"Sexist" tag rugby ad campaign

bensweeney

http://www.broadsheet.ie/2012/04/16/sexism-in-rugby-you-say/#comments





Well what do you think?

I think it is demeaning to women and that it portrays the image that men can go along and grab at sexy women. Tag Rugby in an inclusive sporting and social activity and this advertisement is wrong.

Larianne

He's grabbing the tag. I'm more upset that the girl has her hand on the guys face. Its meant to be a non-contact sport. :cool:

Don't really see the issue

miles teg

bensweeney wrote: »

...
I think it is demeaning to women and that it portrays the image that men can go along and grab at sexy women...

What you talking about? The woman is mashing her hand in the guys face. All the guy is doing is grabbing her tag... being tag rugby and all.

bensweeney

bluewolf wrote: »

Don't really see the issue

The woman is in skimpy clothes and sexy, the ad is not representative of the actual women that goes to this event. I mean that it does not take women seriously in the sport.

Pudsy33

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that ad. If anything its clever advertising.

bensweeney

Pudsy33 wrote: »

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that ad. If anything its clever advertising.

In my opinion it portrays women as objects and is not good for an inclusive sport

Pudsy33

bensweeney wrote: »

The woman is in skimpy clothes and sexy, the ad is not representative of the actual women that goes to this event. I mean that it does not take women seriously in the sport.

Thats also a pretty unfair generalization.

Kiera

So your problem is that she's not wearing tags shorts rather than the fact she is fouling the guy?

bensweeney

To give some backround a woman called Niamh Troy wrote this

I received promotional emails today from the Irish Tag Rugby Association containing some absurdly sexist pictures. I was really annoyed about this and called them to complain only to be told that I was the only one that had a problem with it. I have encouraged others who are involved in tag rugby to complain also. This link should give you an idea of what I’m talking about.

bensweeney

Kiera wrote: »

So your problem is that she's not wearing tags shorts rather than the fact she is fouling the guy?

Well it is not proper attire. Women would not wear that! it is a sexy picture that gives wrong idea about the sport. Why is the man dressed in proper attire and not the woman?????????? it also portrays women as clueless bimbos because they do not know the rules such as non contact

bensweeney

bensweeney wrote: »

The woman is in skimpy clothes and sexy, the ad is not representative of the actual women that goes to this event.

Do you want to report them for false advertising so :D:D

bensweeney

Pudsy33 wrote: »

Thats also a pretty unfair generalization.

I dont mean it like that I get my words mixed up sometimes

It's got a picture of a lady in a somewhat sexually suggestive pose/position. Like thousands upon thousands upon thousands of ads that have gone before it.

This is a perfect example of people just looking for a reason to be offended and get up on a high horse.

Kiera

bensweeney wrote: »

Kiera wrote: »

So your problem is that she's not wearing tags shorts rather than the fact she is fouling the guy?

Well it is not proper attire. Women would not wear that! it is a sexy picture that gives wrong idea about the sport. Why is the man dressed in proper attire and not the woman?????????? it also portrays women as clueless bimbos because they do not know the rules such as non contact

I've played tag. The only thing wrong with her is she's not wearing the shorts. I've played against girls caked in make up. So what? Her fouling him does not make her look like a bimbo. I think you are totally blowing this out of proportion.

bensweeney

Kiera wrote: »

I've played tag. The only thing wrong with her is she's not wearing the shorts. I've played against girls caked in make up. So what? Her fouling him does not make her look like a bimbo. I think you are totally blowing this out of proportion.

I am only trying to stick for women. By all accounts it is not just me who is upset by this advertisement.

Kiera

bensweeney wrote: »

Kiera wrote: »

I've played tag. The only thing wrong with her is she's not wearing the shorts. I've played against girls caked in make up. So what? Her fouling him does not make her look like a bimbo. I think you are totally blowing this out of proportion.

I am only trying to stick for women. By all accounts it is not just me who is upset by this advertisement.

No it's not. Niamh agrees with you

bensweeney

bensweeney wrote: »

The woman is in skimpy clothes and sexy, the ad is not representative of the actual women that goes to this event. I mean that it does not take women seriously in the sport.

Right, so if it was the exact same picture, with the exact same pose, but the woman was replaced with someone a bit more *ahem* frumpy looking that would be perfectly ok?

