patrick.net

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/27/osama-bin-laden-halloween-costume_n_4005862.html

Under pressure from the Sikh community, Walmart on Friday pulled a turban-themed costume from its website that the Sikh Coalition has said is offensive to 9/11 victims and perpetuates "negative stereotypes about turbans and beards that have led to violence and discrimination against Sikhs and other minorities."

The Sikh advocacy organization sent letters or made phone calls to several retailers selling the item to request its removal. Amazon.com listed the costume as "Fun World Adult Mens Osama Bin Laden Middle East Costume Turban + Beard," while Walmart described it as "Turban Beard Adult Halloween Instant Costume."

The costume appears to be manufactured by Fun World Costumes, and is for sale on the sites of retailers such as Sears and Rite Aid, among others.

Rajdeep Singh, Director of Law and Policy at The Sikh Coalition, told The Huffington Post, "If you lost a loved one during the 9/11 attacks or during our nation's war against Al Qaeda, or if someone attacked your father in a hate crime because he wears a turban, I doubt this costume would make you comfortable."

"We disabled this item for purchase and are in the process of immediately removing it from our site," a Walmart spokesman told The Huffington Post in an email, adding that the costume was not available in stores. "We sincerely apologize to any customers who may have been offended by this costume." Amazon did not yet replied to a request for comment.

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