales staff always incredibly pretentious and seem loathed to offer any assistance? perhaps it's just been my experience.
unfortunately, their t-shirts are actually quite good quality and fit my boyfriend perfectly. but still... i dislike being in their stores.
they ARE incredibly pretentious (even in Washington, DC, which is so not hip), and I can't stand it...that's why when I go in for their cardigans or tights (which are the only things there--aside from the t's, so I'm totally with you there--that I'll buy), I get in and out fast...their dresses are so freakin' slutty! but some of their prints these days are pretty rad
While I'm for this graffiti and the point it's getting across, I also think it's a bit shortsighted to brush off the the "made in America schtick" as some sort of invalid point.
I've done a LOT of research into labour issues (it's part of my MA thesis) and I can say without hesitation that AA's labour practices are leaps and bounds better than 99% of all other garment manufacturers. Which isn't necessarily high praise for AA, but rather testament to how horribly exploitative most others are. While AA has been criticized (and rightly so) for their sexist ads and practices, let's not lose sight of the ridiculous gender stereotypes, segregation, and rampant sexual assault that are more or less the norm in sweatshop manufacturing. To me these seem even more problematic, but they remain hidden to most people because it's all done in contracted out factories overseas.
So I very much do think legitimate debate could and should surround AA's generally progressive labour practices versus their blatant sexism (and Dov Charney's general jackassery). I've personally wrestled with the question a lot and ultimately decided that their ethical practices outweigh their unethical, but I certainly wouldn't begrudge someone for coming to the opposite conclusion. But I do think that people should consider the arguments.
agreed, Christopher...I think I phrased things poorly when I originally wrote that post, since I meant that--for me--AA's advertising practices overshadow its labor practices...that is, of course, a personal opinion, and I certainly recognize what AA has done for garment workers...and at $12/13+ an hour, I'm sure said workers (rightfully) make more than AA retail employees...and I can honestly say I sympathize with sweatshop workers, as I used to work with immigrant students from low income families in NY's Chinatown where most of the parents were either working in sweatshops or equally unfavorable working environments...but after making the post and other people commenting on it, I chose not to rephrase it, though I knew I misspoke, as it was already out there...and after perusing my blog, you'd know that it is hardly a place for regular social commentary...but, again, I understand your point.
hahaha LOVE IT. so true.
ReplyDeleteyes! i have an 'on principle' hatred for aa and refuse to buy from them. is it just me, or are the sales staff always incredibly pretentious and seem loathed to offer any assistance? perhaps it's just been my experience.
ReplyDeleteunfortunately, their t-shirts are actually quite good quality and fit my boyfriend perfectly. but still... i dislike being in their stores.
Oi. American Apparel...
ReplyDeleteDitto,...
ReplyDeletethey ARE incredibly pretentious (even in Washington, DC, which is so not hip), and I can't stand it...that's why when I go in for their cardigans or tights (which are the only things there--aside from the t's, so I'm totally with you there--that I'll buy), I get in and out fast...their dresses are so freakin' slutty! but some of their prints these days are pretty rad
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm for this graffiti and the point it's getting across, I also think it's a bit shortsighted to brush off the the "made in America schtick" as some sort of invalid point.
ReplyDeleteI've done a LOT of research into labour issues (it's part of my MA thesis) and I can say without hesitation that AA's labour practices are leaps and bounds better than 99% of all other garment manufacturers. Which isn't necessarily high praise for AA, but rather testament to how horribly exploitative most others are. While AA has been criticized (and rightly so) for their sexist ads and practices, let's not lose sight of the ridiculous gender stereotypes, segregation, and rampant sexual assault that are more or less the norm in sweatshop manufacturing. To me these seem even more problematic, but they remain hidden to most people because it's all done in contracted out factories overseas.
So I very much do think legitimate debate could and should surround AA's generally progressive labour practices versus their blatant sexism (and Dov Charney's general jackassery). I've personally wrestled with the question a lot and ultimately decided that their ethical practices outweigh their unethical, but I certainly wouldn't begrudge someone for coming to the opposite conclusion. But I do think that people should consider the arguments.
agreed, Christopher...I think I phrased things poorly when I originally wrote that post, since I meant that--for me--AA's advertising practices overshadow its labor practices...that is, of course, a personal opinion, and I certainly recognize what AA has done for garment workers...and at $12/13+ an hour, I'm sure said workers (rightfully) make more than AA retail employees...and I can honestly say I sympathize with sweatshop workers, as I used to work with immigrant students from low income families in NY's Chinatown where most of the parents were either working in sweatshops or equally unfavorable working environments...but after making the post and other people commenting on it, I chose not to rephrase it, though I knew I misspoke, as it was already out there...and after perusing my blog, you'd know that it is hardly a place for regular social commentary...but, again, I understand your point.
ReplyDelete