Amazon’s Mahatma Gandhi flip-flops spark anger

Flip-flops bearing the face of India’s independence icon Mahatma Gandhi for sale on Amazon triggered fresh outrage yesterday, days after the e-retail giant was forced to stop selling Indian flag doormats, reports Al Jazeera.
On Wednesday, India demanded Amazon apologise for selling “insulting” doormats featuring India’s national flag, with Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj warning of tough action against the company. The flip-flops were still available to buy on Sunday morning, but a few hours later the offending sandals had disappeared from the site.
On Saturday, the Indian foreign ministry said that the country’s “ambassador in Washington has been instructed to convey to Amazon that while providing a platform for third party vendors, they should respect Indian sensitivities and sentiments,” said spokesman Vikas Swarup.
Several people left comments on the Customer Reviews board beneath the Amazon listing condemning the sale of the sandals.
“Try imagining your footwear featuring your own parents or grandparents & how comfortable would you be with that kind of a “respect” and “affection” shown to them,” wrote Ramesh.

Amazons Mahatma Gandhi flip-flops spark anger

Flip-flops bearing the face of Indias independence icon Mahatma Gandhi for sale on Amazon triggered fresh outrage yesterday, days after the e-retail giant was forced to stop selling Indian flag doormats, reports Al Jazeera. On Wednesday, India demanded Amazon apologise for selling insulting doormats featuring Indias national flag, with Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj warning of tough action against the company. The flip-flops were still available to buy on Sunday morning, but a few hours later the offending sandals had disappeared from the site. On Saturday, the Indian foreign ministry said that the countrys ambassador in Washington has been instructed to convey to Amazon that while providing a platform for third party vendors, they should respect Indian sensitivities and sentiments, said spokesman Vikas Swarup. Several people left comments on the Customer Reviews board beneath the Amazon listing condemning the sale of the sandals. Try imagining your footwear featuring your own parents or grandparents how comfortable would you be with that kind of a respect and affection shown to them, wrote Ramesh.