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| This product image released by Ralph Lauren shows U.S. Olympic athletes, from left, swimmer Ryan Lochte, decathlete Bryan Clay, rower Giuseppe Lanzone and soccer player Heather Mitts, modeling the official Team USA opening ceremony parade uniform. (Ralph Lauren ) |
After it was announced that Ralph Lauren would once again be creating the outfits worn by United States Olympic athletes during the opening ceremonies in London, members of Congress are now upset the clothing will be made in China. Here’s what Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had to say about the blunder:
“I am so upset. I think the Olympic committee should be ashamed of themselves. I think they should be embarrassed. I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again. If they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it, painted by hand, then that’s what they should wear.”
Here's what the LA TIMES reports,
"A similar controversy arose in 2008, when Reuters reported Team USA’s uniforms, again designed by Ralph Lauren, were made in China.
The current uniform controversy comes amid this week’s declaration of a “Make it in America” initiative, unveiled by Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer on Wednesday, a combination of legislation on building up infrastructure, simplifying Internet regulation, adjusting tariffs and more.
Then there's the proposed All-American Flag Act, which would mandate that American flags purchased by the federal government would be made domestically, in response to a census bureau report that revealed $3.6 million was spent on importing flags in 2011."
This year's uniforms can be seen on Ralph Lauren’s site, available as a full set for men at $1,945, and $1,473 for women.
What do you think of all of this? Big deal or much ado about nothing?
5 comments:
It's a huge deal. The Olympics spark national pride and that pride is blackened by clothes made in China. Couldn't we find workers in America to make something nice for a special occasion? Here in Germany I am surprised time after time to look down and see that my purchase was made in Germany...from the BMW we invested in almost 10 years ago, to the genius adjustable baking sheet that my tiny oven requires, to the Lillifee house shoes that my daughter wears to school. It's all made in Germany. I may pay a little more but I know that I'm going to get a superior product made by well-paid workers. We need to get our act together!
It is about time there is controversy!
I personally think they are not good looking, and who wants to wear wool in July?? Even if it is in England, must be warm there too.
I wish they could help out these athletes and not wait until 2014!
I had no idea! It is horrible but honestly not a shock at all. Everything is made in china. However, I cannot wait to watch the olympics- love them!!!
We are having all sorts of controversy about the Olympics here in the UK as well. I'm not sure where our kit is made but I reckon the media will tell us soon. Hopefully once the Games actually start we will all see the positive side. By the way, it's not cold here, although very wet this year. I expect they are making special Olympic brollies. I wouldn't wear wool in the Summer.
It seems that Ralph Lauren was more interested in maximum profit than he was about national image.
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