Mr. Philip Rooke’s response

Thank you to the petitioners for caring about the Anorexia and Bulimia. Eating disorders and the general issue of pressure on women and men to perform to ideal body shape is major social issue and personal concern. Both socially and professionally this has been an issue that I have experienced. I have actively worked on issues relating to eating disorders as student councilor then working in women’s magazines, women's online information portals and working for a major grocery retailer.

Sadly this petition is misleading. The specific shirts mentioned are part of an artist’s work challenging people to consider body types and the impossibility of conforming to being a super model. http://ioanacolor.com/ART-model-body/model-body.shtml The point of the art work and shirts was to raise awareness of the issues. The slogans are disturbing and thought provoking. Art is not about being politically correct but pushing people to think. I would ask the petitioners to look at the designs and artwork from the context they were meant to be seen from, then asses the real intention of the items.

Spreadshirt is a platform that enables people to publish their ideas on clothing and accessories. We are very proud of the fact we allow artists, designers, campaigns and many different people to express their ideas on merchandizing. None of the items published reflect or represent the views of Spreadshirt, nor should the views of Spreadshirt and its employees be used to govern what sellers place for sale. We take steps only to remove any items that are outside of the law or have a direct incitement to violence against an individual. As a platform we will support the creators in their right to use there ideas and I will not be removing their designs.

I hope that the petitioners understand the reasons given above. I also encourage them to in other ways keep promoting awareness about this issue in more constructive ways.