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TARGET, ONE OF the biggest retailers in the USA, announced earlier this week that its signs are going gender neutral.
It is making the move after feedback from customers who said that gendered signs – like ‘Boys’ or ‘Girls’ – aren’t always necessary.
Before you ask – that doesn’t mean that all the children’s toys, for example, will be wooden bricks, but that the signage won’t point to toys as being specifically for boys or girls.
So science and building sets will sit alongside dolls and sparkly things without determining what gender they are aimed at. The same goes for other products, like children’s bedding.
Why the change?
Target explained that it uses signs and displays to help guests get through the store efficiently.
“Over the past year, guests have raised important questions about a handful of signs in our stores that offer product suggestions based on gender,” it said.
In some cases, like apparel, where there are fit and sizing differences, it makes sense. In others, it may not. Historically, guests have told us that sometimes—for example, when shopping for someone they don’t know well—signs that sort by brand, age or gender help them get ideas and find things faster.
But we know that shopping preferences and needs change and, as guests have pointed out, in some departments like Toys, Home or Entertainment, suggesting products by gender is unnecessary.
We heard you, and we agree.
It is now identifying areas where it can phase out gender-based signage “to help strike a better balance”. This means that in the kids’ bedding and toy aisles, there will no longer be references to gender.
You won’t see pink, blue, yellow or green paper being used on the back of the shelves either in this section either.
This news has been welcomed by activists who have been campaigning for an end to ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ toys.
The news went down well in some quarters, and terribly in others. A look at Target’s Facebook page gives an overview of exactly how passionately people feel about the topic.
There are those who oppose it:
And those who are all for it:
The change didn’t just attract a range of comments – it also encouraged one man to pose as a Target employee and reply to some of the negative feedback.
Mike Melgaard, who called himself ‘Ask ForHelp’ and used the Target ‘bullseye’ image as his Facebook photo, told AdWeek that he created the fake Facebook account to post sarcastic comments.
About 16 hours after he began, his account was shut down – but not without many people noticing.
He said he sides with Target, but his comments were “more about the laughs”.
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Absolutely no place for this at any sports ground. They’re a disgrace to their county & should be barred from venues for life
@samstheman: They were kids, give them a break.
@páraicS: To be fair in any other sport they would see some sort of ban. By not doing so the gaa are in some way allowing this behavior to spread.
I’m a similar note I saw an underage hurling game on my local park whilst walking my dog where there was a proper fight on the pitch between 2 players where they had to be separated. Neither was sanctioned( or even told to shake hands afterwards) that’s really poor behavior from the coaches
@páraicS: they weren’t ‘kids’ . Look at the footage. They were youths. And they were a disgrace. Pure thugs
@páraicS: big enough for kids. I stand by my comment. Then they got off with a caution. Joke, interestingly if they were Dubs what would you have to say?
@Anthony: what’s a youth? If I host an under 15s soccer match is it a game between a gang of youths?
@páraicS: I would say the people harassed or intimidated because of their carry on also deserve a break
@páraicS: Kids ? They were given Adult cautions, Kids my ass!
Imagine the damage there could have been done by their behaviour and come back and tell us to give them a break.
@thephantomshit: they were older than 15. Look at the footage.
@páraicS: Nope.
@páraicS: noisy disruptive teenagers can be a nuisance at games to spectators near them needing the Guards to be called. Responsibility called for.
@páraicS: cops should have given both of them a good clipping. Teach them some manners.
@páraicS: They got their break by not being charged, but why should paying spectators have to endure gobshyte behaviour from people at a match, regardless of age?
@John Kelly: bring back nidge, they need to be clipped.
Everyone is responsible for their own actions, I’d say their families are proud of them today. If u keep messing with fire u get burnt & these guys have a long way to go if they keep lighting fires.
@reg gordon: gaa use kid gloves wth onfield violence likewise wth thuggery on terraces
@Don Dealgan: the GAA didn’t let them go with an “adult caution” the Gardai did
@samstheman: talk a bit of sense. Don’t be trying to excuse this rowdyism. People like you add to the problem.
Too much Clonmel apple juice….
There seems to be a developing culture of phuckwits in the last year at hurling matches. I was at the Limerick match yesterday and there was a gang of aroud 40 neanderthals roaring out soccer chants for the whole match. These vermin have no place at hurling games and this must be nipped in the bud now.
@Ronan Sexton: People were singing songs at a match and you got upset? Think you need a new hobby.
@Seán Ó Murchú: No Sean, are yout comprehension skills that bad? There are night classes for that.
Why were Tipp fans beating up Tipp fans????
@Adolf Galland: drink
This isn’t the first time Tipperary supporters have been fighting each other at matches. There should be a ban on intoxicated people going into matches.
@Ed: when was d other time
Unbelievable they were let go.
Their actions both warranted being charged with public order offences, the little thug on the left in the video being the chief culprit, its an assault in broad daylight with hundreds of witnesses for christ’s sake.
points deduction for Tipp
@tubbsyf: you can have 17 points of you’re from Waterford
Ah sure it only a bit of banter
Yup 50 year old Saracens fans Nayo
If that was the Dubs.liveline would get 2 weeks out of it
Wildlings.
have your say