In a rather misguided move, Old Navy recently released a t-shirt aimed at children that sent a troubling message: aspiring to be an artist is not a worthy goal. The shirt, which suggested that kids should aim for careers like astronaut or president instead, sparked outrage among parents and creatives alike.
Critics took to social media, raising a pointed question: who, exactly, is behind the designs of Old Navy’s clothing? After all, the irony of discouraging artistic ambitions while profiting from graphic tees was not lost on many. The backlash was swift, and the shirt has already been pulled from shelves.
A spokesperson for Old Navy issued a statement to ArtNet News, acknowledging the company’s commitment to their customers and expressing regret for any offense caused. They emphasized that their toddler tees feature a variety of designs — including ballerinas, unicorns, and dinosaurs — and are designed to inspire a wide range of aspirations. However, due to customer feedback, the controversial shirt was discontinued.
This isn’t the first time Old Navy has faced criticism. In 2014, they were involved in a lawsuit regarding size discrimination, and more recently, psychologists pointed out that their “boyfriend” style jeans for young girls could be seen as inappropriate. While internet outrage can sometimes feel excessive, in this case, Old Navy’s choice was clearly a misstep. The intention might have been to empower girls with messages like, “You can be president!” or “You can be an astronaut!” but the execution fell flat.
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In summary, Old Navy’s t-shirt aimed at young girls, which suggested they should not aspire to be artists, has been met with widespread criticism and has since been discontinued. The incident highlights the ongoing conversation about the importance of supporting diverse career aspirations for children.