Target Misses Again

Mega retailer Target, also known as “Tarzhay” by the most insufferable person you know, is once again facing consumer backlash after releasing a children’s Halloween costume that many interpret as insensitive and incredibly racist. How such an obvious oversight was able to make its way all the way from concept to store shelves is anyone’s guess.

The company, who are still facing boycotts and declining revenue after complying in advance to Trump administration rhetoric and cancelling their DEI programs, turned heads again this year when their children’s costume called “Kids’ Funny Dancing Clown at Night in Thick Lipstick Glows Under Blacklight Party Halloween Fun Time Costume” landed in Target locations as well as their web store.

While many have pointed out an obvious resemblance to racist caricatures from the blackface minstrel shows of an ugly, bygone era, Target CEO Michael Fiddelke has said he “just [doesn’t] see it” when pressed on the matter.

Head of Target’s marketing department Mark Whitehead stated that no offense was intended when this was presented to executives as part of the chain's “Dark Side of Lampoon” Halloween promotion.

“I don’t know how we all missed that this could be seen as offensive,” says Whitehead. “Everyone in the boardroom thought it was hilarious.”

Apropos of nothing, Target cancelled their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs in 2025. Yes, we’ve already mentioned that but for some reason it seems to bear repeating.

Speculation that Target is purposely trying to destroy their own company, much in the same way private equity firms intentionally tank retailers in which they own stakes in order to sell off their properties, appears to be unfounded. Likewise, the conjecture that they “just enjoy being boycotted” or are taking the notion that “no publicity is bad publicity” to a ridiculous degree have so far not been confirmed.

In response to this latest in a long line of Target controversies, the corporation has removed the costume from their stores and website and issued a public apology which states “We’re sorry you’re offended, but we’ve pulled the costume from our shelves now which is honestly pretty amazing and selfless of us to do”. Investigations that supply has simply been diverted to states such as Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi to be sold at off-the-book subsidiaries are still ongoing.

At press time, Target’s autumn promotion titled “A Jive Turkey Thanksgiving” is still slated to proceed as scheduled.