Three months ago, a tweet from an Ohio mom went viral when she made a tweet telling Target to not separate “Building Sets” from “Girls’ Building Sets.”
The retailer announced that it intends to fix the problem in a press release by stating, “Right now, our teams are working across the store to identify areas where we can phase out gender-based signage to help strike a better balance. For example, in the kids' bedding area, signs will no longer feature suggestions for boys or girls, just kids. In the Toys' aisles, we'll also remove reference to gender, including the use of pink, blue, yellow or green paper on the back walls of our shelves. You'll see these changes start to happen over the next few months.”
The author of the tweet, Abi Bechtel, has had firsthand experience with the problem. Her sons, ages 7, 9, and 12, used to have no problem picking out dolls from stores and playing with them. Now, she says, they say “those are girls' toys!” Children will never have to feel this way again if all stores implemented the change Target has. They can play with the toys they want without being made fun of or feel different.
Target has received mixed feedback from its customers following its announcement. People have even gone as far as to boycott the store . Feedback includes that Target’s plan was “un-Christian” and “reeking of the gay agenda.” God forbid your son grows up to be a nurturing, caring father or your daughter to be a smart, brave, and curious woman, right?
By announcing its plan to remove signs that suggest the separation of gender, Target is raising awareness of the transgender community. It is showing the world that gender dysphoria is real and it’s okay. Solid move, Target.
