Margaret Clayton: Sexist shoes? The PC brigade needs to put a sock in it over Clarks ‘Dolly Babe’ scandal

CLARKS shoes have for decades played a part in our childhood experience.

Getting measured for the perfect fit, whether it was summer sandals, shoes for the new school year or party footwear.

So it was surprising to learn that the familiar brand had sparked a sexism row over their range of girls’ shoes called ‘Dolly Babe’ and boys’ shoes called ‘Leader’.

The girls’ shoes have a little heart motif, the boys’ have a football – but it was the names that sparked the accusation of sexism.

Seriously? Afraid so.

There are many things that are worth getting narked about in our world today – but I don’t think the names given to children’s shoes are important.

Sexism is wrong and has no place in our society – but frankly we’re in danger of confusing the issue when it’s reduced to this kind of nonsense.

Lots of little girls like girly clothes, shoes, dolls and toys. Nothing wrong with that.

Lots of little boys like football boots, guns and Action Men. Nothing wrong with that.

Sometimes they prefer to swap toys and clothes. Nothing wrong with that.

But the sexism police are always on the lookout for anything which could be seen as an infringement of the rules. Do we really need to be so politically correct about every single facet of life? First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined the debate, saying: “It’s almost beyond belief in 2017 that a major company could think this is in any way acceptable. Shows what we are still up against.”

No it doesn’t, Nicola. Calm down and get on with the day job.

One Twitter user called Tod replied: “My daughter went through all phases from dolly babe to goth. It’s called choice and made no difference to her worth or self-esteem.”

Exactly. My four granddaughters love climbing, running and jumping in their jeans and T-shirts but also enjoy pink frilly party frocks and pretty shoes with flower and heart motifs.

They may grow up to like grunge, tattoos and piercings but it’s the ability to make their own choices which matter and will determine their happiness.

Time to chill out and let people determine who they are and what they want at every stage of their lives. That’s a real and lasting freedom.

When it comes to true equality for men and women, especially in the workplace, there are still important battles to be won.

Let our society tackle serious sexist infringements when they arise – but the name on a pair of shoes isn’t one of them.

Footnote: Clarks have withdrawn the ‘Dolly Babe’ and “Leader’ shoes to “ensure our ranges reflect our gender neutral ethos.”

Wow – now so many people can sleep easier in their beds knowing that issue has been resolved!