I've collected some headlines about the ad;

Opinion in the Independent by
Victoria Richards "The new John Lewis advert is a glorious antidote to toxic ‘boys will be boys’ messaging". Pardon me? The boy thrashing about and even destroying his sister's pants, which she so calmly sits quietly and does, really reinforces that boys are rowdy and messy, while girls are quiet and neat. Wearing his mother's dress doesn't really take away from the masculine mess here.

" think we are all missing the point, because this ad is joyful.

Just look at him: the dazzling star – an actor, of course, but still a role model for so many boys who wish they too could copy their sisters without condemnation, wear a tutu and princess dress and heels and strut to the strains of Stevie Nicks.

We’ve come a little way regarding the conversation about gender stereotyping – we’re learning to teach our kids that they can do or be whatever and whoever they want to be."

I didn't realize that some people grew up in an alternate universe where boys were told they couldn't be whatever they wanted to be.

John Lewis accused of ‘agenda-pushing’ over advert starring a boy in a dress

The advert triggered an online backlash, with some viewers accusing the retailer of sexism and “agenda-pushing” while others claimed it was guilty of “sexualising” children.

John Lewis advert praised by singer Stevie Nicks after row

"But others, including singer Stevie Nicks whose song Edge of Seventeen was used for the clip, were positive.
“Love this!” Nicks tweeted, re-posting the video on social media."

I mean, she got paid. Her song is the highlight of the ad too.

Adage: JOHN LEWIS RESPONDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA CRITICISM OF 'SEXIST' AD

The Telegraph: Why the new John Lewis ad is everything that's wrong with modern Britain. Wow, okay that's a bit over the top but I can't read the article anyway.

The Drum: John Lewis’s latest ad has received 130 complaints, but did it actually break any rules?, good question, is the boy being willfully destructive or just "lost in the moment" causing accidents? Only one of these things will be covered by your home insurance.

Re that John Lewis ad, my sons have always been allowed to wear dresses but not allowed to behave like destructive, entitled wankers. Not saying I'm parent of the year, but this stuff really isn't complicated.— Victoria Smith (@glosswitch) October 15, 2021