by MIA FREEDMAN
Have you ever wondered who buys those really dodgy onesies or baby t-shirts with slogans that make you uncomfortable? I don’t think it’s parents, I really don’t. I just can’t imagine any mother buying her new baby son a teeny tiny “Tits Man” onesie. Or a Dad proudly dressing his baby girl in a 000 size top that says “I drink until I pass out” with a picture of a bottle on it.
Can you?
A few years ago in one of the most popular posts Mamamia has ever published, I asked the rhetorical question: “Is Cotton On on crack?” in relation to a range of baby onesies it was selling. Many of the slogans were dodgy (Tits Man was one of the milder ones) but the onesie that incensed hundreds of thousands of people was the one in the top right corner:
Yep. Shake me. Written on a picture of an etch-a-sketch. Because shaking a baby violently is like, ironic and hilarious right?
Responding to the overwhelming response of Mamamia readers (the post went instantly viral and Cotton On were bombarded by angry consumers), the range was grudgingly withdrawn by Cotton On.
At least they listened to their customers. Props to them for that.
I hold no grudges. I’m a huge Cotton On Kids fan. Love their stuff. Bought a stack of it last week in fact.
In the months after we published the Cotton On post about the shaken baby, every time someone saw a slogan on a t-shirt they found offensive, they would email us here at Mamamia, keen for us to share their outrage with the world. We could quite easily have become the Website For People Who Are Offended By T-Shirts. But we didn’t. While there are plenty of objectional, appalling and cringeyworthy t-shirts out there that deserve naming and shaming, we felt joking about child abuse is on a whole other level.
Outrage is a very subjective thing. What offends you may be totally cool with your closest friend. And vice versa.
But there’s something that doesn’t sit quite right with me about babies being used as a billboard for people to show how witty, ironic or smart-arse they are.
In the US, there’s currently a controversy over this onesie:
Bikini onesie
According to reports:
A baby bodysuit with a woman’s silhouette printed on the front has parents in Southaven, MS outraged.
The bikini onesie is only one of the Wild Child outfits on Bon Bebe’s website with a questionable message. Another reads “Lock Up Your Daughters” with a graphic of a padlock printed underneath.
And, this isn’t the first time parents have taken issue with children’s clothing sold in their local retail stores. Last November, shoppers were horrified to find a pair of crotchless panties at ‘Kids N Teen’ in Colorado. A few months earlier, French brand, Jours Apres Lunes, sold a “loungerie” line for 3 to 36-month-old girls.
Here are some other onesies that don’t make much sense (and some that are completely appalling):
Onesies
Comments
71 Comments so far
How about this onesie I saw in Melbourne once – “all Daddy wanted was a blowjob”. True story.
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Who buys these things? BOGANS!
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Pingback: Wild Heart Onesie
I saw one that I thought was cute – grey and white vertical stripes saying ‘been inside for 9 months’
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What about ‘ weapon of mass destruction’ ? My mum got a tshirt with that slogan for my 2 year old. It is pretty apt for the full on kid he is though which is why she got it for him. But I’m in two minds on dressing him in it. 1. Is it offensive to others because of war? 2. Will other people think my son is a terror and have a preconceived idea of who he is before knowing him? 3. If he is told he is destructive will he then expect he should act that way??? Sometimes things can be over thought. Anything that sexualises a child or is degrading or not age appropriate should not be on a child’s clothing.
The tshirt gets worn around the house occasionally. I do get a bit of a giggle out of it but never comment on it in front of my son.
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I have a tale to tell about terrorist misconceptions. I was in India when I bought a T-shirt that had pictures of bombs all over it. I bought it as I thought it would be ironic because India never wages wars. And bombs were irrelevant in the Indian society.
Cut to the day our family packed the hell up to move here. Whatdya know, I thought that bombs shirt would be a great thing to wear. Because bombs are irrelevant, you know. I got on the flight in India fine, had a great 5 hour transit in Singapore, then got on to the Singapore to Sydneyflight. And what do you know, freaked out white people here and there. The customs guy gave me, a brown man with a beard and a bomb T-shirt a dirty look, took extra care in checking me out, threw some pretty harmless stuff in my luggage into the bin and let me go.
And now I bought a couple more bomb t-shirts to go with my brown skin and beard. I wear one every time I fly. I got checked for explosives for 11 of the 12 times I flew in Australia. Its hilarious. Racial stereotyping gets my funny bone every time.
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okay, so totally tasteless to totally inappropriate. And you know what also gets me? Grown men (and women) wearing sweary and/or tasteless t-shirts in public. Appalling and disrespectful when you have reading age kids in tow.
