Facebook User Trolls Haters of Target's Gender-Neutral Toy Decision

In a move to get away from gender stereotypes, Target announced last week it was ditching its gender-specific displays and switching to gender-neural showcases.

"Right now, our teams are working across the store to identify areas where we can phase out gender-based signage to help strike a better balance," a statement on Target's website reads. "For example, in the kids' Bedding area, signs will no longer feature suggestions for boys or girls, just kids. In the Toys aisles, we'll also remove reference to gender, including the use of pink, blue, yellow or green paper on the back walls of our shelves. You'll see these changes start to happen over the next few months."

While many have lauded the inclusive move, others are taking issue with it and have flocked to Facebook to air their grievances. But as Ad Week reports, one Facebook user was recently on a mission to silence the haters.

The website reports Mike Melgaard came to the retail giant's defense by creating a fake Facebook account called Ask ForHelp, and used the iconic Target bullseye logo for a profile picture. Under the bogus account, Melgaard replied to consumers' ridiculous complaints about the gender-neutral move. Ad Week notes Melgaard kept up the hilarious act for 16 hours, leaving sassy comments to about 50 posts before the account was shut down.

"I know this means little to Target, but I am tired of all this political correctness ... but after this latest move with signage I am going to do my best not to shop at your stores... I have already stopped shopping at Walmart... there are other stores to shop," Gary Plunk, a disgruntled (former) Target shopper, wrote on Target's official Facebook page.

"Actually Gary, you're wrong. It means NOTHING to us that you feel this way. Have a great day!" Melgaard reportedly wrote under the Ask ForHelp account.

"FYI: we will be purchasing our bike equipment from Walmart because we think removing boys/girls distinctions is unnecessary and makes a statement we do not agree with," an upset Deanna Unruh wrote.

"Well, Deanna. We're sorry to hear that. Good luck with your relationship with Walmart. Be careful, we hear they sell bikes without the seats on them," Melgaard replied.

"Wow. Nice customer service," Unruh said.

"And I used to love shopping at Target! Bye, bye," Debbie Kelmar Schwartz wrote.

"Don't let the door hit yah where the good Lord split yah!" he replied.

"Wow, really?" Schwartz wrote back.

Jewel Styles, whose profile picture is of the Confederate flag, wrote: "I have just UNLIKED your FaceBook page along with your store. I will no longer shop here. You have outraged many customers just to appease a few. God created males and females differently. Why would you remove the differences?? Get a clue Target. Your stupidity is showing."

"Jewel," Ask ForHelp wrote, "we're sorry you feel that way. We're also sorry you have such a strong opinion of things like flags, the tables of toys being "girl" or "boy" and whatever else easily offends you. We at Target wish you well!"

You can read more of Melgaard's amazing posts over at Ad Week by clicking here.

Melgaard told the website why he decided to make the fake account and troll haters on Target's Facebook page.

"Immediately, I knew there would be your typical outraged American spouting emotional reactions on their Facebook page," he said. "After taking a look, I was literally laughing out loud at my computer. A few more minutes in and it struck me how hilarious it would be to portray myself as a parody customer service rep. So, I did just that, and the rest was history. Honestly, it was like striking comedy gold. Every one of these people gave me the ammunition I needed for a great response."

Though he said he "side[s] with Target" on the issue, he said he pulled the stunt more for "the laughs."

"I absolutely love satirical humor, and I think America could use a little more laughter," he said.

Target released a statement about Melgaard's trolling haters.

"At Target, we are committed to providing outstanding guest service to our guests wherever we engage with them-in our stores, online, or on our social pages. Clearly this individual was not speaking on behalf of Target. Should guests ever have questions on whether a communication from Target is legitimate, we encourage them to reach out to guest relations at 1-800-440-0680."