If there’s anything that Indians can’t stand, it’s disrespect to religion, deities, and anything even remotely related to religion. And sure enough, the latest backlash to be served is to retail giant Amazon.
On Saturday night, a user stumbled upon some doormats selling on Amazon which had imagery of Hindu Gods on them.
#BoycottAmazon @amazon @AmazonHelp
STOP abusing Hindu Deities
Enough is Enough
REMOVE these products pic.twitter.com/qCm4NOZnFb— No Conversion (@noconversion) June 5, 2016
These items seemed to be appearing on Amazon’s international portal, sold by one particular seller called Rock Bull. And apparently, Hindus weren’t the only ones whose sentiments were hurt.
It was found out that the seller had doormats with Islam-related imagery as well as some doormats depicting Jesus. And Indians did not take well to it.
https://twitter.com/Lovesemi5/status/739212799012831233
People belonging to all concerned religions all over the world were not pleased at all, especially Indians, and soon enough #BoycottAmazon started trending on Twitter.
Hate tweets started pouring and Amazon came under the radar for this.
Hmmm… #BoycottAmazon for Lord Ganesh. But they didn't do anything at all. Put the fear of God cc: @rishibagree pic.twitter.com/rItVGZzQ4R
— Suresh N (@surnell) June 6, 2016
#BoycottAmazon, Now! Uninstall the app and cancel the orders, let them feel the heat…rate the app at 1 star. pic.twitter.com/oodnIeltd8
— Govinda Zavar (@GovindaZavar) June 5, 2016
WTF! Amazon Is Selling Doormats With Hindu Goddess & Holy Quran's Pic On It. #BoycottAmazon
RT & Spread! pic.twitter.com/t38aqZIfbr— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) June 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/sourishVHP/status/739150101466189824
In India, Insult Hinduism anyway, Insult Christians but apologies, Don't even dare to comment on Islam, #BoycottAmazon uninstall @amazon app
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) June 4, 2016
Soon after this controversy hit the fan, Amazon removed the relevant items, and started issuing apologies to people who left bad reviews or hate tweets.
Thanks for replying @amazonIN Hope you take action. Did my part. Have you done ? #BoycottAmazon pic.twitter.com/ki2a9FKp7u
— Venkataseshan🇮🇳 (@venkatusharma) June 6, 2016
Amazon says they have escalated this issue to their higher teams, and they’re looking into this matter. The seller is supposed to be a gift items manufacturer which sells phone cases, mouse pads, and key chains with religious imagery on them.
As of now, the issue seems to have cooled down a little bit, although a formal explanation by Amazon is still pending.