American Apparel

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_26/b3939108_mz017.htm

I know this is from a few years ago, but American Apparel is still having these issues. To save you from reading the whole thing, here's a summary: the CEO sexually harasses employees, and rationalizes it by claiming a casual workplace atmosphere. He talks about his non-sweat shop mentality and how well he pays his workers. I'm not saying we should live in a sexually repressed culture. There's just not a place for it in the workplace. Unless you're actually in the porn industry. Which American Apparel is bordering on, honestly.

So, the moral debate: do we buy the plain, comfy American Apparel t-shirts and the American Apparel circle scarves (since those are two of their few items that don't make normal people look like fat hookers; because, seriously? zebra lamé hotpants?) I've been boycotting American Apparel since I've heard about all the sexual harassment associated with the company, unless I buy a shirt that another company has printed on American Apparel (like Alterra or moveon.org), because there's not much I can do about that. Just doing my part, I guess.

Oh, and seriously? Their prices suck, too. I would never be able to rationalize paying $10 for an extra Le String for my Le Sac. Sorry. And they have a kids section, too? Scary.