I've read a few blog posts about this and having seen it in the current issue of Stylist magazine, I thought it might be something readers of A Storm in a Teacup might be interested in. I've vaguely referenced my feminist leanings on the blog before and so I thought it might be a good idea to incorporate some feminist news items on here where applicable.
So here's the story: Lauren Todd, a user on Change.org, noticed this questionably sexist JC Penney tshirt online and was so outraged by it that she decided to set up a petition. The tee itself is marketed at girls from the ages of 7 - 16. Each time someone signed that petition, an email went directly to JC Penney stating the grievances over the tee - that it promoted degrading and sexist ideas to young girls. Having received over 1600 emails, JC Penney caved and removed the $10 tee from their website.
How does that story make you feel? Personally, my views are mixed. I do find this kind of childrenswear offensive, of that there is no doubt. It definitely wouldn't be my choice for a young female relative.
As most of us will have experienced, the gender stereotypes enforced on pre-teen and teenage girls are vastly improving and we're generally taught that we, as women, can achieve in the same way as men. But the issue I take is that women are already hugely sexualized. Though some might argue it, the idea of a woman's worth in society is still based largely around the way she looks. I think we can all recognise the impact that being conventionally pretty or otherwise has had on our lives as women so far, even those of us who are secure and happy in the way we are. Do young girls need this sort of slogan as a fixture in their everyday lives? Do they need to hear that intellect isn't important and that being pretty is the most important thing of all?
Of course, there is a counter argument. Sexist propaganda faces us everyday; from Lynx adverts to magazines like Nuts and Zoo and, we mustn't forget, the same sexism that conditions little boys to think that to like sport, beer and fake boobs makes you manly. I don't think I'm only concerned with womens' rights at this point in time but in a rejection or at least relaxation of gender stereotypes in general. But is it worth a petition? Or is it down to the parents to protect their kids and make sure that they don't grow up to feel constrained by the traditional view of a woman and a man?
I'm not sure I like this tshirt very much. I hope JC Penney don't make anymore like it. What do you think?
