As you can see, these were displayed next to each other at Target.
I know that the one on the left is sold in the boys’ section of the Carters store, because that’s where I bought them for Baguette. (I don’t know who makes the one on the right, but let’s face it, it could be anyone.)
It’s true, Mommy does like sleep mode–particularly with a child as sleep-resistant as Baguette. But this juxtaposition raises a number of questions for me, as I think it should for all of us.
- Why, exactly, do princesses not have bedtimes–particularly if Mommy likes sleep mode?
- Why are girls encouraged to stay up late while boys are encouraged to go to bed?
- Why is this (as far as I can tell) gender-neutral robot only for boys?
- Why does Carters stock their gender-neutral clothing only in the boys’ section?
We are not a princess-friendly household. In fact, Mr. Sandwich and I have agreed that we are only willing to use the word sardonically. So when you read the following line, imagine that Han Solo is saying it:
Trust me, Princess, you have a bedtime.
Great post – and we loved the last line both for the sardonic tone and the Star Wars reference. Our Kidzilla and her dad have been watching Star Wars movies together. And that is precisely the manner in which we use the word Princess. Sounds like Baguette and Kidzilla would get along famously – ours is also the child that never sleeps. Thankfully, though, when she finally does sleep, it is for a solid ten hours. (Silent cheer.)
Side note, I have always noticed Carters’ placement of gener-neutral clothes on the boys’ side. I honestly think it’s because there are comparatively far fewer choices for boys than girls. Ever notice that? Another wonderful message…girls should have tons of options; boys should slap on a a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt.
You may be right about the reason for the placement of gender-neutral clothing, but I wish they’d find another way to solve that. I automatically eliminate girls clothing with animal prints, “princess” or “diva” messaging, or–horror of horrors–glitter.
So that means that I’m looking at a narrower selection of the girls’ side, and then have to remember to go look in the boys’ section for other perfectly acceptable clothing. (Example: between my preferences, Baguette’s preferences, and functionality, I am likely to find more pajama options in the boys’ section, where there is a greater assortment of pajama bottoms with ribbed ankle cuffs.)
My son is 10 now, and though he enjoys the easy breezy feeling of sleeping in nothing but his drawers during the warm months, PJs are a necessity during the frigid Western New York winters. He has sworn off all things cute, so I’m left with choices like skulls and crossbones and camo. Awesome. My son is decked in death and destruction as he slumbers.
Also? Glitter is the deveel.
Seriously, any time I open up something with glitter, be it a card or an outfit, my first thought is, “Are you kidding me?”
We just found a great pair of lovely blue PJs with polar bears on them for Kidzilla – boys’ side! We just didn’t want one. more. pink. thing. She loves them. Of course, she loves pink like crazy, but she was thrilled with this option. I may have to remember to look at the “boy” side more often!
They sound adorable! I usually get to the checkout counter and then remember that I should also check the boys’ section.
Probably because I have a boy and rarely venture into the girls’ clothing, I mostly have complaints about the annoying messages on boys’ clothes. Things that reference the child as “monster”, or “Trouble,” or anything that implies the wearer is naughty. I mean, c’mon. He’s just a little kid – must we try to be cheeky all the time?
I do agree that the princess/diva/leopard-spotted-and-glittered things happening on the girls’ side of the store is awful, though. Glad I don’t have to navigate that!
I don’t care for those messages, either. I think there are all kinds of “cute” bad messages being shared.