Melissa Hoyer: ‘We have hit peak outrage and it’s pathetic’

Country Road’s latest ad campaign has been blasted for being “inappropriate” — but the outrage only highlights another major issue.

COMMENT

Australian-born clothing company, Country Road, found itself at the centre of controversy this week after posting a photo of two young children in “provocative poses”.

According to furious social media users, the way the two kids were posed was “creepy” and left many people extremely uncomfortable.

But seriously people, they are just kids wearing lightweight clothes, promoting new collections from a fashion chain store.

No, they are not wearing latex, leopard print or leather. Nor are they in dental floss bikinis, cropped tops or super tight leggings and heels.

They are not touching each other or being touched inappropriately. They are just two young kids — a young boy and a young girl — looking like children.

RELATED: Country Road slammed over ‘creepy’ kids clothing advert

I couldn’t believe it when I read it. It seriously fired me up. I just cannot, for one moment, see anything about this picture that says “provocative” or “creepy”.

Or do I have my fashion beer goggles on?

The boy, like most young boys do in the middle of summer, has put his lightweight cotton shirt on and of course he’s only done a couple of buttons up. He’s relaxing on a bench or a seat, he’s not off to Uncle Joe’s wedding for goodness sake.

And the cute little miss on the right? She has on a ‘tucked in’ white shirt, some cute and age-appropriate spotted shorts, with her legs (again, appropriately) placed together.

There is not a breast, unnecessary cleavage or piece of skin to be seen, but two perfectly perfect kids (like all kids are) — looking happy and sitting like any comfy, summer-bound kid would be sitting.

If this picture is “creepy”, then some commenters have way too much time in their hands.

I already thought the outrage for outrage sake was getting ridiculous. But after reading up on this alleged case of sartorial fury, I reckon we have outdone ourselves.

Yes, yes, ‘we’re all entitled to our opinions’ blah blah blah, but honestly, I think the negative comments about this picture are pathetic.

And judging from the response on news.com.au’s post about the story on Facebook, many of you agree with me.

“I think I’m missing something!! All I see is a couple of gorgeous kids slouching around,” one confused person wrote.

“Oh the outrage! The offence! Oh my oh my, someone bring me my tiara!” another said.

“I am so offended! please please please direct me to a safe place,” another declared.

The comments sum up my opinion nicely.

Over the years we have seen downright awful examples of kids clothes — especially those that are essentially adult clothes that have been shrunk down a few sizes just so it can hit the kiddies racks. This is, was and will always be some nasty stuff.

But how can anyone think a picture of two kids wearing lightweight cotton clothes and sitting down looking fresh and natural is in anyway “inappropriate” or “creepy”? Or described the position in which they are sitting is offensive? It’s not.

The brand responded to the backlash on social media. Picture: Facebook/CountryRoad

A Country Road spokeswoman responded to the comments online, saying it was important for the family brand “to promote positive, age-appropriate imagery that reflects our values”.

“This image is in no way intended to be provocative,” comment read.

“It is designed to showcase our new-season linen-cotton shirts in a relaxed and casual context.”

This is all just one big WTF? from me.

I don’t see “creepy” at all. I see fresh, young and comfortable … and just like all of us, we are all entitled to our opinion.

Follow Melissa on Twitter and Instagram @melissahoyer