Making a statement with(out) clothing

A wife beater is not a tank top. \nA tank top is simply a white, sleeveless top that is worn by men and women. A wife beater is someone who abuses his wife.\nAn organization based in New York, www.liveawear.com, has started a campaign against domestic violence through a clothing line. Yet, this isn't an ordinary fashion statement. The only item it sells are white 50 percent cotton and 50 percent modal tank tops with the slogan "not a wifebeater" on the front. They sell them for men and women on their Web site for $40 each.\nThis is a long overdue step for combating inappropriate and out-of-place language. A lot of people might think nothing of calling a shirt this term. It's deeply ingrained in our brains, to the point where saying it doesn't conjure images of beaten wives or abusive husbands. Still, this doesn't make it OK.\nNo matter where you get your statistics, the fact that any senseless violence occurs in this world is reason enough to take a stand for its end. As April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month here in Indiana, it's a timely promotion.\nThis isn't a perfect campaign, though. First, the shirt costs $40. Their Web site states, "The net proceeds of your purchase go to increasing public awareness of \npartner violence." \nIt's a great cause. Still, Liveawear is only selling its tank tops at exclusive boutiques and stores through Splendid Tees, a designer clothier. Its list of department stores and online venues that sell the tees is small, with six \nretailers.\nThe target audience for this well-intentioned campaign against domestic violence must be wealthy. The day I buy a $40 tank top that isn't made of silk or gold is the day I need to re-evaluate my finances and spending decisions. Still, I support donating to worthy causes like that of Liveawear's.\nDomestic abuse doesn't discriminate when it comes to race or economic class. Yet, the class in which the term "wife beater" probably originated doesn't have $40 to spend on tank tops. This article of clothing began as a mark of lower class standing, which even Liveawear admits. If they really want to reach the masses, sell them for much less and in many more places.\nI'm not sure I agree with the slogan, either. Perhaps a better choice would be "this is a tank top." By using the term "wifebeater," Liveawear isn't eliminating fashion's usage of the term. Replacing it is a much better way to purge its incorrect usage.\nI'm not about to purchase a tank top, no matter the cause, from a company that already cheats its snobby customers out of $93 for a cotton hoodie. There's more than one valuable cause in the world. Sweatshops and price gouging are also important and significantly related to Liveawear's campaign. Instead, I'll wear black on Thursdays in April (in support of the IU Men's Coalition's campaign "Thursdays in Black"), never use the term "wifebeater" and correct those using the term incorrectly.