Perceptions of two LGBTQ+-themed nutcracker ornaments available at Target have sparked intense debate following a Fox News report, yet surprisingly, the controversy extends beyond the usual culture war discourse on inclusive merchandise. Jesse Watters, the Fox News host, highlighted the 'Gay nutcracker, complete with a rainbow hat, a trans flag—full price, $12, but right now it's on sale for $8' with a sly smile during Thursday night's broadcast.
Black Disabled Santa At Target
It's not just the gay nutcrackers causing a stir this year for Target, there's a new inclusivity issue the conservatives are taking aim at, a Black disabled Santa in a wheelchair.
He went on to note Target's diverse range of Santa ornaments, including one featuring a Santa in a wheelchair who is Black. The retailer also offers traditional White Santa ornaments and a White version of the Santa in a wheelchair.
Earlier this year, Target found itself among a group of brands facing backlash and calls for a boycott over its LGBTQ+ Pride collection, being labeled as 'woke.' While industry experts view such corporate advocacy as an opportunity for brands to tap into new markets, critics argue that companies risk alienating their traditional customer base.
The specific nutcracker ornament highlighted by Watters features a vibrant rainbow motif and proudly displays the 'progress' Pride flag, a symbolic amalgamation of the traditional LGBTQ+ flag with elements representing transgender individuals, as well as Black and brown members of the community. As of 4 a.m. ET, reviews for this product on Target's website are divided, with 53 percent awarding it five stars and 47 percent assigning just one star
Target's Gay Nutcracker Sparks Controversy
An additional nutcracker ornament, crafted by Kurt Adler and priced at $47.50, prominently features the traditional LGBTQ+ Pride flag. Reviews for this ornament are evenly split at 50-50 between one and five stars. Despite the polarized opinions and renewed accusations of 'going woke' circulating on social media, all one-star ratings for the more affordable option primarily centered around perceived product quality issues rather than its LGBTQ+ connotations.Among the glowing five-star reviews, purchasers expressed their delight in buying one 'because no one [is] stopping me from enjoying my Pride,' emphasizing its 'colorful, fun, and inclusive' nature—attributes deemed fitting for the holiday season.
However, a recent one-star review for the pricier alternative, titled 'still pushing the propaganda,' questioned, 'Did they not learn from last time? Apparently not.' Another critique from a year ago remarked, 'Since when did nutcrackers have to be homosexual transvestites? Leave this garbage out of Christmas.'
Target Pride Ornaments
Recent five-star reviews expressed 'love' for the product, praising its 'inclusivity and love for all during the holiday season' and commending Target by noting, 'It's a shame so-called Christians forget that Jesus loved everyone.' However, Target's history with its LGBTQ+ Pride range has been marked by challenges. The retail giant had previously removed certain items from the collection, citing threats to staff members that impacted their 'sense of safety and well-being while at work.'
During that time, a Target spokesperson informed Newsweek that the withdrawal was a response to items being 'at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior.' This decision, however, prompted a secondary backlash from the LGBTQ+ community, accusing Target of yielding to boycott pressure. The range of items under scrutiny included swimsuits marketed for their ability to 'tuck' genitalia for transgender women, as well as children's merchandise, such as a T-shirt with the slogan 'trans people will always exist' and a babygrow with the words 'bien proud' in the colors of the LGBTQ+ flag. Numerous other brands also faced conservative criticism for promoting LGBTQ+ advocacy in their marketing. While some brands have reconsidered such moves, others have remained steadfast in upholding their stated values.
Black Disabled Santa Target
In the aftermath, Bud Light experienced a sales impact in the U.S. following its collaboration with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Kohl's encountered calls for a boycott over its LGBTQ+ clothing for children, Adidas faced criticism for partnering with an LGBTQ+ model for the release of its Pride swimsuit, and PetSmart stirred controversy with its announcement of an LGBTQ+ Pride range for pets.
Joy Behar defends Pride-themed nutcracker against Fox News
Joy Behar didn't hold back in her critique of Fox News host Jesse Watters and his recent comments about Target's inclusive holiday decorations. On a recent episode of "The View," Behar took issue with Watters' criticism of a Pride-themed nutcracker and a Black Santa doll in a wheelchair featured in Target's new line.
