Others however–the brave ones – dive into the action head first; no regrets with a bold agenda to shift the status quo.
Razor brand, Gillette’s excellent short film combatting toxic masculinity lands its parent company Procter & Gamble decisively in this category.
The film traverses unique ground in advertising, highlighting incidences of casual sexism traditionally tolerated as the norm across western societies. Through a series of scenes, the viewer is confronted with how deeply entrenched gender inequalities really are, and how crucial #MeToo and subsequent movements have been in forcing us to change.
It uproots our acceptance of masculinity in its current form, calling on all men to do better and to recognise their part in a pervasive problem.
Unfortunately (though unsurprisingly) some people on social media aren’t happy that Gillette chose to deviate from its usual schtick of silky faces and wry smiles in the mirror.
If they made a women’s razor ad that discouraged gold-digging, nagging, being emotionally manipulative and made it clear that it wasn’t referring to all women, I’m sure there would be backlash. Rightfully so.
— dronez (@dronez) January 14, 2019
Just sell some damn razors and keep your social justice stupidity out of it. Looks like it’s @DollarShaveClub from now on.
— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 14, 2019
You’re right, there will be no going back!
To buying your brand.
Enjoy your tanking sales and stock price.
— Coinan O’Brien (@CoinanOBrien) January 15, 2019
Now Gillette can go and concentrate on making womens hair remover products and shampoos cuz no real man will ever buy their products. #fuckGillette #FuckFeminazis
— oberyn martell (@idiot_troy) January 15, 2019
Perhaps these guys need to take a look in the mirror themselves.