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My cousin got a shirt that said “Party in my cot, 3am. Bring a bottle.”
I thouhgt it was kinda cute
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I bought a onesie stating “grandad and I have the same hair” when I was pregnant with my first son. I thought it was funny and certainly true but somehow it only ever went on as an undergarment.
I think the range of opinions expressed here about the individual shirts explains why they are made. If there is enough demand…. Although I do agree that some are so plain wrong that that it is hard to image where the demand could possibly be coming from
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Oh yes… when my twins were born nearly 4 years ago, we were given 2 ‘Ipood’ tops. My friend thought it was hilarious. I was appalled.
My kids only ever wore them underneath overalls…awful.
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“Don’t bother- I’m on my period”? On a baby outfit? I just don’t get that one!
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Oh dear…reminds me of when my second son was born and my sister in law had been to cotton on kids and bought him the little jump suit that said “My baby can kick your babies arse” I thought it was disgusting, didn’t really know what to say, the little suit made it’s way to the lifeline bin…
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I would buy the bikini onesie, it’s pretty cute, also partial to the “I poop rainbows”, family joke.
Although some are in incredibly bad taste is it anyone’s business how another person dresses their baby? It’s choice & we can choose whether to be offended or not.
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When my best friend was pregnant with her now 6 year old princess, cotton on kids had this jumpsuit that had ‘my mum sits at home and does nothing all day’ on it. i loved it. i told her that as soon as the baby was born i was buying it (in either blue or pink) and i was going to dress the baby in it when her inlaws were over (yes best friend) by the time she had her daughter the jumsuit was no more, apparantly the stores couldn’t keep up with the demand. I was shattered. best friend was not.
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what a sensitive friend you are
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Clearly it was a joke.
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In a strange coincidence, just after posting my comment below, my sister sent me this. I think it’s hilarious!
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a few of these don’t offend me, but most do.
I have bought onesies for friends babies with sayings relevant to them and I think they’re great. E.g.,
- I’m with the band (for my musician friend’s baby)
- My mum needs a rest, with the music symbol for rest (ditto)
- My mum can benchpress your dad (for my personal trainer friend’s baby)
My friends loved them.
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Seriously People. Harden up. it’s a bit of fun. So what if parents want to put there kids in this type of clothing. I have an endless supply of ladders that you can all borrow, so you can get off your high horses
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I remain outraged.
and yet I still have a size 1 (never worn by Red Rocket) tshirt in the cupboard that I bought seeing Dirty DAncing on stage that says ‘nobody puts baby in a corner’. I would never let her wear it but I couldnt’ help but buy it and I haven’t been able to put it on her.
I do also have a photo of Red Rocket with Kevin Rudd and a Kevin07 Tshirt.
So I’ve decided not to publish my rant on slogans lol. Cos clearly I’m not as pure as I thought.
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I did 510 performances of that show and I never want to see or hear that phrase ever ever again, thanks for not putting it on your kid x
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Who raped my dog?
What on earth is that even supposed to mean?
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Ive heard USA/canada folk use the term ‘screw the pooch’ as a common saying meaning ‘a big stuff up’
Even worse when my Aussie friend (living in canada)used it on a Facebook status.
I assumed the onesie was making reference to that saying
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Regular baby clothes are so cute, why mess with the system?
However I did laugh at a little boy (perhaps 2?) standing next to his big brother wearing a shirt with an arrow pointing to said big brother saying “he did it”
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Generally think these are crass but I must say I got a chuckle out of “I only cry when ugly people hold me”
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We have a retail business selling kids clothes and make a point of NOT doing anything with a slogan, and preferably no visable logos. Kids are not billboards.
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They are all revolting…. particularly the period one. What is the world coming to?
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I saw a 3 year olds t-shirt saying “lock up your daughters” what the ??????
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Glad it is not just me. I hate that one.
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I honestly have no idea why anyone feels the need to dress their children in any clothes with slogans on the front of them, much less babies!
Babies are cute and hilarious all by themselves, they don’t need tacky punchlines plastered all over them.
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I also hate the onesies and t-shirts that say “If you think I’m cute, you should see my Mum (or auntie)”. That disturbs me, although I am not sure why.
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Its Ok. I know why. I disturbs me too…….
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If you are still trying to wonder what it is that disturbs you about them may I offer a humble suggestion?
