I had originally planned to post about my recent ballroom competition, but the discussion spurred by a public Facebook status prompted me to change my line-up.

Let’s talk about gender neutrality.

The Facebook status links to a click-bait article praising Target for creating gender neutral bedding for kids. I have nothing against gender neutral items like the gray, plush octopus in the article’s photo. Rock your style! Kids should choose their bedding based on their individual interests, not their gender. I fully support that.

The article, though, makes me question the concept of gender neutral products. What, exactly, is the purpose of these items? Do they serve as a safe, androgynous choice for kids with a burgeoning interest in the “wrong” gender’s products? Or, as a girl with masculine interests, am I supposed to choose the more-acceptable, gender neutral bedding over the boys’ bedding? Does this new line of bedspreads create a third option in which there are “girl”, “boy”, and “neutral”…