Buzzfeed News is reporting that Amazon has removed a number of items from its website that promoted racism, white supremacy and hate crimes.
After pressure from Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, corporate giant Amazon has removed items being sold by hate groups identified Southern Poverty Law Center and the Action Center on Race and the Economy. Some of the items included, a cross burning infant onesie, a "noose" costume and multiple items with confederate flags and nazi symbols..
Amazon told Buzzfeed:
Sellers are expected to comply with our policies, and we immediately investigate any reported violations. The items referenced by Rep. Ellison were previously reviewed, and we removed those that violated our policies well before we received his letter.
Brian Huseman, Amazon's VP of public policy added the company has a firm policy on selling any items that promote hate, violence, or racial, sexual and religious intolerance. He added:
Amazon has reviewed the products and content referenced in your letter, and we have removed those listings, and permanently blocked the seller accounts found to be in violation of our policies. We have restricted the inventory to prevent it from being sold and are in the process of removing it from our fulfillment centers.
Thank you Amazon for removing a number of products promoting racist propaganda from your website. https://t.co/MtCb9izeEK— Keith Ellison (@Keith Ellison) 1533246101.0
But some weren't feeling that forgiving.
@keithellison They deserve no credit. It's something they should do w/out being told. It's a easy decision to prote… https://t.co/X0TAwWqN8F— Nom De Net (@Nom De Net) 1533248000.0
@keithellison Can you please ask them to stop funding breitbart too?— ⚽️ 🎼 🥑 🏛 (at 🏡) (@⚽️ 🎼 🥑 🏛 (at 🏡)) 1533254927.0
@keithellison Should not have been there to begin with. They sell quite a few things that other countries have banned.— Bishopsmouse (@Bishopsmouse) 1533247447.0
People felt this was only the start and much more could be done.
@keithellison https://t.co/e7x64vdtUB— Kåtię (@Kåtię) 1533304010.0
@keithellison @amazon removed the products specified in your letter. There's plenty of others still on their site.… https://t.co/o5dubrVLYT— Amanda Jordan (@Amanda Jordan) 1533300477.0
Here are some other hate promoting items being offered.
Screenshot from Amazon via Buzzfeed
Screenshot from Amazon via The New York Times
We suggest if you come across an offensive product online, take a screenshot and report the seller to Amazon/