Is Under Armor walking On A Fine Line?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:56:46 -0400

Under Armor is a popular manufacturer of athletic and sporting wear. They’re also very popular among the military. The company is usually one of the “good guys” when it comes to supporting the military.
However, even the “good guys” can goof. And recently, Under Armor did just that.

Here are images of two of Under Armors recently-released t-shirts:

The first shirt was called “Band of Ballers”. I don’t think I have to tell anyone what image that one what image was used as its pattern – but if you’re having a temporary brain cramp and can’t recall, here’s the original image.

The second shirt was called “Crossing Over”. It also should look familiar – it’s based on the famous painting of Washington crossing the Delaware River during the American Revolution.

The resulting reaction from serving military and vets – and some of the public – was predictable. Much was highly negative; some was supportive.

To their credit, Under Armor seems to have pulled the shirts from sale quite quickly, and has removed their images from their website. They’ve also rather profusely apologized for offending serving military and veterans. No word on whether they fired the “marketing genius” involved in approving the sale of those shirts.

Just a bit of proof that not only government agencies can have those “WTF were you thinking?” moments. Highly successful commercial firms can have them too.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 7:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:57:16 -0400

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 18 at 2015 7:58 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:58:22 -0400

They crossed the line as far as I am concerned.

Response by PO1 Jason Taylor made May 18 at 2015 8:04 PM

PO1 Jason Taylor — Mon, 18 May 2015 20:04:06 -0400

Half of the people going to wear the shirt probably don't even know what is is mocking. It is very disrespectful though!

Response by SGT Edward Perez made May 18 at 2015 10:26 PM

SGT Edward Perez — Mon, 18 May 2015 22:26:39 -0400

Sorry it's just me. When I first seen this, I honestly thought of the neighborhood kids trying to up right a hoop. Nothing negative. Like oh that's a city thing. Now the Army in me seen it on a second look, and then I saw Iwo Jima. Then comments freaking out the ying yang about disrespect, I'm still baffled. There is so much hate we see just that, hate it really weighs heavy on my heart to know we have learned to Be in the negative 24/7. I am really glad they had enough heart to say sorry.