Update: Parents and advocates are now bringing attention to another sexist T, this one by Forever 21 that reads: “Allergic to algebra”
The Mommy Files posts:
Many Reddit readers were outraged. A user who calls herself PrincessJingles chimed in: “‘Allergic to algebra’…really? The last thing the young women of our world need is another reason to think being dumb is cool. This tee is an affront to learned women the world over who have the audacity to dream of a day when women will be respected equally by their male peers, not because of some feminist movement, but simply because we give no reason for our male counterparts to think otherwise. Shame on you.”
Forever 21, a Los Angeles-based retailer that’s popular with teens, is selling the tee for $12.80. This isn’t the retailer’s only shirt implying that girls are stupid and uninterested in school. The words “Skool sucks” are boldly written across one shirt and another reads “I love school” on the front and “Not…” on the back.
After furious parents protested JCPenney’s sexist T shirt that read “I’m too pretty to do my homework so my brother has to do it for me,” the massive chain store pulled it. It’s is a huge victory for parents and kids, boys included, because when kids repeatedly get the message that girls are only supposed to be pretty, it’s bad for everyone.
Melissa Wardy of Pigtail Pals has created an awesome T-shirt that’s selling like hotcakes. The shirt reads: “Pretty has nothing to do with it.” You can buy the shirt here.
If you don’t know of Wardy or her site and blog, check it out. Here’s how she describes her products/site’s mission:
“Pigtail Pals was created by Melissa Wardy, a mom and entrepreneur who was fed up of the limitations and stereotypes found in children’s clothing. Melissa wanted role models for her daughter that exemplified courage, intelligence, and imagination.
She doesn’t want to confine her little girl to the pink and purple world being marketed to her. When Melissa couldn’t find what she wanted, Pigtail Pals was born. It is our intention to show girls that they may be bold, adventurous and heroic just like the boys!
A Pigtail Pal doesn’t wish upon a star and wait for her prince to show up. A Pigtail Pal gets into her rocket ship and finds that star all on her own!”
An interview with Wardy coming soon.
Thank you for a really good post. These shirts (including the horrific Abercrombie & Fitch one) are just beyond awful. As if our young girls don’t have enough cultural nonsense to contend with already.
Incidentally, there’s also an awesome shirt sold on ThinkGeek which reads “Self-Rescuing Princess” – I’m getting one for my 5-year-old daughter. 🙂
Suzanne,
I’ll check the shirt out.
Thanks,
MM
Particularly ironic since modern algebra was basically founded by a woman, Emily Noether.
The messages like the one in the first shirt are taken in by children, and in my opinion, only further misogynist attitudes. After the birth of our first daughter, men I knew would lean over and whisper to me “Admit it, you wanted a boy.” I do not think they intended to be rude, but I felt it was rude to assume I would only be happy with sons. My daughters are truly incredible, and I love them with all my heart.
And, on more than one occasion, I have walked into boys talking down to my two daughters, as if it is acceptable for boys to push around and insult girls. As a Daddy, I do my best to read about positive relationships with my children, and enforce their positive traits. I love this new shirt, this is something I would love to see more of. Shirts that enforce a positive and strong female image.
I have been very impressed by this blog and shared it with many friends and others I have met. Thank you for your great posts.
Thank you so much, Margot!
That’s awesome. This non-parent, but former tween smart AND pretty girl, can DEFINITELY get behind that.