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Disney Store Surprises Everyone with Gender-Neutral Halloween Costumes
We often tell our kids they can be anyone they want to be, and it seems that even big-name retailers are starting to catch on to this message. The Disney Store recently made waves by taking a leaf out of Target’s book and completely rethinking their approach to Halloween costumes.
In years past, Disney’s online Halloween shop organized costumes into “boys” and “girls” categories, complete with the typical pink and blue labels. However, The Daily Joy reports that this year, they’ve decided to mix things up. Costumes will now be categorized simply as “costumes for kids” or “costumes for babies,” featuring inclusive promotional images that showcase both boys and girls having fun in a variety of outfits.
While it’s true that some gendered categories still linger on parts of the website, and yes, many girls in ads are still dressed as princesses, this shift represents a significant step forward for a brand like Disney. Historically, Disney has been known for promoting traditional gender roles, so their willingness to listen to parents advocating for change is a refreshing development.
Some critics argue that the way toys and clothing are marketed to kids doesn’t really matter, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Kids notice when they see aisles drenched in bubblegum pink or when boys get teased for playing with dolls. From the moment they are born, children are funneled into specific categories and targeted with hyper-gendered toys and clothing, which impacts how they perceive the world and their own identities.
Research by Dr. Emily Harper, a child psychologist, shows that children with gendered bedroom decor tend to hold more stereotypical views about gender roles. Lori Mason, another psychologist who has explored this topic, points out that the rise of gender-specific merchandise has caused boys and girls to stop playing together much earlier than is developmentally healthy. There’s even evidence suggesting that gendered toys and clothing can influence career aspirations down the line.
To dismantle outdated notions about gender and the limitations they impose later in life, we need to stop promoting these rigid ideas to young children. It’s crucial to challenge the narrative that toys, clothes, and even personality traits are inherently masculine or feminine.
Disney’s move toward a more inclusive Halloween costume selection isn’t flawless, but it’s a promising start. One day, we might see ads featuring little boys dressed as Elsa and little girls as Darth Vader, making the concept of gendered kids’ costumes seem utterly ridiculous. For now, though, I’m thrilled to see progress. If even one child feels empowered to choose any costume they like, regardless of gender, that’s a victory worth celebrating.
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In summary, Disney’s recent shift toward gender-neutral Halloween costumes is a step in the right direction, allowing children to explore their identities without the constraints of traditional gender norms. With more companies embracing inclusivity, we can help pave the way for a future where every child feels free to express themselves.
