Press Release From the Anti-Defamation Chair Concerning the Sale by Walmart of Defaming Merchandise Targeting Irish Americans — Ancient Order of Hibernians

30.6.14

Press Release From the Anti-Defamation Chair Concerning the Sale by Walmart of Defaming Merchandise Targeting Irish Americans — Ancient Order of Hibernians: “We noted and applauded when Walmart recently took a very public and principled stand against ethnic slurs in ending its relationship with Paula Deen in response to Ms. Deen’s offensive epithets directed toward members of the African American Community. However, in carrying merchandise promoting negative stereotypes and reflecting a bigoted view of Irish Americans, we find Walmart guilty of the same offense and no little hypocrisy. We also note that a shirt with a phrase almost identical to that which Walmart is currently marketing, “I may not be an Irish Girl, but I Drink like One”, was previously marketed by another national retailer in 2010 only to be pulled when the Irish American community protested then. It appears that Walmart is stuck in a time warp with merchandise from 2010 and a view of Irish Americans from the 19th Century of the “Know Nothing” Party.