Commentary by GodGun
This is one of three slogans printed on the shirts of New York fashion designer, Apollo Braun. At first glance, his Lower East Side store looks like a hip, teenager’s bedroom. The walls are covered, top to bottom, with colorful magazine clippings. Racks of clothes line the walls, and jewelry stands are covered in funky beaded necklaces and outlandish earrings and pins.
His boutique, located at 193 Orchard Street, has been open since January 2003. Recently, he has come under fire for displaying and selling shirts in his store that say, “Jews Against Obama,” “Who Killed Obama?” and “Obama is my slave.” His hate for Obama stems on the fact that so many of Obama’s advisors are pro-Palestine. He also compares Obama to Hitler; the way that people clamor for him, and hang on to every word, without truly
Apollo Braun, wearing his 'Obama is my Slave' T-Shirt
understanding what he is saying. Braun says that he finds the mindless attraction to Obama similar to the fans of a rock star or celebrity. Oddly enough, he made these statements long before John McCain’s commercial, comparing Obama to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. In his own words,
“The majority of the Jews – at least the ones that are proud of their religion and practice it – like me, don’t want to see Obama – a man who’s middle name is Hussein, and his family from his Kenyan father’s side is Muslim, as the leader of this great country.
More than that, after Obama’s pastor, Jeremiah Wright honored Louis Farrakhan – definitely one of the most racist and anti-Semitic people alive – Obama lost us Jews totally. That made me start this political movement in the first place.”
He gained much more publicity after a 25 year-old graduate student in New York was assaulted by a group of women, when she was wearing an “Obama is my slave” shirt. The woman plans to sue Braun, but he claims he is protected by the First Amendment. Since the beginning of the research for this piece, many sources have come forward, claiming that there was never an assaulted student, and that Braun fabricated the entire story to create hype around his store. He claims that the woman, after being assaulted, ran back to his store to complain. The phone number that Braun claims belongs to the woman has not worked for any reporters seeking to speak with her; and there are no NYPD or eyewitness reports of any assault taking place. The only source for the story came directly from a press release, sent out by Braun’s publicist.
It seems that all of his work is only meant to shock. His second album, titled “Number 1 in Iran” has a particular song called “Saddam Hussein is a gay icon,” this kind of empty controversy is also found in lyrics of other songs, other work, and books. When leaving his store due to disgust or lack of money, he will most likely try to sell you a book of poetry, entitled “America, My Whore.”
While his musical, artistic, and pseudo-political content may not make sense, it is apparent that he has a thirst for any attention. His clothes tend to be outlandish, a plastic pony safety-pinned to a miniskirt is just one example. His attempts to be unique and artistic still draw many to his store and fashion shows. His persona and actions can lead one to question the validity of his statements. Is he simply trying to shock, or is he actually trying to create – as he put it – a ‘political movement’?
“Apollo is a catalyst for a certain form of art that is clearly effective. A sort of shock and awe. No matter what you think about this shirt it stuck with you and provoked thought. Hate it or love it, you are all talking about it. Apollo made you think. He wins.”
While this argument is valid, it still remains a fact that Apollo Braun’s work is controversy without content. His shocking statements are without any substance, and his personality is founded on the hunger for success and the need for attention. The trouble with confronting Braun at great length, or in great numbers. is that he feeds off of the attention. To put a brick through his storefront, or assault him would only strengthen his ‘me-against-the-world’ and ‘pity-me-the-artist’ shtick. Today’s culture allows for anyone to ‘express’ themselves using hate and blind action to gain attention. Braun’s work is of no benefit to anyone, and such open and liberal racism must not be tolerated. Empty racist threats, even to a Democratic Presidential Candidate, cannot stand. No matter what the purpose, a society in which no action like this is allowed must be put into place. Braun is the smallest microcosm of racism in this country, yet he represents the null argument of intolerance and ignorance.
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