Sunday, March 10, 2013

Pussy billboard angers residents

A billboard in Bristol has been labelled offensive and derogatory towards women.



The advertisement for an energy drink has in large letters Pussy, with smaller letters reading: "The drink is pure, it's your mind that has a problem."

Katy Attwater, a pensioner, said she found the advert offensive. "As you come into the city it's staring you in the face," Mrs Attwater said. "The connotations of marketing a drink with the name Pussy makes the mind boggle."



The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) confirmed that it has so far received 46 complaints relating to the company's nationwide advertising campaign and that a formal investigation had been launched. A spokesman said people had complained that the adverts were offensive, overly sexual and derogatory towards women.

9 comments:

WilliamRocket said...

Its a young cat. What is the problem ?

arbroath said...

The problem apparently lies within people's minds.

SteveC said...

Maybe I'm old but although I wouldn't be overly offended, I would think it inappropriate.
Yes, its a name for a cat but I rarely ever hear it used in that context as the common term now is for (as Jeremy Clarkson put it...) a womans 'lady garden'. As a energy drink I would also think it is geared more towards the 18-25 demographic so chances are its not named after a cat.
Its clever in that it would appeal to the young fella, but it doesn't mean that its advertising wouldn't be offensive to others.

arbroath said...

The name itself isn't offensive.

It's all to do with the usage. Or perceived usage.

As you say, Steve, it's geared towards a particular demographic, for whom it probably raises a few titters.

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Slocum would agree.

Lurker111

arbroath said...

Was 'Are You Being Served' on TV in the US, Lurker111?

sooz said...

Kev-

Yes, 'Are You Being Served" is one of several British shows (called Brit-coms here) aired here on PBS (Public Broadcasting System). It's probably one of my favorite shows.

arbroath said...

Thanks for that, Sooz!

I had no idea.

Anonymous said...

Can verify...."Are You Being Served" is aired on PBS in Canada as part of the "Brit-Com Block". I think they also throw up Fawlty Towers and Red Dwarf