Essay 1467

Shopping for news in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Target pulled a CD carrying case featuring Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s likeness after folks complained the Marxist revolutionary was a murderer and totalitarian symbol. “What next? Hitler backpacks? Pol Pot cookware? Pinochet pantyhose?” wondered one critic. Target responded by declaring in a statement, “It is never our intent to offend any of our guests through the merchandise we carry. … We have made the decision to remove this item from our shelves and we sincerely apologize for any discomfort this situation may have caused our guests.” Then again, the trendy retailer has always been considered revolutionary.

• P.Diddy wants to know who let the dogs out. It turns out that the “faux fur” collars on his Sean John coats weren’t “faux” after all, actually coming from a canine called a raccoon dog. “I was completely unaware of the nature of this material, but as soon as we were alerted, the garments were pulled,” said Combs. How come he never pulls his albums when they turn out to be dogs?

• The country’s first openly lesbian fire chief (working in Minneapolis) was demoted amid discrimination and sexual harassment charges. She’s facing lawsuits from four firefighters — three women and a man — alleging various acts of biased behavior. No word yet from Rosie O’Donnell.

• The Ohio couple charged with forcing some of their 11 foster kids to sleep in cages may now be facing a similar scenario (see Essay 272). A jury convicted the two of felony and misdemeanor counts, leading to the possibility of serving jail time. Which should make the couple feel right at home.