London Summer Olympics 2012

2012 U.S. Olympic Uniforms

     What an exciting time!  The 2012 Summer Olympics have officially begun!  As each participating country marched with their respective flag, people all over the world were able to see Ralph Lauren's designs for the U.S. Olympic team’s opening ceremonies uniforms. They featured smart berets, neckties, and double-breasted blazers in a nautical blue and white outfit with red accents. Ever since being debuted by the company, a copious amount of American citizens have criticized the uniforms because of their preppy look, their French-inspired berets, their oversized Ralph Lauren logo on each blazer, and the fact that every single item of clothing was made in China.  While many were frustrated by the uniforms, some people were completely outraged and wanted the uniforms redone altogether.
     Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, told ABC News that the uniforms should be burned.
     “If they have to wear nothing but a symbol that says USA on it, painted by hand, that is what they should wear."
     Others were also offended that the uniforms wouldn’t benefit the American textile industry.  Regardless, the U.S. Olympic Committee has defended the uniforms and stood by Ralph Lauren.  This isn't the first time that the ‘Made in China’ issue has come up, either.  The exact same thing occurred in 2008, when Ralph Lauren created the Olympic team’s uniforms, also manufactured in China.  However, Ralph Lauren has since announced that the uniforms it provides the U.S. Olympic team at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, will be made in the United States.

2008 U.S. Olympic Uniforms

     So what do you think?  Was the huge Ralph Lauren logo on each blazer too much?  Was it a big deal that the uniforms were made in China?  And the big question: should the uniforms have been used this year at all?  Tell me your thoughts below.