Target criticised for 'objectifying' t-shirt

Target is under scrutiny for selling a potentially objectifying t-shirt featuring the word "Trophy" in bold white letters.

Social media backlash and a Change.org petition is pushing the retail chain to pull the product from its stores, calling it offensive and sexist.

The shirt, described as a "Trophy Wife Graphic Tee" online, has been on sale at Target for $12.99 and $14.99 for plus sizes since June. Intense criticism of the shirt and its accompanying bridal collection -- including clothing that reads "Team Bride," "Mrs.," and "Bride" -- began on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter after some customers spotted them in the juniors section, and not women's.

"Hey @Target," writes one Twitter user. "Way to tell girls/young women that they're only some guy's accomplishment."

Petition creator A.R. writes, "The word 'Trophy' is described in the English language as 'any THING taken in war, hunting, competition, etc., especially when preserved as a momento; spoil, prize, or a ward."

"The truth is that millions of women and young girls are taken as 'trophies' every year in war, sex trafficking, slavery, and rape...The word trophy should not refer to any person, man or woman, because we are not THINGS -- we are human beings," the petition reads.

In a statement to the press, Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder says it was never the store's intention to offend its customers, "and we always appreciate receiving feedback from our guests."

"The shirt you're describing is part of a collection of engagement and wedding shirts that are available in our women's and plus size departments," Snyder explains. "These shirts are intended as a fun wink and we have received an overwhelmingly positive response from our guests."