Here we go again

[Mrs.Sippy]

So the ASA has received complaints regarding the current M&S Ad decrying it as sexist. Yes, there ARE two sexes and why should we try to hide the fact? In fact I think the time's now come to ban all '-ists' complaints, ageist, sexist, and the like. This has to be the first period since verbal communication began, except for cases of tyranny way back in history of course, where we have to watch what we say. Language like everything else should evolve naturally without arms poised over the phone, pen in hand at the desk. There's a lot, lot wrong with this world and to treat such claims with any credibility is to pander to the extreme minority at the expense of free speech. There are laws to prevent the more objectionable utterances but apart from that we should leave well alone and let language move on naturally. All to often we're treading eggs for fear of offending someone; let them be offended, if they're that thin-skinned. We should speak as we find and if someone doesn't like it - TOUGH!

[anniebird]

The only reason why it might be sexist is because there is no gorgeous bloke in his underwear for the ladies to ogle at. Perhaps that is why the complaints were made. Personally I like the ad.

[ummmm]

8 complaints according to someone in news...

[Mikkanjazza]

Yes eight complaints out of how many millions who must have seen it? Talk about the tail wagging the dog!

[Mamyalynne]

Mrs Sippy you put it so well, all I can say is "Hear Hear"

[Mrs.Sippy]

Thanks mamyalynne

[Everhelpful]

Couldn't agree with you more,mrs Sippy

[Panic Button]

I bet the 8 complainers have no idea who D.I. Gene Hunt is.

[Postdog]

Well I object because it is aimed at well to do middle to upper class so called refined people, but I wouldn't complain

[naomi24]

Postdog, Why do you think that?

[rainbow2]

I agree it is sexist, but that is the whole point of having Gene Hunt in the advert. He is sexist, and that's what makes the advert so endearing - we know it was done tongue-in cheek (so to speak!). i love the character Gene Hunt and won't hear a word said against him ;-)

[Mrs.Sippy]

I think you've lost the plot a bit there rainbow2. The advert was merely an example of how we're being coaxed into particular areas of thought. You say you agree that it IS sexist whereas I believe there should be no such thing. I really can't believe that we're examining everything in such minute detail so we're able to pigeon-hole an item rather than deal with it. We're all being trained to examine very carefully what we say in case it upsets someone. Not me.

[LewPaper]

I'm with you Mrs.S. Can someone please explain what sexism is? The way I see it is that life in general is seperated into two and must come together to regenerate their species. How can anything be compared to that?