Walmart found itself at the center of a controversy. Hindus noticed that the retailer was selling products featuring Lord Ganesha’s image on items like slippers, swimsuits, and underwear. The products deeply offended the Hindu community, leading to global outrage. Thankfully the company took swift corrective action. However, this incident shines a spotlight on the recurring misuse of sacred imagery by global brands and the need for cultural sensitivity. Let’s talk!
Dear Walmart – My God Is Not Your Product’s USP!Â
This is unacceptable. You can’t demean our Hindu Gods.@Walmart should immediately withdraw ‘Celestial Ganesh Blessings collection’ and apologise to Hindus. 😡😡 pic.twitter.com/KGCcqqObXu
— Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht) December 6, 2024
Social media erupted when Walmart’s “Celestial Ganesh Blessings Collection” was discovered. The range included flip-flops, bikinis, socks, and boxers adorned with Lord Ganesha’s image. For Hindus, Bhagwan Ganesha represents wisdom and the remover of obstacles. Thus, making the use of his image on such items a direct affront to their faith.
Hindu advocacy groups, including the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), Insight UK, and Hindu Jagruti Organisation, condemned Walmart’s actions.
By the divine blessings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna and Shri Ganesha, I have officially filed a complaint against @Walmart and its directors for their disgraceful portrayal of Bhagwan Ganesha on products like underwear, socks, slippers, and more.
This blatant insult to Hindu Deities… pic.twitter.com/cBS53kPHVC
— Amita Sachdeva, Advocate (@SachdevaAmita) December 6, 2024
Social media was flooded with posts demanding an immediate halt to the sale of these products. Netizens stated that Big Companies cannot demean Hindu Gods as a USP for sale! This was not the first time Walmarty offended Hindu sensibilities. They had tries to hock a Lord Ganesha toe ring in 2018 and a plushie doll of Lord Ganesha in 2017. The anger of Hindu groups made them retarct their products. However, the pattern of repeated testing of Hindu tolernace stands revealed.
Deliberate Misconduct by @Walmart A Call for Accountability and Severe Penalties
The actions of @Walmart in 2017 and 2018 clearly reflect a deliberate pattern of misconduct, indicating an intentional attempt to circumvent the law. This establishes that the necessary mens rea is… https://t.co/HO53X93phb pic.twitter.com/UKdOtdxrWi
— Amita Sachdeva, Advocate (@SachdevaAmita) December 7, 2024
Walmart Did What Other Global Brands Have Done Before!
This was not the first time Walmart ran foul with Hindu cultural sensibilities! Moreober, Walmart is not unique in its attempt to check the line of Hindu tolerance! Many global brands have tried to use images of Hindu Gods to sell products! In recent years, companies like Amazon, Nestle, Sahara Ray Swim, and even nightclubs have used Hindu deities inappropriately, triggering similar outcries.
- Amazon (2019): Floor mats and toilet covers with images of Hindu deities.
- Sahara Ray Swim (2022): Swimwear featuring Hindu gods.
- Nestle (2022): Used Hindu deities like Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Mata Subhadra on KitKat wrappers in India.
- House of Yes Club (2018): Wall decor depicting sacred Hindu images was used in the toilet of a club. Thus, turning images of reverence into casual decoration.
Hence, the corporates have effectively tested the bottom line for tolerance among Hindus for years. The recurring nature of these incidents highlights a gap in cultural understanding. It also reveals the deep inability to comprehend the revence standards Hindus have towards their Gods. While some brands claim ignorance, advocacy groups have repeatedly called for stricter guidelines on the commercial use of religious imagery.
Victory Through Advocacy And Dialogues
Success! Thank you @walmarthelp @Walmart for removing the Ganesh slippers from your online catalog.
We appreciate your responsiveness and look forward to continued conversations about respectful use of Hindu imagery. https://t.co/UZIgA6Al35 pic.twitter.com/S1BcipH4WE
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) December 7, 2024
Unlike violent “peaceful” zombie protests by the One-Book religion, the Hindu community always chose a legal path of communication in conflict. Groups like HAF directly contacted Walmart, providing respectful yet firm feedback.
Social media campaigns by the right wing amplified these voices, urging action without resorting to aggression.
Both Products have been removed from @Walmart App/Website after Huge Outrage from Hindus
Kudos to everyone who raised their voice
Retweet if you are happy pic.twitter.com/IRPkGYbE6b
— Randomsena (@randomsena) December 7, 2024
This strategy worked. Within 48 hours, Walmart removed the offending products from its catalog. Hindu advocacy leaders praised the swift response and corrective action. However, they also remind global companies of their responsibility to respect all cultures.
Walmart Incident – A Global Moment Of Learning
The Walmart controversy underscores the urgent need for cultural sensitivity for Hindus. Religious symbols carry deep meaning for billions. Thus, their misuse for profit risks alienating entire communities.
Hence, global conglomerates must consult cultural experts before using sacred imagery.
Moreover, they must learn to prioritize respect over profits. Walmart’s quick corrective action offers hope that businesses can learn and improve. For Hindus worldwide, this incident serves as a reminder of their power to protect their sacred symbols through dialogue and peaceful protest.