A T-shirt being sold in stores and online in the women's juniors section emblazoned with the word "Trophy" has sparked anger from shoppers on social media Photo: Target.com
Target US is facing intense backlash online for one of their t-shirts.
A T-shirt being sold in stores and online in the women's juniors section emblazoned with the word "Trophy" has sparked anger from shoppers on social media. Many are claiming that the shirt perpetuates rape culture by designating women as objects to be won.
A woman has launched a Change.org petition asking target to remove the shirt entirely.
The petition states that the t-shirt perpetuates rape culture by suggesting "that women are merely objects, not humans, to be used for men's pleasure."
"The word trophy should not refer to any person, man or woman, because we are not THINGS- we are human beings," It continues. "Labeling any person as a 'Trophy' is demeaning their humanity and objectifying them as a tangible object that can be bought, used, and disposed of."
The backlash on social media was also swift:
@Target under what circumstances should any human being wear a T-shirt that indicates that they are a "trophy" pic.twitter.com/NXIrg8wbvW
— Ashleigh Kanengeiser (@AshleighReneee)
June 14, 2015
The fact @Target has a a bridal shirt that says "Trophy" on it AND in the juniors section sickens me. How can that seem like a good idea?
— Katie (@comicsansislife)
June 7, 2015
For a company that promotes equal rights, you would expect @Target to refuse to sell a shirt that says "trophy" to young women.
— Sarah Grace |-/ (@MeetingSarah)
May 25, 2015
Target US representative Molly Snyder sent the following statement to USA TODAY about the shirt:
"It is never our intention to offend anyone and we always appreciate receiving feedback from our guests. The shirt you're describing is part of a collection of engagement and wedding shirts that are available in our women's and plus size departments. The collection also included shirts that say 'Team Bride,' 'Mrs.' and 'Bride.' These shirts are intended as a fun wink and we have received an overwhelmingly positive response from our guests."
USA Today
