Controversy Over U.S. Olympic Uniforms
2012 Olympic Uniforms (Photo from http://espn.go.com/olympics/summer/2012)
Ralph Lauren’s Team USA uniforms may be Red, White, and Blue, but they were also made in China. There has been a focus in recent years of increasing manufacturing in the United States, and many feel that the pride of Olympic athletes goes hand in hand with the pride of American innovation and manufacturing. The opening ceremonies for the summer Olympics begin on July 27th, and the fact that the uniforms were not made in America has become a major controversy to many people.
Photo from the washingtonpost.com
Not only is the fact the uniforms are not Made in the USA a controversy, but so is the branding of the Ralph Lauren logo and the placement of the flag. Ralph Lauren prominently displayed his signature polo player logo on the left breast of the jacket, the location you normally find our flag. In addition, the size of the Ralph Lauren Logo is significantly larger than the size of the flag (see photo to the left).
“Ralph Lauren promises to lead the conversation within our industry and our government addressing the issue of increasing manufacturing in the United States and has committed to producing the Opening and Closing ceremony Team USA uniforms in the United States that will be worn for the 2014 Olympic Games,” according to the statement from the Ralph Lauren Corporation. –ABC News
You can read more on this controversy here.
Submitted by: Marissa Caniano, Administrative Assistant
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