Here’s why Hallmark removed ‘gay’ from its Christmas sweater ornament
A Hallmark ornament that reads “Don we now our FUN apparel!” has some people fuming.
By substituting the Christmas carol lyric from “gay apparel” to “fun apparel” on the sweater-shaped ornament, the greeting card company stirred up a holiday storm. “Pathetic” and “Shame on you” were among the negative responses on the company Facebook page.
In defending itself, Hallmark pointed out that the lyrics for “Deck the Halls” were translated from the Gaelic way back when. So the “gay” of the 1800s isn’t the “gay” of 2013. Such “multiple meanings,” the company said in a statement, “could leave our intent open to misinterpretation.”
The change also seems to have left the company open to misinterpretation, with critics accusing Hallmark of homophobia.
The Los Angeles Times reached out to Hallmark to find out what effect this controversy is having on sales of the ornament. There was no reply as of the time this post was published.
Like stories about Christmas controversy? Follow me @AmyTheHub
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