Sexualizing Sexual Slavery is a Real Thing Happening

A slutty Handmaid’s Tale Halloween costume was released –– and quickly pulled from the market. Twitter was quick to point out the sick irony in a sexy costume of a character who is sexually oppressed. Many took it as a reminder that the objectification of women is still continuing. According to the creators of the sexy red maiden costume, the piece was meant to empower women. In their apology statement, Yandy.com explained that it was not their intention for the costume to be seen as a symbol of women’s oppression. That being said, they removed the costume from the site.

This incident was a good reminder not only of the continuous female objectification, but of the importance of considering one’s product from all angles before release. Focus groups or polls could have indicated that the public would respond this way, if common sense wasn’t enough. When conversation about women’s roles is already so heated, every product, story, or image can make a statement.