The one that is obviously made for boy babies says, "Smart like Daddy" and the one for girls reads: "Pretty like Mommy." It's silly, it's trite, and sure, it's a little offensive, but I am not sure it's petition worthy.
In the past few months, we have seen so many bad clothing choices for girls.
There was the "I'm too pretty for homework" shirt for girls and then there was little girl lingerie. There are baby bikinis and worse. Girls are up against a whole lot of things, so in the scheme of things, this isn't so awful. My daughter can wear a "boy" onesie, too, right! Who says the "boy" one is really for boys only?
Yes, of course moms are smart. And yes, it's a bad stereotype, but given all we have to fight, I am just not sure this is the smartest battle. Moms Rising says:
We know 1950s-like television shows and fashion are popular right now, but retro gender roles for infants? No way! Times have changed. Almost every hour, if not minute, of the day our children are surrounded by "smart like mommy" role models: The teachers, dentists, coaches, business owners, doctors, journalists, stay-at-home-moms, technicians, and administrators they come into contact with are often women.
OK, we know. Moms are smart. And moms don't get enough respect. That we know for sure. But we aren't going to get respect by starting letter writing campaigns to Gymboree. If we get hysterical over every perceived slight, we won't get anywhere.
Choose your battle, ladies. As moms we know this better than anyone. My toddler wore his rain boots every damn day this summer because I know I need to choose my battle with him carefully. It's the same with society. If I am going to sign a petition, it's going to be for something I believe in far more than a slightly offensive baby onesie.
Do you think this is terrible?
Image via Gymboree