Blame it on merchandising fever, but someone didn't do their history homework. A boys' T-shirt bearing the word "SPAIN" and a small Spanish flag for sale at target.com and some Target stores has been pulled because the flag pictured is not currently flown in Spain. That flag, which depicts an eagle over an emblem, hasn't been displayed in Spain since 1978, because it represents the era of General Francisco Franco, whose regime was notorious for human-rights abuses.
"We certainly apologize for any discomfort or offense this shirt may have caused," said Target spokesman Joshua Thomas. The shirt is not a Target brand, he said, but is exclusive to the store. It arrived in late May and was available at about 700 of Target's 1,740 stores nationwide as well as the website. Any shirts already purchased may be returned for a full refund, but they're probably on their way to becoming collector's items.
KRISTIN TILLOTSON
