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| The offending uniforms. |
Recently all sides of the political aisle, both on The Hill and in there respective partisan newsrooms, legislators and pundits alike have came out and condemned the USA's official team uniforms for the 2012 games. It seems like such an insignificant issue to even draw a statement from the most powerful people in the country, let alone becoming news worthy for all the major networks. But this condemnation alludes to a much large crack in the American Culture and the American economic system, a low blow that strikes a raw nerve with a country that is clawing at the barrel walls to avoid slipping deeper, and again, into another job destroying recession.
In recent weeks Team USA officially unveiled the uniforms that all their athletes will don for the upcoming Olympics in London. At first glance the drew criticism simple because of their look, but after further investigation they have become a point of contention. The uniforms were designed by legendary American fashion house Ralph Lauren, a staple in American style for decades. However, they have been styled in a decidedly French fashion with berets for the men and neckerchiefs for the women. Even the the colors of the neckerchief looks decidedly French with it appearing more 'Blue White and Red' rather than the hall mark American 'Red White and Blue.'
A uniform that the entire team representing America will be wearing as they showcase what their athletes can do on the world stage look French, but that isn't what has pushed this anger to a level that left Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D) so perplexed that he could barely form a coherent sentence at a press conference. It was the fact that these uniforms were all made in China. At a time when the American job sector is suffering, and when pride before the Olympics is starting to build, the US Olympic committee decided to get all it's uniforms made in China. And they will cost over $1000 to buy retail.
This goes to sum up the problems with American economic culture. It's goods are styled on European design, made in China on the cheap, tagged with an American brand name, then sold to the public under the guise of patriotism for a price that can only be described as a small fortune.
Ralph Lauren profits, the Chinese workers profits, and America's Olympic team have a stain on them before they've even heard the first measures of their national anthem.
Written by: Phil M.
