Sweater At Target Labeled ‘Deeply Offensive’ Target Responds: Get Over It
Target’s Christmas Sweater Sparks OCD Controversy
A young woman with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) sparked debate after spotting a holiday sweater at Target that read:
“OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder.” Reign Murphy, a regular shopper, said she was horrified by the phrase, which she believed made light of a serious mental illness.
She took a photo and posted it on Twitter, writing: “I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t sell my mental illness as a fashion statement.”
Her tweet quickly went viral, with thousands reacting online.
Mixed Reactions Online
While some users agreed the sweater was offensive, others didn’t see a problem. One person wrote, “I am annoyed we still live in a world where picking fun at mental health is okay.” Another added, “Why is trivializing a mental disorder so widely accepted?”
However, others who said they also live with OCD defended the sweater. “As someone with OCD, Target’s OCD sweater doesn’t offend me the least bit,” one user posted.
Target Responds to Backlash
Target acknowledged the backlash but refused to pull the sweater. Company spokesperson Jessica Carlson said, “We currently do not have plans to remove this sweater,” though she apologized to those offended.
The sweater, meant as a humorous nod to holiday enthusiasts, has been sold by other retailers and designers in the past.
Larger Discussion on Mental Health and Sensitivity
This incident adds to ongoing debates about how mental illness is portrayed in fashion and media. OCD affects about 2.5 million Americans, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
While opinions remain divided, the controversy raises a larger question: when does humor cross the line into insensitivity?