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Target Is Getting Loads of Criticism for This Sweater

OCD isn't something to joke about, critics say
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 11, 2015 12:29 PM CST
Target Is Getting Loads of Criticism for This Sweater
The sweater.   (Target)

Target is selling a Christmas sweater that many are complaining about for trivializing mental illness. The sweater reads "OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder," and USA Today reports that people have been tweeting their unhappiness. "Thank you @Target for helping to perpetuate the idea that OCD is some sort of quirky trait. It can be totally debilitating," reads one tweet. "OCD is a real disease not a joke. I don't see any shirts making fun of cancer - why #mentalillness?" says another. And: "Hey @Target this is gross. Get rid of it. From: a customer who missed most of elementary school due to severe OCD."

But not everyone is annoyed, with a few actual OCD sufferers rolling their eyes at the whole thing: "As someone who has OCD I don't see any reason to be angry about @Target's 'offensive' sweater - it's perfectly even!" says one. And then there are the people using the situation ... to, yes, make light of OCD: "I bought the new Target OCD Christmas sweater. Cleaning instructions: Wash cold. Wash again. Wash again. Again. Iron nine times. Wash," says one. Another: "Target accused of mocking mental illness with OCD (Obsessive Christmas Disorder) sweater because the letters aren't in alphabetical order." A Target rep apologized for any "discomfort," but noted that there are no plans to pull the sweater. (More OCD stories.)

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