Disney Store has a new product line...and I'm not liking it!

If you are one of my IRL friends, then you may have seen my facebook status earlier today about children with glasses.  I was upset last week after a trip to the mall when I saw products at the Disney Store that are degrading to children with glasses, like my little princess Jaden.  Today I decided to take action.

The DISNEY store--of all places, the brand that professes to "make dreams come true"--is making a statement to our children that could turn kids with glasses dreams into nightmares.

We visited the Disney store at Polaris Fashion Place near Columbus last week. As Jaden and Sienna walked through the store showing me items they'd like for their upcoming birthdays and Christmas, we ended up at a large shelf / display of new products with Minnie & Mickey wearing glasses on them.

Jaden recently had to get glasses and my first thought was, how awesome a product line for her! She always feels special when she sees other children / characters / etc. wearing glasses like she does and she would love some of the products with Disney characters wearing glasses. Then I got a closer look...and saw that EVERY.SINGLE.PRODUCT says "I heart nerds" on it.

One such product is shown here: (http://www.disneystore.com/tees-clothes-long-sleeve-nerd-minnie-mouse-tee-for-girls/mp/1288043/1000228/?CMP=OTL-Dcom&att=Search_nerd)

That's just one of MANY things--shirts, stuffed animals, school supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc.

I was immediately irate. My daughter, as well as every other little boy and girl who medically have to wear glasses are most certainly NOT nerds, nor should a huge corporation such as ever put out product that insinuates such thoughts. Thank goodness Jaden isn't reading quite yet and didn't notice the words on all of these products--her feelings truly would've been hurt.

There are millions of children who are ADORABLE and SASSY and CUTE in their glasses...why would Disney have to make them feel otherwise?

So here is what I did today, and I'm hoping you'll consider doing too. Go to http://www.disneystore.com/ and in the top right part of the page is a tab that says "contact us." Click on that and file a complaint about the new line. It's very easy to do. Only a sentence or two to get the point across is necessary.  I especially think that every parent whose child has glasses is doing a disservice to our children not to file this complaint.

I realize that "nerdy" glasses are in and even that some kids who don't need glasses to see are making a statement by wearing funky glasses as part of their personal fashion. However, let's think about what age children are going to the Disney store... And while some kids are choosing to wear glasses, our kids don't have a choice. Disney needs to realize who they're affecting.

Will you take a moment to express to Disney that their new product line is extremely insensitive and degrading to some of the very children who  love their characters?  Little boys and girls, like my own Jadie-Girl would certainly appreciate it!

Comments

Sarah said…
I totally agree with you and my son also wears glasses. I just followed your link and emailed Disney. I indicated my displeasure regarding their offensive product line aimed at "nerds". Hopefully many more will do the same. Thank you for making us aware of this.
Life Happens said…
I can't believe they would do that. Kids are cruel as it is and by marketing glasses as being 'nerdy' it will only make it worst for kids to make fun of other kids.

Glad you took action!
keight dukes said…
found you from raechel's retweet. totally sent them a note. "nerd" may be a cute way for adults to affectionately/jokingly address each other, and we are smart enough to realize nerds are the bomb! but being called a nerd as a kid can be a very bad thing. glasses does NOT equal a nerd. especially on your little sassy beauty!
Kimberley said…
I, too, found your blog from Raechel's retweet, and sent an email {as well as blogging about it and encouraging my 3 loyal readers to do the same!}. I, too, have a young child who medically must wear glasses and it infuriates me they would use this negative connotation to describe children. It also concerns me that they are basically encouraging bullying...something we've all been hearing about, and as a parent, must be concerned about.
I didn't include it in my email to them, but I find it interesting that there is only a girl's line for these {I'm sure it's because most boys wouldn't wear "I {heart} anything"}...but what is that message saying to young girls?! As I DID include in my email...poor, poor, choice, Disney.

Thanks for making me aware!

~kimberley
www.therescaffeineinmysippycup.blogspot.com
Kiisha said…
Thanks Bethany! My child has pstosis, which in the future, he will probably need glasses. I def. e-mailed them (a very long paragraph)! Hopefully enough people will send them a message!
Shay Twilling said…
I just left them a comment - thanks for raising awareness about this. Kids have enough to deal with these days without DISNEY calling them names too...
Unknown said…
Bethany, I blogged on my other blog (the one I do for diabetes...the one this account is linked to, not the family one) and shared the clip. After all Disney has done for those of us with Type 1 Diabetes...I'm disappointed that they didn't use the same sensitivity toward children with glasses. Oh, and Jaden looks ADORABLE! She seems like she has grown like crazy since the last time I saw her! ~Amy~
Megan said…
My 2 yr old daughter got her first pair of glasses 10 days ago. Today I was at my local disney store (for after halloween costume shopping) and I like you spotted the glasses from accross the store. I was so excited only to be very disapointed when I saw the text. I plan to blog about it today and write my letter of complaint to disney. Ironically we purchased tickets just weeks ago for our first family trip. I'm conflicted about supporting them. Thank you for your post! I'm joining the fight!

Popular Posts