The brave feminists of America are currently undertaking a crusade to equate funny t-shirts with "rape culture." The culprit? This "trophy wife" tee from Target.
Riled-up Twitter users have been bashing Target over the shirt:
@Target under what circumstances should any human being wear a T-shirt that indicates that they are a "trophy" pic.twitter.com/NXIrg8wbvW
— Ashleigh (@AshleighReneee) June 14, 2015
There is a shirt in the women's section of the #mayslanding #target that says trophy...
#everydaysexism #objectification #norespect
— kristen slagle (@MurphySlagle) June 8, 2015
And it wasn't long before someone started a Change.org petition demanding Target take it down, because "rape culture."
The petition claims that calling someone a "trophy" is "demeaning their humanity and objectifying them," and therefore "encourages a rape culture where women are merely objects, not humans, to be used for men's pleasure."
"This shirt hinders progress made by thousands of advocates before us."
On the other hand, Target reviewer "sunspell" is totally on board:
Target defended the shirt in a statement, telling news outlets, “It is never our intention to offend anyone and we always appreciate receiving feedback form our guests. The shirt you’re describing in part of a collection of engagement and wedding shirts that are available in our women’s and plus size departments. The collection also included shirts that say “Team Bride,” “Mrs.” and “Bride.” These shirts are intended as a fun wink and we have received an overwhelmingly positive response from our guests.”
Urban Outfitters is probably just kicking themselves for not thinking up this shirt first.