After the weekend’s disgraceful march in Charlottesville, Virginia – which brought together white nationalists, neo-Nazis and the KKK, and resulted in one death – there have been a number of explicit condemnations, as there should be. Even if Trump‘s statement left something to be desired.
One of the least expected condemnations came from the manufacturers and marketers of the humble Tiki torch – which was the chosen implement for the marching white supremacists.
“I’ll give you my tiki torch – w/ its mosquito repelling citronella fragrance – when you pry it from my cold racist hands!” #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/5Y6fcVfego
— Scott Charles (@TheScottCharles) August 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/Walakk/status/896524288760610816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketwatch.com%2Fstory%2Ftiki-torch-makers-decry-use-by-white-supremacists-2017-08-13
The humble Tiki torch became an instrument of violence in the hands of the protesters, and the company issued a statement reiterating that their product should ideally only be used for backyard seshes and not racist violence.
Their statement read as follows:
TIKI Brand is not associated in any way with the events that took place in Charlottesville and are deeply saddened and disappointed. We do not support their message or the use of our products in this way. Our products are designed to enhance backyard gatherings and to help family and friends connect with each other at home in their yard.
That’s a pretty conclusive statement, team. If you’re looking for a weapon with which to enact your deadshit racism – which will lose in the end – look for something else other than the humble Tiki torch.
