Kmart swiftly removes a Christmas product due to online concerns
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Content Warning: This article contains brief mentions of sensitive topics, including the war, military occupation, and genocide in Gaza. Reader discretion is advised, as these subjects may be distressing or triggering for some.
A classic case of an oversight gone wrong led Kmart to abruptly pull a Christmas product from its shelves this week.
The retail giant ran into trouble over its newly launched $4 'Merry Ham-mas' Christmas ham bags, which were meant to add flair for customers carrying home holiday hams.
However, the play on words was seen as shocking and offensive by some.
On Wednesday, the Australian Jewish Association (AJA), which represents the Jewish community on issues of concern, contacted Kmart's parent company, Wesfarmers, to complain about the products.
The AJA noted that associating Christmas with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, was 'really not a good look'.
One can only imagine the double-takes and raised eyebrows of customers spotting these bags for the first time on Kmart's shelves and website.
On social media, the AJA wrote that they wished to help Kmart avoid embarrassment by pointing out the obvious mistake.
'We suspect some product manager may cause the company some embarrassment,' they added. 'So we've politely written to Wesfarmers, suggesting the product be pulled.'
Shortly after the AJA's post online, Kmart responded and said they had pulled the bag from its storefront.
'We got it wrong on this occasion, and we apologise unreservedly,' said a spokesperson for the retailer.
'When designing this product, we clearly didn't think through all the implications, and the product has been removed from sale.'
While the initial intent was clearly just a punny holiday version of 'Christmas ham,' the Hamas name has become synonymous with violence and terror for many.
David Adler, the President of the Australian Jewish Association, stated that although the implication may not have been on purpose, it could have added to the ongoing concerns of harassment against the Jewish community.
'Of course, there are bigger issues to be addressed, dealing with the actual terrorism is important, but one of the other things we are dealing with is propaganda,' he explained.
'I want to give credit to Kmart management as they acted very quickly.'
Members, have you ever been worried or awkward over a gift you bought for someone this Christmas season? Let us know in the comments below!
A classic case of an oversight gone wrong led Kmart to abruptly pull a Christmas product from its shelves this week.
The retail giant ran into trouble over its newly launched $4 'Merry Ham-mas' Christmas ham bags, which were meant to add flair for customers carrying home holiday hams.
However, the play on words was seen as shocking and offensive by some.
On Wednesday, the Australian Jewish Association (AJA), which represents the Jewish community on issues of concern, contacted Kmart's parent company, Wesfarmers, to complain about the products.
The AJA noted that associating Christmas with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, was 'really not a good look'.
Kmart has immediately pulled a product from its Christmas range after concerns were raised online. Credit: Kmart.
One can only imagine the double-takes and raised eyebrows of customers spotting these bags for the first time on Kmart's shelves and website.
On social media, the AJA wrote that they wished to help Kmart avoid embarrassment by pointing out the obvious mistake.
'We suspect some product manager may cause the company some embarrassment,' they added. 'So we've politely written to Wesfarmers, suggesting the product be pulled.'
Shortly after the AJA's post online, Kmart responded and said they had pulled the bag from its storefront.
'We got it wrong on this occasion, and we apologise unreservedly,' said a spokesperson for the retailer.
'When designing this product, we clearly didn't think through all the implications, and the product has been removed from sale.'
While the initial intent was clearly just a punny holiday version of 'Christmas ham,' the Hamas name has become synonymous with violence and terror for many.
David Adler, the President of the Australian Jewish Association, stated that although the implication may not have been on purpose, it could have added to the ongoing concerns of harassment against the Jewish community.
'Of course, there are bigger issues to be addressed, dealing with the actual terrorism is important, but one of the other things we are dealing with is propaganda,' he explained.
'I want to give credit to Kmart management as they acted very quickly.'
Members, have you ever been worried or awkward over a gift you bought for someone this Christmas season? Let us know in the comments below!
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