Pocket Full of Gender Equality
Kamryn Gardner, a 7 year old from Bentonville, Arkansas likes pockets. That being said, when she reached into the sides of her pants to keep her hands warm, she was shocked to find that her pockets were sewn shut. “They were fake pockets,” said Kamryn, “It bothered me that they weren’t real pockets.” She didn’t understand why her pants did not have the pockets as her brother’s pants.
Kamryn had just learned about persuasive writing and school and she decided to put her skills to the test. Kamryn’s mom also thought it would be a good life lesson to write Old Navy about her problem. Kamryn wrote, “Dear Old Navy, I do not like that the front pockets of the girls jeans are fake. I want front pockets because I want to put my hands in them. I would like to put things in them.” She continued, “Would you consider making girls jeans with front pockets that are not fake? Thank you for reading my request. Sincerely, Kamryn Gardner, age 7.”
Neither Mr. or Mrs. Gardner thought it would end there. Mr. Gardner, who works in the retail industry, stated, “We honestly thought it would end there.” “We just want our kids to learn to use their own voices and solve problems. We didn’t think we’d hear from Old Navy, and that if we did, it would be a generic email.”
Nobody was expecting Old Navy’s sincere response. They sent Kamryn two new pairs of shorts and two pairs of pants with real pockets. The attached note read: “Kamryn, thank you so much for taking the time to write to us about pockets on girl’s jeans…The Old Navy kids product team appreciate your information. It’s great feedback as we develop new product. In appreciation, please accept some girls bottoms for you to enjoy.”
Kamryn brought the note and pants to show and tell at school. “The girls in my class are really happy about it,” she said. “They like pockets, too.” Old Navy appreciated Kamryn’s feedback and Kamryn certainly appreciates her new “real pocket” pants.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Bentonville Schools
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