In a recent controversy, Forever 21 found itself in hot water after releasing a line of boys’ t-shirts that featured some quite unsettling slogans. One of the most criticized phrases read, “Sorry Ladies, I only date models,” which sparked outrage among parents and activists alike.
These t-shirts, designed for children as young as five, included equally troubling phrases such as:
- “Hola Ladies”
- “Ladies man”
- “Chicks are all over me”
After the story broke on various platforms, including a piece by Trendy Style, social media erupted with responses using the hashtag #NotBuyingIt. In response to the backlash, Forever 21 swiftly removed the $11 shirts from their website and issued an apology, stating, “Forever 21 takes feedback and product concerns very seriously. With regards to the T-shirts in question, after receiving feedback we have taken immediate action to have them removed from our website. We sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by the products.”
This is not the first time the retailer has faced scrutiny over its designs. They have previously dealt with lawsuits regarding alleged copyright infringements and were recently criticized for a shirt that many interpreted as making light of serious issues like assault.
While Forever 21 has expressed regret for the offense caused, questions remain about how such inappropriate messages were ever approved for production. As child development expert, Dr. Lila Hayes, shared, these shirts perpetuate harmful stereotypes that suggest boys’ self-worth is tied to their interactions with girls. This not only affects boys, whether they are gay or straight, but also sends damaging messages to girls regarding their roles and worth.
It’s crucial to recognize that children should not be burdened with ideas about attractiveness or sexual appeal at such a young age. Dressing kids in shirts with phrases like “ladies man” may seem harmless, but it contributes to a culture of sexism that can have long-lasting effects.
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In summary, Forever 21 faced significant backlash over a line of boys’ t-shirts with inappropriate slogans that many deemed sexist. The retailer responded by withdrawing the shirts and apologizing, but the incident raises important discussions about the messages we send to children through clothing and marketing.