On sale exclusively at Target is this innocent-looking toy globe. Thousands of these trinkets have already moved out of malls, from Queens to Honolulu, and landed in living rooms and kids’ rooms across America.
But folks who forked over a buck for the miniature worlds got less than they bargained for.
These planetary models contain just about all the countries on Earth — from France to China, Singapore to Spain. But there’s one glaring exception:
Israel.
In the spot where Israel should be, this word is printed: “Palestine.” Some of those who unwittingly purchased the Israel-free orbs feel as if they’ve played a role in a modern-day Final Solution.
[…]
“We didn’t want to offend any of our guests,” said Amy Reilly of Target customer relations, who initially said the omission of Israel was due to lack of space on the item. (Isn’t “Palestine” a longer word?)
Read the rest.
(thanks to Speranza for the tip)
I am glad that they are trying to “correct” the situation, but it never should have happened in the first place. Apparently it wasn’t an oversight or they would not have had the excuses handy. But at least they did respond this time – not as much luck with the “islam is the light” dolls.
Amy Reilly of Target’s Media Relations office called Lee and directed parents “To talk to Mattel if you have any issues with the doll.” Reilly carefully stated, “We have not had a national recall on those dolls.” When told of parents concerns about the doll Reilly stated, “The doll is a well selling doll.” She said, for anything else “I would continue to try reaching Mattel.”
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