Larianne

You don 't have to wear tag shorts. You can wear those tag belts. Those shorts the model are probably better for tag as the tag shorts can be ripped off ya. :pac:

Tag rugby is great fun. I highly recommend it.

bensweeney

bensweeney wrote: »

I am only trying to stick for women. By all accounts it is not just me who is upset by this advertisement.

Perhaps you should save your energies to fight for women's rights when they are actually being infringed upon somewhere other than in your head.

bensweeney

Deleted User wrote: »

Right, so if it was the exact same picture, with the exact same pose, but the woman was replaced with someone a bit more *ahem* frumpy looking that would be perfectly ok?

I already said I did not mean it like that, will you please read ALL the posts before writing unsubstantiated nonsense.

jack presley

I've never played tag rugby but always wondered if it wasn't mixed, would blokes still play?

Kiera

jack presley wrote: »

I've never played tag rugby but always wondered if it wasn't mixed, would blokes still play?

Yup some of the lads on my team have played male only tag.

ceegee

bensweeney wrote: »

Well it is not proper attire. Women would not wear that! it is a sexy picture that gives wrong idea about the sport. Why is the man dressed in proper attire and not the woman?????????? it also portrays women as clueless bimbos because they do not know the rules such as non contact

Actually she IS in proper attire, its the man that isn't - no tags on and he's wearing shades

bensweeney

Kiera wrote: »

Yup some of the lads on my team have played male only tag.

Kiera does the advertisement not upset you one bit?

Kiera

bensweeney wrote: »

Kiera wrote: »

Yup some of the lads on my team have played male only tag.

Kiera does the advertisement not upset you one bit?

Not at all. We had jerseys made up for our team but some of the girls on the other teams had full make up and really tight tops. Each to their own

BunShopVoyeur

bensweeney wrote: »

http://www.broadsheet.ie/2012/04/16/sexism-in-rugby-you-say/#comments





Well what do you think?

I think it is demeaning to women and that it portrays the image that men can go along and grab at sexy women. Tag Rugby in an inclusive sporting and social activity and this advertisement is wrong.

So, this is a wind-up.......right?

krudler

bensweeney wrote: »

Kiera does the advertisement not upset you one bit?

yeah Kiera, be offended!

Kiera

krudler wrote: »

bensweeney wrote: »

Kiera does the advertisement not upset you one bit?

yeah Kiera, be offended!

Never!

bensweeney

BunShopVoyeur wrote: »

So, this is a wind-up.......right?

No it was an actual advertising campaign I am afraid.

BunShopVoyeur

bensweeney wrote: »

No it was an actual advertising campaign I am afraid.

Meh, not worth the effort. Good day.

WindSock

The ad makes fools of both genders, so sexism toward whom, I dunno. Oh look, a hot sexy woman getting one over on the big dumb man. How original like. May as well change it to vag rugby.

krudler

WindSock wrote: »

The ad makes fools of both genders, so sexism toward whom, I dunno. Oh look, a hot sexy woman getting one over on the big dumb man. How original like. May as well change it to vag rugby.

I'd actually play that

funkyjebus

Its got nothing on Hunky Dorys, which was a very successful ad compain..... it worked on me

ceegee

The OP has a point, why is it always women players who get treated like lumps of meat and never the me........

Oh wait....









(and that was the least NSFW stade francais pic I could find

Rastapitts

hope she doesnt fart!

bensweeney

I must say I am really disappointed by the reaction on here. Womens rights seem to have been forgotten about with todays generation

bensweeney

bensweeney wrote: »

I must say I am really disappointed by the reaction on here. Womens rights seem to have been forgotten about with todays generation

No surer way to make a ridicule of women's rights than to make a fuss over something that's such a non-issue

bensweeney

bluewolf wrote: »

No surer way to make a ridicule of women's rights than to make a fuss over something that's such a non-issue

Well that is in the eye of the beholder.

From talking to feminists this evening they do not think it is a non issue.

calfmuscle

Im not outraged by it, but I am disappointed. The Irish heart foundation is a well respected charity and I don't think this is doing them any favors.

The man has no tags and is wearing sunglasses. The woman is not wearing tag shorts. The woman is fouling the man. The whole image screams sexy bimbo doesn't know how to play, but happy a man is chasing her.

