Madhu Patel
CHICAGO: A Seattle headquartered luxury department stores chain Nordstrom has withdrawn an erect penis shaped vase named after Hindu deity Shiva within less than five hours of protest from a large group of Indian Americans.
Erik Nordstrom, Co-President of Nordstrom, in an email to Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism. who spearheaded the protest, wrote on November 25 saying, “Thank you for writing and bringing this matter to my attention. We certainly do not want to carry merchandise that offends anyone, especially for religious reasons. Please know that the vase has been removed from our website. I hope you will accept my apologies for any disappointment we have caused you or others. “
Rajan thanked Nordstrom for understanding the concerns of Hindu community which thought associating Lord Shiva with such a product was highly insensitive.
Lord Shiva and Shivalinga were highly revered in Hinduism and were meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not used as a vase for holding cut flowers, which might end up as a decoration in toilet/bathroom/etc. Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents.
This objectionable Shiva Ceramic Vase, described on Nordstrom website as, “this curvy, iconic vase in blush-pink ceramic makes a marvelous showcase for a spray of blooms.” It was priced at $600.
Publicly traded Nordstrom, Inc.; with 380 stores in 40 states, Canada and Puerto Rico; and serving 96 countries online through Nordstrom.com; claims to be “a leading fashion retailer offering compelling clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children”. Founded in 1901, it states: “Fashion changes. Shopping changes. Our commitment to happy customers doesn’t.”
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