To start off with think of ‘Epponee Rae’ (I think I spelled the name right – it is Kim’s daughter off Kath and Kim). Think babies as living dolls to make their parents look good, and then round it off with a large dose of Toddlers and Tiaras. Babies/ children as nothing more than handbag accessories…. I’m pretty sure that’s what you find disturbing…!
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Two of my US girlfriends sent me the Lock up Your Daughters onsie (actually, a different one – words, no lock – so there is more than one designer of these out there) when I had my little boy (they also sent a lovely RL onsie). These are educated women – one is an MD and the other is a lawyer. I was so surprised. BUT, it was a gift and to me, the only thing to do is send a thank you and then make the decision as to whether I want to use it (I did, but under things so the slogan wasn’t visible). So, did I as a parent buy one…no…but I ended up with one. I do think people read them quickly, think they are cute and don’t really think any more about the message.
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For some odd reaso my husband is drawn to hideous, tacky and often highly questionable onsies for my daughter… they make the best undershirts. They are actually really soft and warm… and I’d be mortified if anyone saw them!
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I don’t have kids so maybe that is why I think the ‘lock up your daughter’ onsie is a little bit cute, who doesn’t want to think of their little boy as a gorgeous little heartbreaker? Isn’t that the message it’s putting across?
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Yeah I’m not too sure why it is so offensive either!
I think of it more as a compliment!
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It’s offensive because it’s implying that, instead of the wearer being responsible for his actions and not raping the daughters, the women should have their liberty removed instead, for their “protection”.
It reminds me of the Golda Meir quote, when asked to impose a curfew for the protection of women: “Men are attacking the women, not the other way around. If there is going to be a curfew, let the men be locked up, not the women.”
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Seriously dude!!!!
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I agree that a lot of those slogans are bad taste, but I take some solace in the fact that the baby doesn’t know what they mean, nor is it able to read the words and get confused by them. The onesies are a little off-putting, but really they are just clothes and parents have the right to dress their children however they want (provided they are warm enough etc).
I don’t have children so maybe this is why I don’t see these slogans as offensive as some people do. Ultimately I think if the worst thing that happens to a baby is that it is dressed in a onesie with a tacky slogan, it is having a pretty good life. I don’t see how a baby could be permanently scarred from wearing something like this, so to each their own.
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Rhiannon what you say here is absolutely true but there are much wider societal implications for this sort of stuff as well.
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By wider social implications do you mean the sexualisation of children? I get how that can happen with the very grown-up clothing that is being marketed to children, such as mini-skirts and low-cut tops for girls. I hate seeing little girls dressed like teenagers. I feel sad for them because childhood is so short, and it should be spent having fun and not caring how you look. I think it is awful that children are being taught that they have to look appealing and ‘sexy’ before they are old enough to even comprehend what sexiness is. However, I don’t think the onesies have this impact on children. In themselves, onesies are appropriate clothing for a baby. Yes, the slogans may be inappropriate (and some of them are rather horrible), but the baby cannot understand the slogan and therefore it cannot affect how they see themselves. I don’t think parents (or anyone else) buy these clothes for children with cruel or perverse intentions. I think it is more likely that they see them (for example, ‘lock up your daughters’ and think it is funny and cute, if not a little ridiculous).
I can see why you hold your opinion, and I understand why you and other people feel that way, but personally, I don’t think this is such a big deal.
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I don’t think you have to have kids to realise that ” who raped my dog” is offensive. Using the word ‘rape’ isn’t funny in any way shape or form.
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Yes, you’re right. I should have clarified in my original post that I don’t think that *all* of them are offensive. The one about rape is awful. However, the ones about socialism, with the iPhone, or even “I drink until I pass out” type slogans aren’t that bad, in my opinion. Yes, I know what the slogans are alluding to, but if parents want to have fun with a double meaning then I’m not that bothered by it. And to be honest some of them (like the one about periods) just don’t make sense, but that doesn’t make them offensive (in my opinion). Having said this, I do see why some people are offended and think the onesies are inappropriate, but from a personal perspective, I don’t think it is a major concern.
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Sadly, I know parents of a now 5 year old that thought those cotton on shirts, were “totally hiGHlarious!” so yes, some parents are actually buying these for their children.
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We have bought a T-shirt for our child (when they are big enough) that reads “I heart boobs.”
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Big enough?
I hope you still mean breast-feeding age.
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The shirt is designed for about 1-2years of age.
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Ah, I was worried you meant big like 6. haha
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Nah only for a little one, but my husband does have a shirt that reads “please tell your boobs to stop staring at my eyes”
He has little old ladies come up and tell him he ia a naughty boy as they chuckle
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I have a friend whose toddler is going through a stage running around shouting “I love boobies, I love boobies” at the most inappropriate moments. She doesn’t know where he picked it up from…..
