Using the "F" Word

This is what I did in the name of feminism today. Feel free to take this letter, change the appropriate items and send it your store's regional office. The hardest part is googling the address so get on it!



June 4, 2012
Marketing
Kroger Regional Office
2800 E 4th Avenue
Hutchinson, Kansas 67501-19811

To Whom It May Concern,

I would like to start by emphasizing what a large place in my heart the local Dillon’s Grocery Store occupies. I shop at the store located at BoogieBoogie and FUforTrying in Wichita, KS. I have shopped at the same Dillon’s for about five years now and always find the best brands and friendliest service. I know many of the employees by name and get the feeling that they actually enjoy working there which is important to me as a consumer.

I would, however, like to help correct a large error I’ve noticed in your store’s signage. Currently every Dillon’s location uses signs that say, “Feminine Products.” This is incorrect and misleading. The products that are sold in those sections are actually not feminine but this is an easy mistake to make, so please allow me to explain the difference. First, the word “feminine” is an adjective used to describe a personality trait. The products sold in that section do not have personalities and no matter how “feminine” a man acts, he will never need them. Second, the products sold in that section should not exclude masculine consumers. If a masculine woman shops at your store, she will still need products from that section despite the fact that she could not be considered “feminine.”

This is evidenced in the wordage of “Dove for Men,” “Axe for Men,” and “Degree for Men” to name a few. The scents associated with said products may be described as masculine, but they are still sold “for men” because it is assumed that those products will be bought mostly by consumers with male anatomy. This also applies to make-up, which could be argued to contain feminine traits, such as rosy hughes, but is sold under the signage, “Cosmetics,” which has no gender reference at all. Tampons, pads, douche, and vaginal cream do not actually have traits that can be considered masculine or feminine and are therefore sold “for women” because it can be assumed that they are bought primarily for customers with female anatomy. If however you are squeamish about the words “female” or “woman,” I might suggest an age-old descriptor such as “sanitary.” Sanitation is, after all, the purpose these products serve no matter how masculine the consumer is.

It would honor me, and women nationwide, if your company would considering making these changes in the near future.

Thank you in advance,

CyniSister Blogspot