Since the Republic of North Macedonia signed the Prespes Agreement last year, it is illegal and highly provocative for Macedonians to use the flag depicted on this product in association with their identity. One reader contacted Greek Australian company Peter’s of Kensington to complain about an apron featuring the Star of Vergina as a symbol of North Macedonia.
Neos Kosmos contacted the company for a statement, however though no statement has been forthcoming, however the product has since been removed. The initial letter addressed to us reads as follows:
Peter’s of Kensington is one of Australia’s oldest, biggest and most successful online retailers.
They also happen to be owned by a Greek-Australian family.
On 19 Feb 2020, I wrote to the company to complain about a product on their online catalogue (and daily email specials), which I found offensive and provocative to Greeks everywhere. My email is self-explanatory, and includes a link to the offending product.
Other than an automated email, acknowledging receipt of my complaint, I have received no response from Peter’s. Today, on their online daily email, the same offending product appeared again, for the very attractive price of $26 see: https://www.petersofkensington.com.au/Public/Mondano-I-Dont-Need-Recipe-Im-Macedonian-Apron.aspx
I strongly believe that this matter now requires Peter’s to be contacted by both the Greek Orthodox Community and Neos Kosmos to demand that they remove this product from their catalogue or face an organised boycott from Greek-Australian consumers. This sort of thing needs to be “nipped in the bud”, and as an individual I can do little more.
If they listed a product that offended Israel, the whole Jewish community would come down on them like a ton of bricks. Ditto if they offended the LGBTI community. We, the Greek Community, need to be just as vigilant, and just as prepared to take united action against companies that are willing to provoke, inflame or compromise our Hellenic interests.
Name withheld upon request
Neos Kosmos welcomes Letters to the Editor. The views and opinions expressed in these are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the publisher. We reserve the right to edit contributions. All letters must be accompanied by the contact details of the authors. Send these to mary@neoskosmos.com.au or mail them to PO Box 6068 , Hawthorn West, Victoria 3122.