Featuring the slogans “Merry F—ing Christmas” and “Happy Christmas D—head, Cotton On, the Australian clothing chain is once again pushing the boundaries of good taste and decency.
The cards are part of the franchise’s Typo stationery range, with a 10-pack selling for $5.
It’s not only cards, but wrapping paper is also emblazoned with similar slogans and available in-store.
Understandably, religious leaders are unimpressed. Waterfront Christian Church pastor Jim McClure questions the company’s intentions.
I think it sounds like the store is trying to make a point against Christmas, and I’d really like to know who’s behind it. It’s exceptionally gross and offensive, not only to practising Christians, but non-Christians as well. These cards and wrapping paper are wholly against the spirit of Christmas.
In what can only be seen as another sign that our moral standards are plummeting, Deakin University marketing expert Dr Paul Harrison said the cards were probably sold to fill a gap in the market and were a reflection on today’s society. He said,
I personally think the idea is quite offensive, but it doesn’t surprise me that people will buy these cards because Cotton On is targeting a different audience
Cotton On Group buying and production manager Julie Christy defended the cards, saying they were a bestseller. She said,
The cards aren’t derogatory, they don’t promote violence or ill-feeling, and they’re targeted at younger customers who have a different attitude, If someone’s offended by the cards, I’d just say, ‘don’t buy them’.
[news.com.au]
