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Target’s OCD Christmas sweater has spurred controversy, because many customers believe the apparel is poking fun of those affected by obsessive compulsive disorder.
The clothing product is being advertised as part of the retailer’s collection of ugly Christmas sweaters. The tradition of putting on such tacky items and attending parties or family events dressed this way has become extremely popular in recent years, but this newly launched jumper is considered inappropriate for all the wrong reasons.
The offensive apparel has a red background, and its text reads “OCD Obsessive Christmas Disorder”, written using perfectly justified alignment, in green and white.
Some of those who have seen it in stores have taken photographs of it and have posted complaints on Twitter and other social media platforms.
Their claim is that Target is turning a serious illness into a fashion statement, and is ridiculing those who are affected by obsessive compulsive disorder.
This type of mental affliction manifests itself through an irrepressible need to perform certain rituals or behaviors. Individuals who have OCD can’t fight the urge to repeat these routines, over and over again, and experience distress and anxiety when they can’t complete such tasks.
Approximately 2.2 million adults in the United States suffer from this disorder, data provided by the National Institute of Mental Health has shown. Sometimes, their condition becomes obvious when they show excessive preoccupation with symmetry, cleanliness and order.
Other times, they engage in compulsive hoarding, being unable to discard unnecessary objects and accumulating them to the point where huge piles build up.
In other occasions, OCD sufferers experience nagging, debilitating thoughts which they can’t control or banish from their minds, such as fantasies about committing violent, immoral or sexually promiscuous acts.
Regardless of the actual symptoms, OCD is a serious mental disorder, and shouldn’t be treated with derision or lightheartedness, argue those who have been protesting against Target’s new Christmas sweater.
According to them, just like cancer should under no circumstances be treated like a joke, other disorders which may be less deadly but are actually greatly disrupting should also trigger attitudes of compassion and sympathy.
Otherwise, Target might just as well continue this distressing trend by launching other similar politically incorrect items, such as “PTSD (People That Shop Disorder)” or “ADHD (All Day Holiday Disorder)” clothing.
In response to these accusations, company officials have said that while they are regretful that some customers might have been disappointed with this newly released apparel, they have no intention of removing it from department store shelves.
Indeed, the item is still widely available currently, at Target locations, as well as on the company’s website, at the price of $22.40.
It’s well worth mentioning that other businesses have also been employing OCD-related slogans in recent weeks. For instance, Cracker Barrel has been selling Light Up Burlap Wall Decor, under the same “obsessive Christmas disorder” catchphrase.
Image Source: Twitter
