Certain sayings should just not be put on graphic tees and sweaters, especially a mental illness. Target, a large American retailer, is facing backlash for a piece of apparel that some say belittles a mental illness. The red garment contains the slogan “OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder” and is on sale in store as well as online. While some say it innocently pokes fun, others strongly disagree stating that making light of a serious mental illness is not okay. According to Today, Target is losing customers by the minute as many are upset by this piece of clothing referring to it as “disgusting” claiming that it “mocks” and “trivializes mental illness.” As we all know, when controversy arises, social media blows up. A string of tweets bearing the hashtag #OCDSweater has gained prominent attention on several platforms of media. Many find Target insensitive for stocking this ignorant $22.40 sweater on its shelves.
What OCD really stands for is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, an anxiety disorder that causes repeated unwanted thoughts. It is a serious mental illness that many people struggle with every day of their lives. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 2.2 million American adults are living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Despite all of this, the spokesperson for Target, Jessica Carlson, stated that the company has no intention of removing the garment from the shelves. To Target’s defense, Target did not invent the derogatory slogan. The words “OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder” can be found on a variety of items from mugs to pillowcases within numerous companies such as SpreadShirt, CafePress, Skreened, and Zazzled. Target just happens to be the largest retailer displaying it.
BipolarUs, a global bipolar support group, is calling for a boycott of Target. Others have started a Change.org petition asking the retailer to remove the offending sweaters from the stores. According to Woman’s Day, supporters of the petition say it is not about political correctness but about “ending misinformation and stigma.” All of this controversy leads me to believe this is the ugliest Christmas sweater of all time.
This is not the first time Target has been criticized for its controversial clothing slogans. In July, Target gained negative attention after selling a t-shirt with the word “TROPHY” on it. A Change.org petition was created to demand that the company stop selling the shirt as it was offensive to many women. Many found it degrading and disrespectful to refer to a woman as a “trophy” as it objectifies women as a tangible item that can be “bought, used, and disposed of.”
Target has released a variety of statements overall addressing the fact that their apparel is never made with the intention to offend anyone.
