Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance ignited a firestorm of controversy after a 2021 interview resurfaced where he referred to women without biological children, including Vice President Kamala Harris, as “childless cat ladies” lacking a “direct stake” in America. These remarks, initially made on Tucker Carlson’s FOX News program, quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about women’s roles in society and politics, and have unexpectedly spurred a unique trend online, particularly on platforms like Etsy.
Vance’s 2021 statements, where he asserted that the government is being run by individuals “miserable at their own lives” and seeking to spread that misery, have resurfaced at a politically sensitive moment. With the 2024 presidential election looming and reproductive rights at the forefront of national conversation, his words are being interpreted by many as an attack on women’s autonomy and life choices. Further adding fuel to the fire, Vance had also suggested in separate 2021 interviews that individuals who choose not to have children should have diminished political influence and face higher taxes.
Democrats have seized upon these comments, viewing them as emblematic of a growing divide between the two parties regarding sexual values, gender roles, and personal life choices within American families. This political rift is particularly evident as Democrats celebrate recent victories in ballot initiatives upholding abortion access in traditionally Republican states, highlighting a broader shift in public sentiment.
However, Vance attempted to downplay the uproar, characterizing his comments as sarcastic in a subsequent interview with Megyn Kelly. “Obviously it was a sarcastic comment. I’ve got nothing against cats,” he stated, attempting to redirect focus to what he termed the “substance” of his remarks.
Despite Vance’s attempt at damage control, the backlash was swift and widespread. Celebrities, political commentators, and everyday citizens voiced their outrage, particularly online. Jennifer Aniston, known for generally avoiding political commentary, expressed disbelief on Instagram, referencing her own personal struggles with fertility. Whoopi Goldberg condemned Vance’s remarks on The View, directly addressing women voters. Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Senator John McCain, highlighted the pain caused by Vance’s words and their potential to mobilize women across the political spectrum.
Even within Vance’s own circle, his comments have sparked debate. While some conservatives have defended the underlying sentiment regarding traditional family values, many have criticized the delivery and tone, acknowledging it as potentially alienating. Blake Masters, a former Senate candidate endorsed by Vance, publicly stated that elected leaders “should have children” to ensure better decisions for future generations, echoing a sentiment that aligns with Vance’s core point but avoids the controversial language.
The term “childless cat lady,” in particular, has resonated and been reappropriated, especially online. Professor Nadia Brown from Georgetown University noted that Vance’s comment plays into a harmful stereotype of “cat ladies” as unlovable and misdirecting maternal instincts towards animals due to a lack of romantic fulfillment or children. This stereotype, intended to be derogatory, has instead been embraced by many women.
This embrace has manifested in a tangible way: the rise of “childless cat lady” merchandise, particularly on Etsy. Fueled by the online furor, Etsy shops have begun offering a variety of items, from t-shirts proclaiming “miserable childless cat lady” to designs specifically supporting Kamala Harris with slogans like “childless cat lady for Kamala.” This unexpected turn demonstrates how Vance’s controversial statement has been quickly transformed into a symbol of defiance and female solidarity, and a burgeoning micro-economy on Etsy.
This online trend extends beyond just cats. The sentiment encompasses all individuals choosing not to have children, with “childless dog dads” also joining the online conversation and potentially contributing to the Etsy marketplace. Democratic groups have even organized events like a “cats and dog ladies unite” organizing call, further solidifying this online movement.
Delia Cintron, a 70-year-old retired manager, voiced her anger at Vance’s comments, emphasizing that her choice to be childless was a conscious one. She sees Vance’s remarks as a setback for progress and a reflection of outdated patriarchal views that seek to limit women’s roles in society. Carol Evans, 71, a retired CEO, echoed this sentiment, viewing Vance’s statement as another attempt to deny women their human rights and restrict them to traditional roles.
Mary Refling, a 70-year-old retired college professor, responded to Vance’s comments with humor and online activism. She immediately began sharing memes and photos with her cats on Facebook, embracing the “childless cat lady” label with irony and defiance. She and her friends, many of whom are also childless and pet owners, see Vance’s comments as a “completely twisted way of looking at the modern structure of the family.”
Vice President Harris, while not directly addressing Vance’s remarks, continues to focus on women’s issues, particularly reproductive rights. She has framed access to reproductive healthcare as a matter of “freedom” and “liberty,” contrasting it with “government interference.” Her outspoken stance on these issues has arguably strengthened her political position, especially among women voters.
Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families Action Fund, highlighted the gender bias inherent in Vance’s comments. She pointed out that male candidates are not judged based on their parental status, and Vance’s remarks serve to diminish women’s accomplishments and perspectives.
While Vance’s rhetoric has been widely condemned, it has also ignited a debate within conservative circles. Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life Action, while not personally offended, urged Republicans to engage in a more nuanced conversation about women’s choices and career paths, suggesting that many professional women feel pressured to prioritize career over family. Andrew T. Walker, a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, agreed with the substance of Vance’s concerns regarding societal trends but cautioned against alienating language. He acknowledged the need for conservatives to articulate the value of children and family without resorting to condemnation of individual choices.
Recent data underscores the shifting landscape of family structures in America. A Pew Research Center study revealed that 47% of U.S. adults under 50 without children are unlikely to ever have them, a significant increase from 2018. The study cited various reasons, with the most prominent being that individuals “just don’t want” children.
In conclusion, JD Vance’s “childless cat lady” comment has backfired, sparking widespread outrage and inadvertently fueling a wave of online empowerment and entrepreneurial activity on Etsy. What was intended as a derogatory remark has been transformed into a rallying cry, with “childless cat lady” merchandise becoming a symbol of defiance, humor, and solidarity. This episode highlights the evolving dynamics of American society, the increasing political power of women, and the unexpected ways in which online culture can reframe and respond to controversial political statements, even turning them into trending merchandise.
