Two Wongs Can Make It White

Controversial T-shirts pulled by clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch this week after complaints they were racially insensitive are now being auctioned on eBay, fetching more than $200 apiece.

One shirt shows Chinese laundry workers with conical hats and the phrase, "Wong Brothers Laundry Service: Two Wongs Can Make It White." Current bids on eBay were as high as $249.

A second design pulled by Abercrombie & Fitch showed a smiling Buddha and read, "Buddha Bash: Get Your Buddha on the Floor." Bids were also at $249 on eBay. The shirts retailed for about $25.

Protests began this week after the shirts appeared in stores. The Organization of Chinese Americans said it was "outraged" that the shirts would display "demeaning and degrading stereotypical Asian images and word plays."

The group said its office was flooded with inquiries about the issue.

"These racist images were meant to be a parody, and the Asian Pacific American community takes offense that a corporation would use common stereotypes for cheap laughs and profit."

The New Albany, Ohio-based retailer issued a statement saying it never intended to offend anyone but simply wanted to add humor and levity to its fashion line. An Abercrombie & Fitch spokesman said they thought consumers, especially those in the Asian community, would like the shirts.

It is not the first time the company has attracted controversy for its clothes. Other items feature sexually suggestive slogans and images, as does its advertising.