This story might qualify for the "Somebody Needs to Get a Life" file. According to an April 5 story on the LA Times, Target has apologized to an unhappy customer who was offended because they offered a plus-size kimono dress in the color, "manatee gray." The corresponding garment in regular size was offered in the shade, "Dark Heather Gray."
The traumatized plus-size customer used Twitter to express her experience with social injustice, and soon after Target responded with an apology and a change in color choices.
Target was not calling their plus-size customers sea cows, which is a common name for manatees. However, those of us who are very plus-size know that if we wear a large grey kimono dress, we will look like sea cows. The LA Times says that Target often uses the color description, “manatee gray” on housewares, men’s items, and more.
Overweight people do experience some prejudice in certain arenas due to their size. (This writer has experienced that this is true.) It just seems ridiculously petty to focus on this “manatee gray” issue. The time could be better spent at the gym. Whether we are wearing “dark heather gray” or “manatee gray” mu-mus, we are still at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Comments