US RETAIL giant Walmart has faced criticism for selling products emblazoned with the slogans 'All Lives Matter', 'Blue Lives Matter' and 'Irish Lives Matter'.
The products, which appear on Walmart and Walmart Canada's websites, are from third party seller Old Glory and have attracted multiple complaints from people concerned that the phrases miss the point of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Black Lives Matter has become a rallying cry for those protesting against racism and police brutality across the United States and, after the murder of George Floyd, has spread to cities across the world.
Activists argue that when people respond to Black Lives Matter with All Lives Matter, it is similar to someone approaching a fundraiser for breast cancer research and claiming that 'all cancer matters', or telling firefighters responding to a house fire that 'all houses matter'.
The description of the Irish Lives Matter products-- green tshirts and jumpers with the slogan appearing over a shamrock-- state that "Irish lives matter too", urging customers to "show off your Irish pride".
A number of Black Lives Matter products are also featured on both websites.
Walmart have faced a number of complaints on social media, with many pointing out the perceived hypocrisy of the store who, days earlier, had pledged $100 million over ten years "to address systemic racism in society head-on and accelerate change".
You’re selling this... somehow I don’t believe you. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/wNdoQH9zqq
— Shan (@Shananigans) June 23, 2020
Walmart Canada responded to one person who contacted the store regarding an All Lives Matter tshirt saying it was "disgusting" and Walmart needed to "do better".
In their reply, a spokesperson said "This item is sold and shipped by a third party seller.
"We've forwarded your comments to the appropriate department to look into further. Thank you for bringing this to our attention."
The All Lives Matter tshirt appears to have since been removed from Walmart Canada, but products with 'Blue Lives Matter', 'Irish Lives Matter' and 'Motorcycle Lives Matter' remain on the website.
Ummm. And Irish lives matter??!?! I’m Irish and would NEVER buy this. We aren’t looking for celebratory gear @Walmart - wake up, this is so embarrassing. #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/urJ1erJjJh
— samantha rogers (@samanthalrogers) June 24, 2020
A spokesperson for Walmart later stated:
"We stand against any form of racism or discrimination. We promote listening, seeking to understand, and embracing individual differences."
