Minnie Mouse is getting a Parisian fashion upgrade, and the internet is going bananas. That's right, the iconic rodent that children have adored since she came to life alongside Mickey in 1928 has new clothes. As part of a campaign for Disneyland Paris' 30th year anniversary, designer Stella McCartney swapped Minnie's signature red-and-white polka-dot minidress for a bespoke blue-and-black polka-dot pantsuit, with a matching bow, of course. And who doesn't love a designer pantsuit? Apparently a lot of people. To all the pundits like Candace Owens and Jesse Watters who see a plot "destroy fabrics of society," I have only one question: Would you like to wear the same clothes to work every day? The answer is obviously no. It is also a hard no as to whether this addition to her wardrobe will erode the fabric of society.Columnist Connie Schultz:How potholders got me thinking about racism, my father and the whitewashing of US historyBut those questions are certainly good for ratings. We saw a similar social media and primetime news right-wing drama play out recently over a fashion upgrade to the iconic green M&M’s. Tucker Carlson said on his show, "M&M’s will not be satisfied until every last cartoon character is deeply unappealing and totally androgynous.” The reaction was obviously exaggerated. Like any good kids story, there are lessons to be learned here, like it's good to have a change of clothes, society evolves and so do some of their most beloved storybook characters. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. The point is that women, and mice, can wear whatever they want and still be feminists. They can look beautiful and enjoy beautiful things, and that in no way detracts from their character, intelligence, historical achievements or aspirations. They can wear pants one day and a dress the next and it doesn't matter at all. These are things that need not upset us in this century. Or even the last. Final 'Jeopardy!' answer? 'Who is Amy Schneider'? The category? Champions, of course.In the 1930's, my paternal grandmother won a car and drove across the country with her best friend, my father's godmother, in pantsuits. It was considered ballsy. In 2022, a girl in pants shouldn't create such a fuss. As a final thought, I do hope Minnie's team keeps the dress, because who doesn't love a good feminist in a fabulous polka-dot minidress? Carli Pierson is an attorney, former professor of human rights, writer and member of USA TODAY's Editorial Board. You can follow her on Twitter: @CarliPiersonEsq Source link
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