Empire State Review Team 
Outcry Over 9/11-themed T-shirt on Etsy
NEW YORK – A new controversy has arisen following the sale of a 9/11-themed T-shirt on Etsy that has sparked outrage among families affected by the tragedy.
The Design That Ignited Anger
One particular shirt, featuring a cartoonish depiction of the popular character Garfield flying into a food item designed to resemble the Twin Towers, has drawn sharp criticism. Amy Stabile, whose father perished in the September 11 attacks, described the shirt as “deeply offensive.” She came across the advertisement for the shirt while browsing Facebook, which specifically targeted individuals who lost family members in the attacks.
Expressing her disbelief, Stabile remarked, “When I saw Garfield, I didn’t even understand how it goes together. There are so many things you could put on a T-shirt. Why this?”
Call for Stricter Regulations
Stabile, a resident of Long Island, is advocating for tighter controls on products that trivialize historical tragedies. She urges Etsy to enforce stricter policies on listings that might exploit sensitive subjects for commercial gain. The T-shirt, marketed by NelliesNestStore (an Australian seller operating in North Carolina), boasts a range of colors and sizes, as well as a five-star rating on the platform.
Etsy’s Stance
In response to the backlash, an Etsy spokesperson noted that while the company’s policies prohibit items that glorify violence or hatred, the interpretation of humor can be subjective. As a result, Etsy does not plan to remove the shirt from their listings but indicated they are reviewing measures to prevent similar items from being promoted in targeted ads.
A Plea for Compassion
Stabile has also called upon major corporations associated with the Etsy sellers of such T-shirts, including brands like McDonald’s, Target, and Nike, to implement policies that discourage profiting from tragedy. She emphasizes, “You’re making money off terrorism,” and advocates for a more humane approach to merchandising, urging companies to consider the impact on families affected by 9/11.
Reflecting on the matter, she stated, “You feel so crushed that someone, anyone, could think that the loss of these lives is funny.”
Broader Implications
The outrage surrounding this shirt brings to light significant questions regarding the ethical responsibilities of online marketplaces and the sensitivity required in product offerings. Families impacted by the September 11 attacks continue to grapple with their loss, and products like this T-shirt stir painful memories and discomfort.
As discussions unfold, the importance of humanity in commerce remains a crucial call to action from those advocating for change.
