It seems that some major corporations and businesses have sent out emails to their customers offering a chance to “opt-out” of Mother’s Day-related communications.
The emails were sent out by companies such as Fry’s Food Store, Kay Jewelers, Hallmark, and DoorDash. All of them had similar language and the Twitter account Arizona Informer posted screenshots of the emails, pointing out the language used and questioning whether this was a form of anti-family activism.
Something very strange is happening with Big Corporations. Out of nowhere, @kroger owned @FrysFoodStores, @KayJewelers, @Hallmark, and now @DoorDash have all sent “Opt out of #MothersDay” emails to their customer base. This is not organic.
This reeks of anti-family activists. pic.twitter.com/4pkKqGUooW
— Arizona Informer (@AZInformer) April 23, 2023
The emails had messages such as “We understand that Mother’s Day may be a difficult time for some” and “We know Mother’s Day can be a challenging time, which is why we want to know if you’d rather not receive Mother’s Day related emails.”
@Nespresso as well pic.twitter.com/ipnzYCwxMf
— Arizona Informer (@AZInformer) April 23, 2023
Understandably, the emails could be seen as a form of anti-family activism, especially when it’s a holiday that is supposed to be focused on celebrating moms. But others point out that the emails could be a way for the companies to be sensitive to people who have lost a parent, or who may be struggling to conceive or have suffered a miscarriage.
However, a school in Seattle is canceling Mother’s and Father’s Day.
From Washington Free Beacon:
Riverview Elementary School principal Derek Larsen said in an April 11 Parent Teacher Organization meeting that he hoped to remove “triggers” for children with non-traditional families. Larsen cited “varying family dynamics and the increasing complexity of the Riverview community and hopes of increasing inclusivity” in scrapping the events.
District communications director Kristin Foley told the Washington Free Beacon that Riverview Elementary will instead hold a “Doughnuts with Grownups” event from May 23-25.
Students are “free to attend any of the days that work for their family’s schedule,” Foley said. “This event is being coordinated by the school and students are encouraged to bring their mother, father, grandparent, special person, etc. with them that morning to share in doughnuts and celebration.” The school nevertheless promoted a family-oriented pride event featuring a drag show.