Conservative author, speaker, and podcaster Matt Walsh of the Daily Wire lashed out at the woke Build-A-Bear company for its inclusion of a drag queen-inspired teddy bear in the kid-oriented lineup.
Most Americans, and certainly most parents, are likely aware of the mall attraction for kids in which little ones design, create, and assemble a personalized stuffed animal. It’s always been for kids and about kids, which led Walsh to react to the shocking and disappointing, if unsurprising, news that Build-A-Bear would be forcing kids to think about the sexual orientation of their cuddle companion.
The Daily Wire noted that long-time drag queen RuPaul promoted the latest woke campaign in a video released on Instagram. In the video, RuPaul unboxes a “gorgeous” teddy bear replete with the markings of a real-life drag queen. The Daily Wire wrote:
RuPaul, a 62-year-old celebrity drag queen, announced a collaboration with the retailer Wednesday in an Instagram video. The “Drag Race” host unboxed a “gorgeous” pre-stuffed brown bear clothed in a gold one-shoulder gown. The bear also has gold eyeshadow, heavy eyeliner, red lipstick, and a blonde wig, plus high heels which can be purchased separately.
“Cover BEAR! Put the fur in your walk. Head to paw, let your whole body talk,” the RuPaul Bear product description says, referencing many “Drag Race” phrases.
The video in reference can be seen below:
View this post on Instagram
“She done already done had herses — and now you can have yours with your very own RuPaul Bear! Two iconic pop culture institutions join forces for this one-of-a-kind collector’s item made in tribute to the world’s most famous drag queen,” it says.
“Category is teddy bear realness with RuPaul Bear’s signature wig and gold sequin dress included. While this isn’t RuPaul’s Best Friend Race, RuPaul Bear is still sure to become your new best squirrel friend and TV-watching partner.”
After news of the company’s ineffable marketing decision and RuPaul’s video became known, Walsh jumped to Twitter to make an obvious observation.
“Remember: there’s absolutely no agenda to groom your kids. Don’t be ridiculous. On an unrelated note, [Build-A-Bear] is selling a drag queen stuffed bear for children,” Walsh tweeted.
Remember: there’s absolutely no agenda to groom your kids. Don’t be ridiculous. On an unrelated note, @buildabear is selling a drag queen stuffed bear for children. pic.twitter.com/c0uB5Odcfj
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) March 30, 2023
“I’m told that the bear is sold in a section of the site that’s ‘intended for 18+ shoppers.’ Except that they have the drag bear right on the front page, front and center, alongside the Easter merchandise,” he then said in a follow-up.
Much of Twitter also noted that the kid- and friendly-oriented Build-A-Bear was featuring an 18+ section, which seems out of place for such a supposed target market, to say the least.
“It’s also concerning that there’s a marketplace for “+18 shoppers” at Build-a-Bear,” one comment said.
“The real question is why is there even an “18+ shoppers” section at a teddy bear store??” another added.
“It’s a children’s shop for children’s toys. There shouldn’t be an 18+ section. I shouldn’t even have to say that,” remarked someone else.
“Why is there an 18+ part of Build A Bear?” another user asked.
Featured image: Screen shot from embedded Instagram video.
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