"NO FEAR SAYS: 'NO RACISM'" > Page 1, 2
Lawsuit filed
No Fear, Inc., understandably irate that its brand has been co-opted by the likes of David Duke, has filed suit against him alleging trademark infringement. Duke, who launched his organization in January, claims he had no idea the sportswear company existed. Despite the pending lawsuit, he continues to operate under the "N.O.F.E.A.R." banner and there's little doubt his publicity efforts have played a part in the emergence of this rumor.In statements made at the time the suit was filed, No Fear downplayed the racism issue and characterized the dispute as being over trademark infringement alone. More recently, however – evidently goaded by the defamatory email – the company issued a blistering statement against Duke and his activities:
No Fear, Inc., the creator of the No Fear brand, is NOT connected in any way with the David Duke-created group called the "National Organization for European American Rights." No Fear believes that this organization is just another vehicle to promote Duke's fanatical themes of hatred and white supremacy. No Fear does not support or associate in any manner with the negative themes of David Duke. No Fear is a sports company founded a decade ago with the intent of instilling positive messages of self esteem through the medium of competitive sport, and inspiring all people to perform to their potential.The statement goes on to mention the lawsuit and No Fear's intention to "aggressively protect its name and the values that it stands for." The final sentence speaks to the falsity of the email rumor itself:No Fear believes that it has been violated by David Duke. He obviously selected the name so that he could use the acronym "N.O.F.E.A.R." and trade on the goodwill and reputation of the real No Fear brand. The confusion that this has created is appalling, and constitutes a vicious attack on values No Fear created over a decade, and an insult to No Fear's family of customers, employees, athletes and friends.
If you have received an email that suggests that No Fear has some evil political involvement or some association with David Duke or any of his organizations, please send them this text, or refer them to this Website.
It's wise of the company to challenge the rumor so forthrightly, for it has all the makings of a virulent one comparable to the longstanding and seemingly unstoppable falsehood that fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger once made racist remarks on Oprah Winfrey's show. Like the Hilfiger rumor, the "No Fear" email not only raises the specter of racial hatred but targets an audience that has more reason than most to take offense. When the text says, "please pass this on so that more of our people know what No Fear really means," it's clear that its intended readership is black.
The truth is out there, but as we've seen with other community-specific rumors such as the Christian tall tale that Procter & Gamble tithes its profits to Satan, falsehoods hold more sway and can be extremely difficult to defeat. The lies about Procter and Gamble have spread unabated for a quarter-century.
My best advice to No Fear is to keep saying the truth, and saying it loud. 
Further reading:
No Fear, Inc.
The company WebsiteNo Fear, Inc. - Statement on the Rumor
Point rumormongers to this pageDuke's Group Accused of Trademark Infringement
Associated Press story via Dallas Morning News, 02/19/00Racists Lift Logo From Innocent Company
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 07/09/00Nat'l Organization for European American Rights
Website of David Duke and his organization
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