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Am I clueless? Cause I don’t get the dog one…I mean really?? Tacky, all of them.
I actually told a man off in Woolies last year over something like this. His son had a t-shirt on that read “If you’re still reading (bottom of shirt) you’re a paedo!” I was outraged and told him. He was so shocked he just took it and actually several other people backed me up. I’m not normally confrontational but I just whacked on my teacher voice and went for it. How would you explain it to the child wearing it? Ugh, some people are just wrong.
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The child will see the photos later on in life. How embarrassing it could be …
I think if I found baby photos of me with “Who Raped My Dog” or that padeo one, on a T-shirt I was wearing, I’d be mortified and destroy it immediately.
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Sorry FuFu but from one teacher to another if my child was wearing that and you said to me what you told that parent I would probably tell you to mind your own business. Whilst you may not agree with this parents choice in clothing for their child is it really your job to tell them your opinion of it? To a total stranger? I just find that very invasive.
I don’t like the t shirt either but it’s really not any of my business. I would politely keep my own teacher voice to myself.
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But the statement on the t-shirt was addressing total strangers. It was accusing the reader of being a paedophile. I think she was entitled to object. If you don’t want other people’s opinions, don’t engage them in conversation via your t-shirt.
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No worries, you’re completely entitled to think that. I probably was being invasive. In fact that’s the only time I’ve ever done something like that, but I felt it needed pointing out, just how truly disgusting a statement that shirt was making.
Sometimes speaking up is important.
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I totally agree – teacher voice or just normal outraged citizen voice
I think speaking up against this sort of stuff is totally on
I just wish I could do it more often myself!! I usually just cringe on the outside as well as on the inside!!
Why the hell do people put their kids in this stuff??!!
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I want a G rated public space back for my children and speaking out against things like this are important! I’m tired of porn tshirts too! My 6 year old was with me recently when we passed a tshirt in a shop window ( City Beach – will NEVER shop there) with a photo of a bound and gagged women and the words “relax it’s just sex”.. I say good for you FuFu!!
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When I was a baby (I’m 22 now) my parents used to get drunk and dress me up in ridiculous outfits such as above. The photos are hilarious, however, this all took place in the privacy of our home, and I was none the wiser.
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The dressing you up bit could be quite cute, but the idea of them getting drunk whilst caring for a baby is disturbing.
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Any baby clothes that sexualise a child should be illegal. why anyone would want to buy them it another story. This almost feels like another way to sexualise a children. We already have 6 years olds dressing like Britney Spears and children entering beauty pageants where they dress like strippers (especially in the USA!) do we really need our babies to be wearing clothes with sexual comments? Obviously someone is buying them, otherwise they wouldn’t be for sale!
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there is no way I would dress my baby girl in the bikini onesie. How ridiculous.
Who raped my dog? How do things like this make it a manufacturing stage. What the hell is going on in this world , where the sexualisation of children is seen as ok. Let kids be kids !!!!’
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Mmmm rather fond of the bikini onesie,
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I don’t buy clothes with slogans
At all.
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Me neither.
Or anything with big brand names / logos displayed on the outside – like a walking advertisement.
T A C K Y
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There are some brand names I will do (eg: GAP)
I also will not buy kids clothes that are pure merchandise – eg Wiggles, Thomas the Tank, Barbie, Dora, Ben10 etc
Play School stuff is about as far as it goes in this house. My third child is currently wearing the Play School pjs that we bought for the first one. They are well loved, just like the TV show.
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licenced products
that is the word I was trying to think of earlier when I made my comment and have only just retrieved it from my brain
they are not on in this house
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I’m going to be TRYING for this route as wel, but fear it will be OTHER people buying stuff for the child that will result in their entrance into our house
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See, for me its the bikini one that makes me shiver….and who would be cruel enough to dress a baby in any I love Reagan apparel?
Im not even getting started on the crotchless undies…..What. The. Hell…..
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Completely revolting, but on a good note, the gallery is working perfectly, captions and all!! Congratulations.
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the bikini one I dont have a problem with… the others…. WTF?
There is a fine line between being ironic and witty and just being plain offensive. These guys have jumped over that line, turned around and pissed all over it. They’re not even funny in a ha ha way. I can chuckle at an inappropriate tshirt with the best of them, but these arent even slightly amusing.
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Shaking babies?
Crotchless panties for kids?
Raped dogs?
Babies with periods?
WTF?!!!
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