So there’s a new brouhaha – this time with @etsy at the center of it.

Seems there’s a user selling cards that congratulate folks for the “not positive” things in their life.  Full breakdown here but in brief:

  • Cards that congratulate someone for having a “bad touch” – and while the accompanying text on the product page indicates it can be given to those who are having a colonoscopy or those who’ve had to deal with the TSA, the image and tags (“rape” and “raped”) don’t line up.

Yeah, not my favorite…tho there’s also those that congrats you for contracting AIDS or having a child with Down Syndrome.

The seller does have some funny cards, don’t get the me wrong, and lord knows I’ve got a pretty decent sense of humor….but..yeah, I don’t think so.

Here’s the best part – The cards are (IMHO) against Etsy’s TOS – and they’ve been notified.

“Use of mature, profane and/or racist language or images in the public areas of your Etsy shop is not permitted. This includes your username, Public Profile, item titles, tags, avatar, banner, and/or shop sections.”

and:

Prohibited Items: “Items that promote or glorify hatred, racial, religious intolerance”

Rape’s a pretty mature topic by anyone’s standards.  Picking on the mentally disabled/handicapped – Yeah, I’ll tuck that under hatred.

And before you freaks who like to talk before you think go spouting off about the 1st Amendment – the Constitution only covers restrictions on speech issued by the government.  This is Etsy’s playground – you have to play by their rules or they can kick you out and keep your bat and ball.

What to do about it?

If you’re a seller (and you can afford it) – I’d say close down your shop until the items are removed and tell your peers to as well.  If you’re a buyer – nag Etsy on twitter, FB, and delete your account.  I am.  I’m also happy to hear other ideas for getting yourself/thoughts out there.

Special PVSM love on this one.

-30-

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