Controversial tween T-shirts sure are everywhere these days.
The other week, JC Penney was heavily criticized for selling apparel that read “I'm too pretty to do homework, so my brother does it for me.” Now another failed attempt at cutesiness has the Internet up in commenting-arms: Forever 21 is featuring a shirt emblazoned with “Allergic to algebra” (at $12.80, it’s still no bargain). It doesn’t stop there, either. Other tops showcase such slogans as “I love school – not” and “Skool Sucks.”
As predicted, shoppers and parents are none too pleased. One consumer even resorted to posting a response — via a Post-it-Note — on the collection. The note reads “SMART girls are cool. Don’t buy this top.” And change.org just started a petition asking Forever21 to discontinue selling clothing with sexist messages. “Forever 21's ‘Allergic to Algebra’ shirt is yet another sexist message aimed at young women telling them that math is uncool — while bragging about being bad at math is cool,” the petition reads. “Would these retailers ever consider selling ‘I Can't Do Long Division!’ shirts for boys or men?”
I agree with both of your points.
ReplyDeleteBirds can be really ugly. Although, kawaii drawings of birds and basically anything else are so much cuter than the real thing. (Not that I complain.)
I read that article a while ago, and I think they are over reacting a little. HOWEVER, the thought that could be implied is awful and sets a bad example for girls everywhere. SMART girls should be proud, not wishing that they were stupid and could wear an allergic to algebra t-shirt or something.
it's just worth too much trouble.
they COULD be implying that it's okay if you are perfect. if the best you can get is a B-, then that's just the best you can get.
Although, personally, I don't think they were trying to say that...
Too much trouble.