The ongoing criticism regarding the types of Halloween costumes available for young girls is not a new concern, but it remains relevant until there is a shift in how these costumes are marketed. The blatant sexism displayed in the offerings for even the youngest girls is unacceptable. Recently, one mother, Sarah Thompson, decided to express her discontent with Party City by sending them a message outlining her grievances. The company’s response was to delete her comment and subsequently ban her from their Facebook page.
Is this really how Party City chooses to handle constructive feedback?
In her message, Sarah articulated, “While Halloween costumes are certainly meant for imaginative play, it is astonishing that toddler girls would aspire to dress up as police officers in the manner your business depicts. Young girls are not dreaming of becoming ‘sexy cops’—the implication of your costume. Instead, they look up to their family members and community figures who serve and protect, and they aspire to emulate those positive role models. I find it deeply troubling that your business distorts girls’ innocent aspirations into something inappropriate.”
This is just a brief excerpt from Sarah’s note to Party City, which was promptly removed. Not only did they erase her comment, but they also restricted her from further engagement on their page. Such a drastic action is typically reserved for individuals who engage in trolling or hate speech—not for parents raising valid concerns.
Sarah’s argument is valid. Boys can dress as authentic police officers, while girls are relegated to frilly versions of the same role. For those who might dismiss her as overreacting, a comparison of the police officer costumes for toddlers reveals a stark difference: the boy’s costume resembles a standard police uniform, while the girl’s option is nothing short of ridiculous. This disparity is both unnecessary and inappropriate, especially given that it targets toddlers.
“Approximately 30% of costumes marketed to boys are based on professions, in contrast to just under 7% for girls,” she highlighted in her letter. Boys can choose from a range of careers including firefighters, doctors, and construction workers—opportunities that are largely absent for girls. You might argue, “They can simply choose the boy’s costume.” True, but why label it specifically for boys? Why not present it as unisex, allowing all children to express themselves freely?
While Party City eventually restored Sarah’s commenting privileges, they have yet to publicly address this incident. Meanwhile, the backlash against them continues on their social media platforms. Are they operating under outdated marketing practices? It’s 2015; it’s time to stop sending the message that young girls cannot aspire to be anything they wish.
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In summary, the interaction between Sarah Thompson and Party City highlights a significant issue in the portrayal of gender roles in children’s costumes. It reflects a broader societal challenge that needs to be addressed to foster an environment where all children can feel empowered to pursue their dreams.