We are artists and we love art and we love communicating messages through art - we certainly don't mean any harm to Mr. Lucas or the US Government and try to use our best judgment when selecting art for the FURY.
The parody for us occurs because the artist combined two very famous icons (Darth Vader and Uncle Sam) to juxtapose a message traditionally used to bolster up a sense of patriotism and nationalism but turned the message around to be a recruitment poster to "Join the Dark Side" a movement very opposite of freedom and democracy.
We think its a funny shirt and a great piece of art - the artwork is completely original created by an amazing artist, whom we fully support.
My thoughts are, it's a tough call, a grey area and I think fury made the right choice by printing it. Honestly, if it's a money issue, the profits off the tee would make up about .001% of his profits of merchandising alone. If Lucas cares that much then I would have to rethink supporting star wars.
and ssshhhh!
The parody for us occurs because the artist combined two very famous icons (Darth Vader and Uncle Sam) to juxtapose a message traditionally used to bolster up a sense of patriotism and nationalism but turned the message around to be a recruitment poster to "Join the Dark Side" a movement very opposite of freedom and democracy.
We think its a funny shirt and a great piece of art - the artwork is completely original created by an amazing artist, whom we fully support.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use
Check these out. This is just a small sample of what's out there, from some places you'll probably all recognize.
http://www.anothersite.com/product/256/Dark_Side_of_the_Garden
http://www.chopshopstore.com/product.php?productid=16180
http://www.somewhereelse.com/shop/detail/1968?category=mens
http://www.watchyourbacknyc.com/ -- (look for 'Sand Men Wear Black')
http://www.goapeshirts.com/products/022/
http://www.oddica.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=21
I'd say that Tee Fury is safe.