Always Correctly Removed Venus Symbol [Editorial]

Always made a crucial and ethical decision to get rid of the feminine Venus symbol from all products. Venus decided to remove the symbol to be more gender neutral, including transgenders. Venus is getting backlash from this decision, but most importantly, praise.  

Always had every right to remove the Venus symbol from all products and was right to do so. Being more inclusive is for sure the right decision than just targeting females to the brand. Cutting out half the gender is not a correct marketing choice. It is also is not fair to people who have a period, but do not identify as female. Having this symbol target females, made others feel that this product wasn’t for them, even if they needed the product. This is not fair having those people feel left out, and that the product did not embrace their identity choices. 

The Venus symbol has been around for a very long time in astronomy, mythology, and more. Venus is considered to be a “she.”  “Venus will symbolize love, appeal, ambition, beauty, and passion. She will represent balance, devotion, desire, creativity, and allure” (https://www.sunsigns.org/venus-symbol-meanings/). These characteristics stereotypically are considered female. Even though these characteristics can be said about anyone, it is still targeting to a “she.” In society, the Venus symbol is viewed as being tied to femininity. Always knew this originally when putting the symbol on their products, that their products are only for who identify as a woman. Now, that has all changed.  

Gender is a lot more complex than just feminine and male. It’s a social and legal status, and set of expectations from society, about behaviors, characteristics, and thoughts. Everyone has a right to choose who they identify as for their gender. Gender is not always binary, a lot of people identity in between those binary lines. Gender fluidity should be more widely recognized in society. Including in public places, on school campuses, stores, and more. Always making this decision shows that they stand with the people who are gender fluid and transgender. This is a step in the right direction for acceptance of change. Not only of change in the brand, but in society. This could start a positive domino effect where more brands, and public places embrace all people of all gender.  

People who are giving backlash about the changes, are just not as educated on the topic. They also do not realize how the Venus symbol is excluding and affecting others. More education on these topics is crucial in the world as society moves further.  The people against this need to consider how this makes others feel, and no one wants to feel that way. Empathy toward others is something we all need to embrace; we are all human and deserve to be treated as one. As the golden rule states, treat others the way you want to be treated.  

Always took a step in the right direction removing the feminine Venus symbol. Embracing others for who they are is something the world needs a lot more of.  

This editorial was based on a discussion by a JAMS 504 editorial board.