A gender reveal video on TikTok has gone viral, with a couple setting off fireworks and explosions in a yard surrounded by trees, while standing in front of an “oh baby” sign decorated with pink and blue balloons. The video has received nearly 21 million views, with some viewers praising the announcement while others criticizing the couple for the risky location of the fireworks.
The criticism of gender reveal parties has been heightened in recent years due to several dangerous incidents, such as the El Dorado wildfire in California in 2020, caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device at a gender reveal party. The wildfire resulted in multiple fatalities and scorched over 10,000 acres of land. In 2018, a gender reveal event in Arizona caused a 45,000-acre wildfire and $8 million in damage. In 2019, an Australian family set their car ablaze during a gender reveal, leading to criticism of the trend.
Jenna Karvunidis, who is credited with “inventing” the gender reveal party, has publicly apologized for leading the movement, saying that it places too much emphasis on gender at birth. Karvunidis argues that focusing on a child’s gender at birth leaves out a vast potential for talents and abilities that have nothing to do with their biological sex.
While gender reveal parties can be exciting and enjoyable for expectant parents and their loved ones, the recent tragedies show the need for safer celebrations. The potential danger and harm that can result from these parties must be considered, and parents should explore alternative ways to celebrate the arrival of their child.
Gender reveal parties can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate a new baby, but it’s important to prioritize safety and consider the potential risks. With the recent tragedies and criticism of the trend, it’s essential to reconsider the need for these parties and explore safer ways to celebrate a child’s birth. Ultimately, the focus should be on welcoming a new life into the world, rather than just their biological sex.
