Hang Loose
(Photo from USA Today)
In March 2015, an image emerged on social media of a white t-shirt with the words “Hang Loose” plastered across the front. Although this phrase seems quite harmless, it was the symbol separating these words that provoked a major backlash—a drawing of a noose. The item was from a company called Tavik, and was being sold at T.J. Maxx. The t-shirt sparked outrage online due to its insensitivity towards suicide and possibly lynching. Both T.J. Maxx and Tavik quickly responded to this incident with an apology statement, and destroyed all units of this item.
It is unbelieving shocking how tone deaf certain companies are when producing new items. To think no one thought, “hmmm, maybe this might create an issue,” seems bewildering. A noose represents death. Whether it is self-harm or the harm of others, a noose can lead to overall danger and detrimental outcomes. Any form of a joke or pun should not be associated with this symbol. The fact that T.J. Maxx labelled it an “accident” of approving this shirt since they process so many items does not justify the production of this piece in the first place. Suicide is a very sensitive subject that can affect countless individuals. Hanging tends to be a common cause of suicide, and it is often mentioned in entertainment and the media. Even though there is exposure of this type of suicide to an audience, at least it has the potential to spread awareness about the consequences hanging can create. However, that does absolutely not mean it should be commercialized in fashion.
Lynching is another cause of death that involves a noose. This murderous act is primarily well-known during the Antebellum South since many African Americans, especially slaves, were killed this way. Lynching is usually considered a tactic of racial control during the 18th century, thus tying a racial issue into this t-shirt as well.
Death can sometimes be a form of expression in one’s work. However, there are very condensed boundaries within this concept that can easily be pushed—this shirt, for example. Anything associated with violence and killing must be handled delicately in society, not printed on a kitsch t-shirt for one’s amusement.