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Target’s ‘Trophy’ T-Shirt Draws Backlash And Sexism Claims From Customers

By Lindsay McCane
Published on: 14:11 PST, Jul 21, 2015

Target’s “Trophy” t-shirt is drawing backlash from customers who are claiming the shirt promotes sexism.

Customers of the American retail giant have been taking to social media to voice their outrage over the t-shirt, saying it is demoralizing and that no woman or person should be considered anyone’s “trophy.”

Target’s t-shirt is sold online and in stores in the women’s and plus sizes department and features the words “Trophy” across the chest. The t-shirt is fairly inexpensive, costing $12.99, and $14.99 in plus sizes.

According to Target’s statement, issued to ABC News via Target representative Molly Snyder, the t-shirt is part of a engagement and wedding collection and is meant to be funny.

“It is never our intention to offend anyone and we always appreciate receiving feedback from our guests,” the statement read. “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.”

A Change.org petition was created by one customer, who is demanding that the t-shirt be removed from the store immediately and claiming that it is promoting rape culture.

“The word trophy should not refer to any person, man or woman, because we are not THINGS- we are human beings. 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 petition reads.

“Help women around the world by standing against these types of messages in our culture. You may say to yourself, ‘It’s only a shirt, what’s the big deal?’ I would respond by asking you to consider how strong words can be, and the power they have to both help and hinder,” the petition continues. “This shirt hinders progress made by thousands of advocates before us. It says that, despite being ‘equal’ on paper, we are still viewed as ‘things,’ and Target wants to profit off of that.”

The petition currently has 8,119 supporters, with only 1,881 needed to reach their original goal of 10,000. Currently, there is no word as to whether or not Target will remove the “Trophy” t-shirt.

This is not the first time that Target has come under fire for allegedly promoting sexism. In October 2014, the retailer received backlash from customers after the store started selling kid’s clothing that some people found demeaning and sexist. A juniors shirt read, “Training to be Batman’s Wife,” while a girl’s pair of pajamas that read “I only Date Heros” was found next to a boy’s infant onesie that read, “Future Man of Steel.”

DC Comics, who licensed the Batman t-shirt, released a statement following the criticism, according to the Daily Mail.

“Our company is committed to empowering boys and girls, men and women, through our characters and stories,” their statement read. “Accordingly, we are taking a look at our licensing and product design process to ensure that all our consumer products reflect our core values and philosophy.”

What do you think about the “Trophy” t-shirt? Do you agree with the petition? Leave your comments below.

[Photo via Twitter]

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