Some social media users criticized the major retailer, saying it was inappropriate to make light of mental health issues. Comments included, “I am annoyed we still live in a world where making fun of mental health is okay,” and “Why is trivializing a mental disorder so widely accepted?”
However, some users who identified as having OCD defended the sweater and felt the backlash was unwarranted. One user wrote, “As someone with OCD, Target’s OCD sweater doesn’t offend me at all.” Another added, “I don’t see any reason to be angry about Target’s ‘offensive’ sweater—it’s perfectly fine!”
In response to the backlash, Jessica Carlson, a spokesperson for Target, apologized to those who were offended but clarified that the store had no plans to remove the item from its shelves. “We currently do not have plans to remove this sweater,” Carlson stated.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 2.5 million people, or 1.2% of the U.S. population, suffer from OCD.
In 2015, Target faced controversy when a woman claimed that some of their women’s T-shirts featuring the word “Trophy” were insulting, arguing that they perpetuated the idea that women could be bought or sold.
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