Mickey's Kitchen Sink Sundae – ice cream and multiple toppings dumped into a “sink” shaped like Mickey Mouse's red pants – is an iconic favorite among Disney fans and dessert lovers.
But a redesign of the original product is heavily criticized.
Walt Disney World is now selling the “Minnie Kitchen Sink Sundae” to celebrate Women's History Month. For $24.99, you can buy scoops of ice cream and toppings placed in a sink shaped like Minnie Mouse's dress with a faucet and two handles shaped like her gloved hands.
Netizens point out that the product could be seen as implying that women belong in the kitchen – during the month meant to honor women, their achievements and the decades of effort it took to achieve equality.
“While I don’t think Disney did this intentionally, the perception is to associate a kitchen sink with a month celebrating women, a group of people who have always been told their only place is in the kitchen” , said Dr. Betsy Grunch, a popular neurosurgeon who has nearly 2 million followers on TikTok. She posted a video from a sign advertising the product while at Disney World's Hollywood Studios.
“Sure, the sink takes on the phrase 'everything but the kitchen sink,'” Grunch said, “but the optics aren't great, and I think the creative minds at Disney could have come up with better names to celebrate and uplift women.
“You did us all dirty on this one,” Grunch said in his video.
Most people who left comments on the video agreed that the decision to choose this product for Women's History Month was a poor decision, if not insulting.
“My jaw hit the floor,” one person wrote.
“I wonder how many women participated in this process and how many were shut down,” said another.
“Look, the kitchen sink is a Disney thing, but I agree, they could have made something NEW and less…regardless of how I feel,” another commenter wrote.
Disney did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. It's unclear what other Disney World parks or Disney locations are selling this product for Women's History Month.
Gender stereotypes are bad for everyone
Gender stereotypes occur when we assign a person specific attributes, characteristics or roles according to the sex assigned to them; they can not only harm mental health, but also put people at risk.
Gender norms prevent people from express yourself fully and their emotions, leading women, for example, to fear independence and men to repress strong emotions to avoid appearing “weak,” Planned Parenthood experts say. Meanwhile, “hyperfeminine people are more likely to experience physical and emotional violence from their partners (and) hypermasculine people are more likely to be physically and emotionally violent toward their partners.”
These consequences start young. Research has shown that when girls conform to gender stereotypes, they are more likely to suffer from depression and violence; When boys conform to gender stereotypes, they are more prone to substance abuse and suicide, and are more likely to engage in physical violence.
Gender experts say women, in particular, are socialized to serve and acquiesce.
“We must give, not take, or we only get the right to take, to receive, if we have given enough, and so we constantly feel inadequate because we are taught that it is our job… to be good and to be good.” soothing”, Natalie Lue, author of “The joy of saying no” previously told USA TODAY.
However, when women say “no,” it can have social consequences. A woman perceived as more aggressive at work, what research shows a man appears more competentwill also appear less likeable, less of a team player, which can impact her career and salary, Lue said.
Learn more about Women's History Month:Women of the Year 2024 according to USA TODAY
This Women's History Month, don't be afraid to challenge gender stereotypes in ways that help everyone feel valued, regardless of their sex or gender identity.
This month, as well as this one International Women's Day, should be like “a global pep rally celebrating how far we ladies have come while encouraging us to keep the momentum going,” said Erica Cronan, global director of marketing for data management company Datadobi, in a statement. “One can’t help but feel inspired when thinking about the daring pioneers in history who broke down barriers against all odds.
Let us “toast the bravest who have gone before us while channeling that same spirit as we continue to blaze new trails.”
Mike Snider contributed to this report.
