Recently, there were two incidents that caught the attention of the general public and the media.
Ben Chan is the owner of a very popular local clothing line, Bench. They held a fashion show entitled "The Naked Truth" to showcase their new line of underwear. This is almost always a yearly event and people look forward to seeing their favorite Bench models clad only in their underwear.
Nothing wrong with that, I guess, because it IS a fashion show. There was one segment in the show, however, that caused a big stir. It was a woman on a leash and made to act as if she was a wild animal. Personally, I found this very offensive. Women are not animals. Women are not slaves. To make women portray a role like this is downright degrading. Here is the video of that segment in the show. Please pay attention to the first minute of the clip.
The second incident was a t-shirt sold in the Philippines' largest department store chain. SM (Shoemart) Malls had a shirt in (of all places), the teens section that said, "Its not rape. Its a snuggle with a struggle." I am correct in thinking that this statement shirt is glorifying rape?
How could this thing that get into the SM stores? The SM Malls, owned by Henry Sy, have a total of 49 establishments all over the country. It is the destination of choice of the common Filipino during weekends. Can you just imagine how many minds were corrupted seeing that shirt on display? I understand it would not have been the mall owner's fault but what about the purchasing officers? Shouldn't they have known better? Don't they have daughters? or sisters? We should not make a joke about the act of rape. Any victim can attest to the horrors of it and is now living in fear and shame brought about by the experience.
These two incidents have violated Section 16 of Republic Act 9710, known as "The Magna Carta of Women"
SECTION 16. Nondiscriminatory and Nonderogatory Portrayal of Women in Media and Film. — The State shall formulate policies and programs for the advancement of women in collaboration with government and nongovernment media-related organizations. It shall likewise endeavor to raise the consciousness of the general public in recognizing the dignity of women and the role and contribution of women in the family, community, and the society through the strategic use of mass media.
I have signed this petition in Change.org.
The public has the right to demand that Shoemart and Bench must prove how they will put into actions their respective promise to end this dehumanizing and demoralizing culture they've promoted. Boycotting these companies, bringing them to court for their violation of the Magna Carta of Women are options which the public will consider if they do not respond to this call.
Women are not class B human beings. We do not deserve to be degraded, discriminated or dehumanized.
This is an appeal for women to rise up and be heard. All you need to do is to sign the petition to effect the change. Do it now. Do it for yourself, your daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and for all the women you know.
Here is the link where you can digitally sign and be part of this cause.
https://www.change.org/p/mr-henry-sy-shoemart-and-mr-ben-chan-bench-we-demand-actions-not-words#share
I am not "just a woman."
I AM A WOMAN.
How can they sell a tshirt like that..Really sad..Thank you for spreading an awareness which is much wanted in these times..
ReplyDeleteI know, Priya. It is just so sad that things like these happen.
DeleteThank you for bringing attention to this important and life saving matter. That t-shirt is reprehensible!
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that women are perceived as commodities.
DeleteI am really disgusted by that tshirt!
ReplyDeleteI share your sentiment. It is utterly disgusting!
Deletethis is really interesting, you are absolutely right dehumanizing women isn't right even if i would say it's all about fashion.
ReplyDeleteThat is very disrespectful to women. I understand that it is part of the strategy, commercial wise but it is too much.
ReplyDeletei believe and agree with everything you've said. I guess they should've put a man in a leash too so it is just fair for both. but that shirt is not really good in any way. unless the owners sell a lot from it but somehow someone did not understand the meaning of it.
ReplyDeleteThese two dehumanizing acts against women made the rounds on social media recently, and while the bosses of these two organizations already expressed public apology, they should be able to show in their future fashion shows/store products that these things will never happen again.
ReplyDeleteAgree ako sa sentiment mo sis. The proper authorities must look into this incidents.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing attention to this. Both are absurd, offensive and though apologies were issued, I'm left wondering WHO thought this was okay? EVER????
ReplyDeleteI was so sad to see the women who was acting like any pet. I was wondering under what conditions she has taken such modelling project. But what to say to those who conceived this idea.
ReplyDeleteAbout the shirt, it really is offensive and can corrupt many minds, I think the authorities must take action against these acts.
I am signing the petition for my daughter , mother , sister. Thank you for such spreading the information.
It's hard to take the first one seriously because it is just so outright stupid, but the t-shirt is truly appalling. How could someone think that is a good idea. It reminds me of another recent piece of retail insensitivity (not to mention ignorance). Urban Outfitters was selling a Kent State University sweat shirt with blood stains on it. Since I was a student at Kent State at the time of the shootings, this one made smoke come out of my ears. They all apologize but I'm not convinced.
ReplyDeleteThe video and the t-shirt were unbelievably disgusting. What kind of people promoting these actions and products. Thanks for sharing this and making us aware of it.
ReplyDeleteThinking outside the box at the expense of human dignity can be a problem for marketers in this day and age. That t-shirt could not be made by a person who respects a woman in any way. It is outrageous for anyone to think that way.
ReplyDeleteIncredible stupidity sometimes manifests itself in public and all too often on the front of a t-shirt. Unbelievable.
ReplyDelete