The word "trophy" generally has positive connotations associated with achievements and winning.
But recently, after the word appeared on a line of Target T-shirts, it incurred the wrath of the Internet.
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A black shirt emblazoned with "Trophy" across the chest in white lettering was released by the department store earlier this year as part of a "collection of engagement and wedding shirts," according to a statement from the company. Other shirts featured in the collection read "Bride" and "Mrs."
Some Target shoppers began uploading photos of the shirt, occasionally noting that it was displayed in the junior's section.
@Target under what circumstances should any human being wear a T-shirt that indicates that they are a "trophy" pic.twitter.com/NXIrg8wbvW— Ashleigh Kanengeiser (@AshleighReneee) June 14, 2015
One shopper berated Target on its Facebook page; a customer service representative commented on the post, assuring the woman that her complaint had been duly noted.
I was appalled after walking into my local Target to find this "TROPHY" shirt proudly displayed in the junior girls department. I wish I could say this was a mistake- that it was overlooked by someone along the way, but the truth is that dozens of people approved this shirt before it hit store shelves, and THAT is a problem. The fact that no one at Target had the judgment to see this as demeaning and objectifying shows their ignorance to their own female market.
On Twitter, some who own the shirt are baffled by the controversy it has sparked.
Apparently this shirt is a problem. When did being a good wife become demeaning?? What's wrong with being a trophy?? pic.twitter.com/40EMeBCO0l— Smarty Jones (@misssmartyjones) July 21, 2015
Some men claim they would proudly wear the shirt...
So there's seriously people upset over this shirt? I'm not offended in the least. Wish I wore it more. #Trophy pic.twitter.com/3VmLGdT9Tg— John Kim (@johnkim) July 21, 2015
...But that's kind of the problem. It's clearly designed for women.
Hey @target I'm in the men's section and don't see a Trophy shirt here why is that— Amanda Nelson (@ImAmandaNelson) July 18, 2015
A spokesperson from Target told Mashable in an email that "guest response has been positive," which likely means that, no matter how many signatures the petition gains, the shirt is staying put.
It is never our intention to offend anyone and we always appreciate receiving feedback from our guests. The shirt you’re describing is part of a collection of engagement and wedding shirts that are available in our women’s and plus size departments. The collection also included shirts that say “Team Bride,” “Mrs.” and “Bride.” These shirts are intended as a fun wink and we have received an overwhelmingly positive response from our guests.
The line of shirts was first sold by Target earlier this year and we are continuing to sell them. As you might imagine, we typically don’t provide break downs one [sic] sales of specific items or lines. But, like I mentioned above, the guest response has been positive.