TEAM USA: MADE IN CHINA

Photo: Ralph Lauren press 

Shit has hit the fan when it comes to the Olympic opening ceremony uniforms for team USA. ABC World News reported that the, already scrutinized, Ralph Lauren designed uniforms are actually tagged "Made In China". When team USA enters the stadium for the the "Parade of Nations", will China be laughing at the inside joke. Where is the American pride in US manufacturing?


The only thing American about the uniforms is the color combination. The rich navy sports coat looks chic when worn with the crisp white pants or knee length skirt for ladies. The accents of red in the tie and scarf is a subtle detail that pops against the dark tones. There is one accessory that has started the murmuring on the news outlets: The Beret. There are some hardcore fans of America that have the opinion that the beret is to borderline French. Agreed. The previous U.S. Summer Olympic teams have worn random hat styles. The least annoying was the caps worn at the 2008 ceremony. Just when the beret discussion was calming down, the news broke that the Ralph Lauren designed uniform was made in China. Cue Gasps!

It is hardly shocking that another American sold product is manufactured in China, but the Olympic uniforms are a symbol of patriotism on the world stage. Sure toys, household appliances, and most other domestically used products we accept as "Ok" to be manufactured in China. It is socially acceptable to just ignore the origin of most the products we use. Americans have just accepted that the cost benefit of producing products internationally is the price to pay for saving in cost to consumers. The discussion of product manufacturing is a complex one that goes deeper than this article, however it is important to really look at our manufacturing philosophies and practices of America.    

The good thing about the news breaking, about the "Made in China" label on team USA ceremony uniforms, is the focus on manufacturing practices and philosophy for America. It is unrealistic to believe that all product manufacturing or purchasing should be done within America, however there are many hard workers in America who pride themselves in the quality and craftsmanship of American made products. It will be interesting to see what the outcome is for the ceremony uniform. July 12 ABC World News posted a follow up article on the discussion entitled, "Lawmakers Want 'Made in China' U.S. Olympic Uniforms Burned"

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