Twitter reacts to 'sexist' NHS contraception posters
An NHS poster designed to advertise emergency contraception has been heavily criticised online for its “sexist” and “demeaning” message.
The promotion depicts a pair of heels and red lipstick beside a dummy alongside the slogan: “would you give up this for this?”
Understandably, when one social media user shared the divisive advertisement on Twitter earlier this week it was met with uproar.
Nicola Thorp posted the image alongside the caption: “Contraception is one of the most important services in our healthcare system. I’m proud to live in a country that provides free contraception. But this is the pits. Where do I start…”
Contraception is one of the most important services in our healthcare system. I’m proud to live in a country that provides free contraception.
But this is the pits. Where do I start… pic.twitter.com/jpVT6VGGhL
— Nicola Thorp (@nicolathorp_) September 14, 2018
Within minutes, fellow Twitter users took to the post to share their thoughts.
One wrote: “I never knew women have to give up wearing shoes and make up to have children. Whoever decided that should have a word with my gran, she still wears heels and make-up and she’s in her 80’s”.
I never knew women have to give up wearing shoes and make up to have children. Whoever decided that should have a word with my gran, she still wears heels and make up and she’s in her 80’s
— Stephen (@Callaweasy2220) September 14, 2018
While one mum commented, “Who says you have to give up anything to have children? I have an 8 week old and I’m wearing makeup today! My daughter is just fine!”
Who says you have to give up anything to have children? I have an 8 week old and I’m wearing makeup today! My daughter is just fine!
— Jessica Hatchett (@MrsJHatchett) September 15, 2018
But it’s not the only NHS advertisement to have come under scrutiny, as the medical service have also designed an alternative poster designed to encourage men to use condoms.
The second promotion depicts a game controller alongside the more colloquial words: “Bware da baby trap – use a condom”. Again, the advertisement was mocked online for its tone-deaf message and undeniable gender stereotyping.
Oh my effing god the one for men is even WORSE!!
What the hell were they thinking?
The ‘Bware da baby TRAP’?!?
Can’t young men be treated with respect and decent information?
Sexual health education is SO important…but this is not the one. 🤦🏻♀️ pic.twitter.com/Hr6pj61Toj
— Nicola Thorp (@nicolathorp_) September 15, 2018
One social media user wrote: “Funny (not funny) how this is apparently aimed at men, however I’m a 32-year-old woman and have never put on stilettos and lipstick in my life! However I have a PS4 controller in my hand almost daily.”
Funny (not funny) how this is apparently aimed at men, however I’m a 32 year old woman and have never put on stilettos and lipstick in my life!
However I have a PS4 controller in my hand almost daily……. #gotitsowrong
— Sam 🏴 (@sampixeldot) September 15, 2018
While another joked, “Do they think they’re being “cool” with da “yoof” speak?”
What do you make of the advertisements?
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