Disney "noose" offensive to some

In Tampa Bay, a bit of a stir has been created by a news report on a piece of jewelry Disney Couture has released as a part of its "Pirates of the Caribbean" line depicting a small gold noose.

While a noose plays a small but prominent role in the Pirates franchise, some don't find the icon worth celebrating. "The thing that came to my mind when I saw the noose was lynchings," said Norman Brown, president of St. Petersburg's NAACP.

Haunted Mansion fans might note that a noose also plays a minor yet crucial role to the slim "backstory" to the Haunted Mansion attraction at the theme parks, in a scene in which the "Ghost Host" is briefly glimsed hanging from the rafters, after admitting to the act of suicide.

According to promotional statements on Karmaloop.com, Disney Couture designs "both complement the trends and test the boundaries, incorporating new materials and pioneering techniques." Likewise, in an overview of its marketing plans, Disney terms itself "fashion forward."

RIP.