Scouts offering opt-out to Mothers' Day marketing

[Straysocks]

Doing so because it's a sensitive matter and they want to be inclusive and respectful to all paths of life. Is this normal now? It suggests that being/having a mother has negative connotations. I'm so terribly sad about it. How can they try to erase Mothers? I've emailed back to ask for an explanation. I am very open to people who don't want to use the terms mother or father, that's their call, I'll respect that, it's their family but by eroding or smearing the sentiment of 'mother' ... It really bothers me.

This isn’t about sex and gender discussion. The explanations from posters replying to this thread should clarify
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/4491712-M-S-frets-about-customers-feelings-re-Mothers-Day

But the language used here is different? Doesn't sound like it's about dead parents.

There was another thread the same as this about M&S. I've had loads of these emails - mostly so that people who have lost their mothers, or never had chance to be a mother don't have to receive a barrage of sappy marketing rubbish in their inbox. Are you sure you aren't reading too much into this?

Do they do the same for fathers day?

Hallo could you reproduce the wording here with your details removed, we can judge better than a precis.

I think they'll be sending the same for Father's Day when it rolls round. I've had opt out emails for several occasions over the past year or so, as per the thread it's in case you've recently lost your mother and don't need constant reminders in your inbox.

Surely they should send out a general email at the beginning of the year saying they are no longer celebrating any hallmark occasions?

This has been happening for a few years now - loads of companies send emails in February saying "this is how you opt out of Mother's Day mail shots if they're triggering for you". It's aimed at people who've recently lost their own mothers and maybe also women who are struggling with infertility.

I'm not a huge fan because I think for people who are struggling it just adds a additional layer of intrusive "Is your mother dead?!" in February without making March significantly easier. Virtue signalling in its purest sense IMO. But not what the OP is thinking.

I honestly did question my reaction. I lost my beloved Mum this year. I nursed her for three months at home, where she died with us. I want to celebrate her love. I know that not everyone feels/reacts that way, that loss is very personal but people have lost parents since time began. It's the wording that makes me feel like that love should be hidden because it is in some way disrespectful to others, I object to that.

I'm not a huge fan because I think for people who are struggling it just adds a additional layer of intrusive "Is your mother dead?!" in February without making March significantly easier.

I feel the same (re father)! Thought I was the only one.

[quote IlFaitBeau]This isn’t about sex and gender discussion. The explanations from posters replying to this thread should clarify
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/4491712-M-S-frets-about-customers-feelings-re-Mothers-Day[/quote]
Thanks for the link to that thread, it was really helpful to read. I have not had other emails offering me to opt out of other occasions, possibly I've not noticed them. That's not how I view the email though, for me it gave connotations that motherhood was not to be celebrated rather than being a difficult reminder of loss. I'll see what they say in their response.

Nothing wrong with that wording. It's offering a choice and it's respectful.

Good on the Scouts for their sensitivity.

@Theunamedcat

Do they do the same for fathers day?

Fathers' Day was even more contentious in Brownies because a lot more children are without a father than a mother, or have a step father as well as a father, or don't see their father etc.

We dropped both occasions from our "curriculum" to avoid difficult conversations and complaints.

A quick search of my emails shows I had emails asking if I would like to opt out of Father's Day marketing. One from Boots and one from Ocado.

I've had them from Etsy and Northern Rail - I think it's good that people are offered the choice.

Ive not had any opt out emails for mother or father…ever

How come I’m not getting them, feeling a bit left out

I massively appreciate getting the option to opt out of mothers day materials and I know a lot of other people do. I used to be in a support group for young people who lost their parents to suicide and we all passionately hated the hallmark holidays. I wish marketing opt out emails had been an option back then. The marketing opt out emails aren't upsetting in the same way as they don't come with all the emotive language.

Very pleased the scouts are doing this.

The marketing opt out emails aren't upsetting in the same way as they don't come with all the emotive language.

Yes, I can see that, but I personally find them intrusive and upsetting in the same way. As I said, I realise I'm in the minority.

Yet another thread making GC feminists campaigning for sex based rights look like transphobic twats.

OP it’s nothing to do with trans, and there’s nothing in their email to suggest it is. Offering someone the option to opt out of Mother’s Day emails is not erasing motherhood or mother’s

Lots to be concerned about when it’s comes to scouts and girl guiding but I don’t think this is one of them.

This is what I received from Scouts.

I have had similar from others in previous years and for other occasions.

Many years ago My cousins lost their mother aged 5 & 6. Their school and church contacted their dad to ask how he wanted Mother’s Day to be handled.

It’s not a new thing.

My dad died when I was 7. The Father's Day stuff at school and the like felt awful every year. I'd imagine it's the same concept. With emails it's because of adults who've had bereavements, with kids stuff and being warned so you can miss sessions it's the kids. They can be really painful days if your parent suddenly isn't there to celebrate with.

This can be a real concern for DC who have lost a parent. My BiL died when his son was 7. He was really worried about what he'd do in school when they were making father's day cards.

My mum died shortly before mothers day, I appreciated the chance to turn off notifications regarding it that year.

I'm a defender of women's rights but I don't think this is about that

I’ve just opted out of it. I am NC with my mum. I don’t need continual emails filling my inbox reminding me what a shit she’s been all my life.

It’s a good thing

I'll consider everything said here, thank you. I don't see this post as transphobic, I'll consider that too though. I can't articulate the exact thing I'm trying to say just now, and I want to be clear about it, so I'm going to return later with hopefully a more precise response. I don't feel this is about sensitivity to loss (of parents, dreams or hopes) but about there being negative connotations to the role of 'mother'. I'll return later today.