The trendy retailer Forever 21, known for its affordable styles favored by teens and tweens, has sparked outrage with a newly released t-shirt for men that many are calling victim-blaming. The shirt features the troubling phrase: “Don’t Say Maybe If You Want To Say No.”
Imagine your teenager spotting this shirt while browsing the racks! It’s hard to fathom how this design made it past the brainstorming stage without someone raising a red flag. Who approved this concept?
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for Forever 21 stated, “We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and take customer feedback seriously.” They added that they promptly removed the shirt from their online store after receiving numerous complaints.
This incident isn’t an isolated one in the retail industry. Last year, Target faced criticism for a women’s shirt labeled “TROPHY,” which many felt perpetuated harmful stereotypes about women. A Milwaukee resident campaigned to have the shirt discontinued, arguing that it contributed to a culture that objectifies women. Target’s defense? They claimed that most customers hadn’t voiced concerns, and the shirt remains available for purchase online.
As conversations about rape culture and victim-blaming become more prevalent in our society, the timing of Forever 21’s t-shirt release seems particularly insensitive. Recently, Lady Gaga’s emotional performance at the Academy Awards of her song “Til It Happens to You” highlighted these very issues, drawing attention to sexual violence on college campuses, as well as the stigma faced by survivors. Critiques included comments on how brands should be more mindful rather than cashing in on serious social issues. “Way to go, Forever 21, for using outrage over rape culture to sell low-quality clothing,” wrote journalist Mia Thompson.
The thought of such a message being accessible to impressionable youth in shopping malls across the country is alarming. Forever 21 clearly understands its audience, and this t-shirt should never have made it to their shelves.
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In summary, the recent controversy surrounding Forever 21’s t-shirt design highlights the ongoing challenges retailers face in navigating social issues. It serves as a reminder for brands to be more considerate when creating products that resonate with their target audience, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics.