It’s safe to say Target has hit a nerve, with the launch of their “Obsessive Christmas Disorder” holiday sweater. In the name of Christmas cheer, the mega-retailer printed a red sweater bearing the words “OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder” written across the chest and it has many on social media accusing the merchant of making light of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
OCD is a medical condition characterized by having excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) and it affects more than two million American adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Using the hashtag #OCD, disgruntled shoppers shared their frustrations on Twitter.
Boo, @Target. You’ll end up on the naughty list if you keep making light of illnesses like #OCD. pic.twitter.com/QERuaFK4OJ
— Dani Poole (@DPoolePR) November 8, 2015
@Target Congratulations on becoming part of the problem when it comes to stigmas against mental illnesses. #OCD #mentalillness — Samantha Raper (@Spaztacular) November 11, 2015
@Target: #OCD causes real suffering & impacts millions. Your latest #marketing plot is distasteful. #Mentalillness is no joke. #socialwork
— Cheryl Aguilar (@cheryl_aguilar) November 11, 2015
@Target #OCD is not a joke. Its a debilitating disease that kills. Boycott #Target @howiemandel @jtimberlake — Andrew Valentino (@SicilianNecktie) November 10, 2015
But not everyone is hot and bothered over the pullover. Others who shared that they have been diagnosed with OCD, described the sweater as “awesome.”
I have #ocd and I find the @Target shirt to be awesome. Again, people are too easily offended. #liberalmedia
— Jake Odell (@yOdellehewho24) November 11, 2015
As someone with OCD @Target‘s #OCD sweater doesn’t offend me the least bit. — KimB18 (@JustKimB) November 10, 2015
In light of the situation, a spokesperson for Target released the following statement: “We never want to disappoint our guests, and we apologize for any discomfort. We currently do not have plans to remove this sweater.”
What do you think of Target’s “OCD” holiday sweater? Funny or not so much? Sound off in the comment section below.
