SCREENGRAB from the Facebook post of Karen Kunawicz.
MANILA, Philippines—Netizens have expressed indignation over a photo posted on Facebook of a “rape t-shirt” taken at a giant shopping mall chain.
The t-shirt bearing the statement “It’s Not Rape It’s A Snuggle With A Struggle” was posted by veteran poet and writer Karen Kunawicz late Monday evening in her Facebook account.
Responding to comments on her post, Kunawicz said the photo was taken 8 p.m, September 22, at the “boys graphic tee” section of the Department Store of SM Megamall.
Netizens have expressed outrage over the said photo. One netizen said, “There are no words to describe how disgusted and disappointed I am that this shirt made it to production.”
Another said that the t-shirt statement was “a twisted sick message. “
“Insecure, recluse, loser, weenie guys without mothers, sisters, or daughters came up with this idea,” Shakira Villa Symes said.
Ysabel Yrastorza Yuzon in a lengthy facebook comment said, “SM has all the resources in the world. They need to hire better people so this never happens again and they really need to make up for now. A big company has an even bigger social responsibility to control what goes through their stores. This isn’t a simple act of negligence by the management or the buyer or whoever is dismissing it as such will be just as irresponsible. They need to do more.”
Janine Dario, meanwhile said, “I hope they are able to find the source or concessionaire for this item and that the brand will be penalized for this.”
Celine Ulgado demanded a public apology from SM.
“SM needs not only to pull this shirt, they need to issue a very public apology to rape victims everywhere, and make a costly monetary donation to crisis centers that help rape victims. They cannot be allowed to hide behind their consignment agreements,” she said.
INQUIRER.net tried to contact Kunawicz through her Facebook account but has not responded yet.
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