I play tag and full contact rugby and I have had all sorts of ridiculous comments thrown my way about female rugby players. The add should have the same girl in a pair of tag shorts, looking confidant holding the ball and enjoying the game. No need for silly posses etc.

bensweeney

bensweeney wrote: »

Well that is in the eye of the beholder.

From talking to feminists this evening they do not think it is a non issue.

Am I not a feminist because I don't conform to your narrow views?

Get over it tbh

bensweeney

bluewolf wrote: »

Am I not a feminist because I don't conform to your narrow views?

Get over it tbh

See post above.

UnknownSpecies

To be fair, if men are ever portrayed like this in advertising, I don't think we would ever care. If women want to be treated equally they shouldn't really care either. Wasn't even an offensive advert.

Morag

bensweeney wrote: »

Well that is in the eye of the beholder.

From talking to feminists this evening they do not think it is a non issue.

Which feminists?

Catari Jaguar

Look at how the women who are actually playing tag rugby look on these brochures. They look strong, fit, competetive, fierce and there for one reason: To win the match... compare to the image of the blonde bimbo in the skimpy shorts who looks like she's ready for a game of kiss chasing around the school yard. It's pretty insulting to the girls who play tag rugby, and imo that campaign is tacky, predictable, unnecessary and frankly, doesn't do the sport any favours. That said, it's for charity, so if a bunch of people show up just to grab ass or be leered at, each to their own, at least a few quid will be raised.

feelgoodinc27

cherub rock wrote: »

Look at how the women who are actually playing tag rugby look on these brochures. They look strong, fit, competetive, fierce and there for one reason: To win the match... compare to the image of the blonde bimbo in the skimpy shorts who looks like she's ready for a game of kiss chasing around the school yard. It's pretty insulting to the girls who play tag rugby, and imo that campaign is tacky, predictable, unnecessary and frankly, doesn't do the sport any favours. That said, it's for charity, so if a bunch of people show up just to grab ass or be leered at, each to their own, at least a few quid will be raised.

Will the discrimination against blonde physically fit women never end?

bensweeney

Sharrow wrote: »

Which feminists?

My friends, who are very active.

Bubblefett

jack presley wrote: »

I've never played tag rugby but always wondered if it wasn't mixed, would blokes still play?

Yeah, a few of my mates took it up becasue they had injuries that have kept them away from regular rugby. The fact that it's mixed doesn't make a difference, it's a sport, not a dating club.



As Kiera said, I've played tag (it was taught in the all girls school I attended) and it attracts all sorts including girls who won't play without caked on make up. And yeah, some girls prefer tighter clothes. To each their own.
No issue with the ad myself

Edit: just to add, I think it's great that the Irish Tag Rugby Association are supporting the Irish Heart Foundation

WindSock

krudler wrote: »

I'd actually play that

God loves a tryer


Anyhow, I think trying to discuss these types of ads, people should leave out words like 'sexist' and 'offensive'. Using that sort of language detracts from any sound points that can be made and turns it into a big 'overreaction' debate.

Morag

Tag rugby is being taught and promoted in primary schools.
It is a good sport to get kids interested in rugby.

Yes the photo is the usually promotions 'model' glaming up and sexing up the sport
as a way of promoting it and the irish heart foundation.

Yes they should be able to do this with out the micro shorts and showing someone fouling another player but it's a promotion shot, which means it generally will bear no relation to the game and it's a 'model' shot which mean it has a greater chance of it being published as it panders to certain assumptions about the media, editing staff.

Yes such promotions are crappy, but they are unfortunately standard and they are stupid. It's another stupid promotions shot portraying something as sexy to get notice.

Yes I think such things are stupid just like the promotion shots for most things when companies are trying to get into publications, they reckon get a good looking girl flashing as much flesh as they can get away with will get their picture in with a line or two about what it's meant to promote and it is systemic so much so most of us barely roll our eyes at it and decide to fight other battles.

Yes pointing out it's stupid is important but if I was to point out every ad/promotion which did the same I'd get sod all else done with my day.

But I am not the only person to feel this way.

http://www.byjenniferoconnell.com/2011/06/gratuitous-female-nudity-is-marketing.html

awec

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