I was able to see both sides of the argument, but to me, the biggest problem is one not being discussed.
So one Gawker poster, a female, suggested this argument in favor of the shirt:
maybe this shirt is meant to empower women. Telling them to say what they mean. To not feel pressured into doing something they don't want to do, and instead make their voice heard.
When I read that, I then looked at the picture of the shirt. The woman wearing it sure does have a good beard...
If the model is a woman, instead of a man, I think this shirt generates less controversy.
“Activism is a way for useless people to feel important, even if the consequences of their activism are counterproductive for those they claim to be helping and damaging to the fabric of society as a whole.” - Dr Thomas Sowell
Had a discussion about this theme last year with some attorneys who worked with Japanese clients. It was a contracts case where they were struggling to explain why the offended party never got a clear written notice future business was off the table.
I found out that in Asian culture, businessmen will rarely tell each other "no", out of politeness. Even if you didn't get the bid, or the research isn't fruitful and you aren't renewing the contract, or you've already moved on with another partner - they will avoid telling you "no" until the last possible moment.
I can see how someone looking to be offended could get offended, but it's really a problem with people, and not having the guts to say what really needs to be said, because that person doesn't want to deal with the awkwardness after.
Honestly, in the context of male/female interactions, it would be a good practice to teach young women early on - spell it out for young men, because they'll take any opening, and any hint of hope - and run with it in the worst ways.
I can see how someone looking to be offended could get offended, but it's really a problem with people, and not having the guts to say what really needs to be said, because that person doesn't want to deal with the awkwardness after.
"We just fixed the glitch."
Diogenes of Sinope: "It is not that I am mad, it is only that my head is different from yours."
Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSC, SSC: "Better dead than smeg."
