CafePress Selling Rape?

7-14-2009 UPDATE: I got a response from CafePress regarding the shirts, a few users have messaged me saying they got the exact same automated response. Legality issues aside, it so happens that the shirt's design is in violation of CafePress policy.

And let me clarify one thing: Free Speech does NOT, to the best of my knowledge and experience, allow for condoning acts of violence.

That having been said I need to clarify something else: I never once said that my point of view is the only right one, nor did I ever mention taking ANY legal action against CafePress or the maker of the shirt.

A few of you are making some mighty bold assumptions and putting words in my mouth. I despise 'censorship' too, you don't need to twist my words to get your point across.

http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/design/33900293

I sincerely doubt many of you have been where I have or even have the slightest understanding of WHY this bothers me so much. Every two minutes a woman is raped in the US, many die as a result of their injuries. Many have also argued that misogyny is humanity's oldest existing form of discrimination (there's a book called "The Invisible Sex" that talks a great deal on the subject.)

I've done nothing wrong, so please stop making me out to be some kind of fascist.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• cafepress
• rape
• violence
• shirt
• sick
• feminism
• women
• boycott

[Cuindless]

The design is no longer available thanks to our work. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

[quanyin81]

THAT'S AWESOME :-D

[loaferpatent101]

You are very well spoken and I certainly will do my part to condemn this "t shirt" as severely as I can. Thanks for letting us know. Don't let the "nay-sayers" get you down!

[quanyin81]

Thanks, and don't worry, I won't :-)

[wafflesmacduff]

You're assuming rape can only be performed on females?

[quanyin81]

not at all.

[PaganRon]

But it can be seen as support of the act by some people.

[squirrelbuddi]

I too do not agree with this T-shirt and have seen it worn and sold. But I'm also a "to-myself-person" and generally don't concern myself with others views. I just end up ignoring it. If people wanna be stupid I'm not going to stop them. That doesn't mean I would wear or laugh at this "joke". Instead I prolly wouldn't even look at the person or store selling it/wearing it.

[professionalbean]

You rock. I agree with you 100%.

[dinavienna]

FYI you might be interested in the legal implications of this "joke".

[dinavienna]

Your arguments are good, but even if you were not right on power and hatred against women, even if rape was about sex:

Rape is a crime in the US.

Incitation or condonement of a crime is a crime itself in most legal systems, probably in the US as well.

Plus:

Fundamental rights can conflict with each other - in this case the right to life and physical integrity conflicts with the right to free speech. Legally, this case is clear on what weighs heavier.

[carolyn4president]

i am not offended by this shirt at alll. i think its tacky and stupid, but men arent going to see that and think that its ok to go out and rape.

its a joke.

[garpstube]

Emailed. But I'm in the UK and Male so I hope they listen :-( I agree that this T Shirt is gross and in extreme bad taste.

If I get a reply I'll post it.

[Hoolet2009]

I agree completely, this is beyond the bounds of acceptable humor. The 1st Amendment may protect free speech, but Cafe Press can determine what is acceptable to sell on their site, and they should see how wrong this is and remove it. -Hoolet