Amazon still sells racist items despite policy, watchdog groups say

Amazon’s Marketplace still contains products with racist messages, according to two watchdog groups.

The Action Center on Race & the Economy and the Partnership for Working Families reported that researchers found dozens of products, including books and music, that reflected or glorified racist ideas.

One example was an image of a burning cross, recalling the Ku Klux Klan and its attacks on African Americans, on baby’s clothing. That image was no longer on Amazon.com late Friday.

Amazon’s Marketplace web site says sales of products that promote violence, hatred and intolerance are prohibited.

Angela Peoples, campaign director at the Action Center on Race & the Economy, said she was surprised that Amazon is still allowing itself to be used by groups pushing racist ideas.

“Amazon is aware of this," she said. "They have a stated policy. And they continue to have a policy but not enforce it,” she said.

In response to the report, Amazon said third party sellers who don’t respect guidelines could see their accounts removed.