Target Going Gender-Neutral, Internet Explodes
Kelly Martin/Wikimedia Commons
Target has announced a new plan to phase out gender-based signage from its stores — including the removal of pink and blue to denote different toys meant for boys or girls.
“We never want guests or their families to feel frustrated or limited by the way things are presented,” the company wrote in a blog post announcing the changes. “Over the past year, guests have raised important questions about a handful of signs in our stores that offer product suggestions based on gender. In some cases, like apparel, where there are fit and sizing differences, it makes sense. In others, it may not.
“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.”
Changes will happen over the next few months.
Reactions on social media were a mixture of joy and confusion:
Way to go @Target! Gender-neutral signage is a step in the right direction! #letsgetgirlsinSTEM #dollsareforboystoo
— Kara (@kstlz) August 10, 2015
I want to understand. Because what I'm seeing is an opportunity to break away from a gender binary that… #Target
— Pride of Mt. Vernon (@candicehelfandr) August 10, 2015
…limits how boys and girls view their possibilities not only for play, but for self-expression and visualizing their futures, too. #Target
— Pride of Mt. Vernon (@candicehelfandr) August 10, 2015
Wait. So people think Target removing gender labels from toys is trying to force kids to become transgender and are boycotting? Whut.
— Summer Heacock (@Fizzygrrl) August 10, 2015
@Target Thx for ur new PC stance against gender distinctions.. I've decided from now on that I will begin using Targets women's bathroom.
Whatever happened to boys will be boys and girls will be girls..@Target gender bending policy is just another feather in bizzarro worlds cap
— Rocky Raccoon (@rockyracoon57) August 10, 2015
@supricky06 @Target at such a young age children especially should free to do what they like without societies gender roles pressuring them
— Celine N. (@CelineIam) August 10, 2015
It's a huge deal that Target is going gender-neutral. They're opening up a whole world of possibility for these kids http://t.co/K9CyPSVHCN
— Girls Leadership (@girlsleadership) August 10, 2015
.3% of the population is claimed to be gender challenged and Target caters to them. https://t.co/bzbFkP8OG2
— Michael L Cunningham (@Redgtosamurai) August 10, 2015
