Last January, Gillette released an ad criticizing 'toxic masculinity' in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The video depicts men at their worst - bullying, catcalling, groping, fighting, mansplaining - while a long line of dudes grilling meat chant "Boys will be boys!" Then sobering news reports play of famous figures getting busted for sexual misconduct, which inspire men to be better and police each other's actions.
The ad sparked a backlash from people who accused the company of "radicalized feminism," "absurd virtue signaling PC guff," and catering to "soyboys" with "no testosterone left." Furious about the company's supposed "war on men," some dudes even threw their razors away. Meanwhile, others praised Gillette for its "pro-humanity" message, stating, "If an ad about treating women with respect makes you angry, you are definitely part of the problem."
Last week, Gillette Venus tweeted an ad that features 34-year-old plus-size model Anna O'Brien wearing a bikini at the beach. "Go out there and slay the day ?? ? Glitter + Lazers," the company wrote in the caption.
In a subsequent tweet, Gillette said the ad is meant to promote inclusion and body diversity: "Venus is committed to representing beautiful women of all shapes, sizes, and skin types because ALL types of beautiful skin deserve to be shown. We love Anna because she lives out loud and loves her skin no matter how the 'rules' say she should display it."
However, similar to the 'Toxic Masculinity' commercial, the Venus ad sparked a heated debate.
Some people had mean-spirited jokes Some people claimed the ad glamorizes obesity, an unhealthy lifestyle Some people accused the critics of cruelty and presumption This guy insisted he's arguing in good faith, based on personal experience Some questioned Gillette's intentions These two argued over whether or not the plus-size model is healthy These two argued about whether or not weight is an indicator of health And these two argued over how the ad will affect childrenWell, one thing's for sure - Gillette's got people talking.