During a segment on Fox's "Jesse Watters Primetime," Watters referred to the products as a "gay nutcracker" and questioned the inclusion of a Black Santa with a wheelchair. Behar, not one to mince words, addressed Watters directly, highlighting the need for Fox News to recognize that not everyone fits the traditional heterosexual and Caucasian mold.
In a straightforward yet humorous manner, Behar held up the rainbow-clad nutcracker, complete with a Pride flag, emphasizing it as the supposed culprit. "This is the offensive rainbow flag," she declared, placing the holiday decoration prominently on the Hot Topics table.
Behar's response served as a witty and pointed rebuke, challenging the notion that holiday decorations should conform to outdated norms and urging a more inclusive perspective.
Joy Behar showcased the functionality of the doll by playfully inserting her finger into its mouth and quipping, "You put your nut in there." In a clever nod to Jesse Watters, she suggested, "He could put his nut in there and squeeze it." Ana Navarro joined in the banter, humorously remarking that the doll's orifice might be a bit too large, prompting laughter from Behar.
Sunny Hostin contributed to the discussion, highlighting the mythical and magical nature of Santa Claus, emphasizing that he can embody various forms. She shared snapshots of Black Santa Claus dolls in her home. Similarly, Navarro shared a social media post featuring a Cuban Santa Claus. Navarro pointed out the inconsistency in objections, stating, "I've seen Hillbilly Santa, I've seen Santa in Hawaiian shirts, nobody takes issue with that, they take issue with the Black one, they take issue with the gay one." She critiqued the manufactured culture wars against LGBTQ, transgender issues, books, history, and even fictional characters like Mickey Mouse, expressing doubt about their effectiveness for Republicans.
Alyssa Farah Griffin proposed a straightforward solution to Fox News' concerns, stating, "If you don't, for whatever reason, want a gay nutcracker, you don't have to buy one. No one's making you do that." She shared her shift in perspective, acknowledging her upbringing in a "War on Christmas family" and how exposure to diverse friendships altered her views on inclusive terms like "happy holidays."
Sara Haines delved into the cultural backlash, attributing it partly to misinformation fueled by certain faiths. She emphasized the long-standing presence of LGBTQ individuals in society and how increased visibility reflects positive societal progress.
When Behar revisited the nutcracker at the segment's end, she dismissed any suggestive connotations, asserting, "First of all, it's just a doll; we've seen it many times. The only thing that's supposedly gay is this flag." She playfully accused Jesse Watters of having a "very dirty mind" and clarified that the decoration is simply about Pride.
Kohl's, Macys, Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Belk Also Carry The Gay Nutcracker
Just as fast as the witch hunt began, it seems that now Target isn't the only store carrying Christmas gay nutcrackers. It turns out Kohl's, Macy's, JoAnn Fabrics, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Belk, also sell a gay nutcracker - Macy's was the same exact gay nutcracker Target is selling.
Due to this, conservatives are also expressing new frustration over the availability of the gay nutcracker at major retailers such as Kohl's, Macy's, Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics, Bed Bath & Beyond, Belk and more. This colorful and inclusive holiday decoration, endorsed by Joy Behar, has ignited a storm of controversy among those who feel it challenges traditional values.
Angered by the perceived departure from conventional holiday norms, conservatives are vocalizing their discontent. The gay nutcracker, with its vibrant rainbow colors, has become a focal point of debate, with critics arguing against what they see as an intrusion of political correctness into the festive season.
Kohl's, Macy's, Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics, Bed Bath & Beyond, and other major retailers might find themselves in the crossfire as they continue to stock this unique nutcracker. The debate underscores the clash between tradition and evolving societal norms, making the gay nutcracker a symbol not just of holiday merriment but also of the ongoing cultural shifts sparking passionate discussions across the conservative spectrum. The question remains here. Are these stores cashing in on the LGBT+ community or are they supporters and allies? Rainbow capitalism has been big lately and has been a big topic of debate lately.