Freakout Over Swastika Earrings in New York Novelty Store
Swastika oriented upright and clockwise, clearly an Indian, not a nazi symbol.
We just can’t keep up with fashion, what with the chocolate and jewel-encrusted brassieres that seem to be all the rage these days. Still, these earrings that a reader found at Bejeweled in Greenpoint strike us as a fashion “nein.”
When I asked the clerk why they had them and that they are offensive, she looked embarassed and said people have asked for them. I said its not worth it to sell them, and she shrugged and said “business.” They are $5.99
We asked an employee at Bejeweled if she thought the swastika earrings were offensive, and she said, “No.” Were they big sellers? “Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm.” A long pause. “I think I’d have to see them first.”
They may not be the Nazi take on swastikas (variations of the symbol long predate the Nazi party). But try telling that to the (rightfully) angry mob staring at your date’s earrings. Does Bejeweled have an exclusive contract with John Galliano? Guess that name change to BeJEWeled will have to wait. Maybe Larry would wear them?