Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
In case you haven't heard, the Olympics are happening this summer, and über-American brand Ralph Lauren is not only outfitting the athletes in preppy digs for the Opening Ceremony (see: above), but it's also seizing the opportunity to show some patriotic love through the internet. Now through September 9, users can write a message, or upload photos or video showing support for Team USA through Ralph Lauren's Facebook page. So it's basically an online pep rally complete with a cheer squad comprised of you and everyone else on Facebook.
Here are some other neat-o things that dropping the athletes a line will accomplish: The messages will run on Ralph Lauren’s Facebook app plus they'll be screened straight to the muscly-est Americans around at the USA House in London. And, as if that's not enough, for every "cheer" uploaded through the app, the Ralph Lauren will donate $1 to the U.S. Olympic Committee (up to $25,000). Points, RL, for creative use of social media and philanthropy, demerits for perpetuating the idea that every American belongs to a country club.
· Ralph Lauren [Facebook]
· Time for Tennis: A Tennis Apparel Cheat Sheet [Racked]
· All Ralph Lauren Coverage [Racked]