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Original poster

Advert for razors shows topless NB model with mastectomy scars

112 replies

SapphosRock · 12/06/2022 16:09

This isn't a cancer survivor but a trans / non-binary model. I'm all for positive representation in advertising from the LGBTQ community but this one feels irresponsible.

In particular advertising 'super sharp razor blades' using a model with visible scars. Some might view them as self-harm scars.

We seem to be normalising double mastectomies, or turning it into a fashion statement.

Advert for razors shows topless NB model with mastectomy scars
OP posts:
AlsoknownasOther · 12/06/2022 18:03

@catsonahottinroof @ZaraSizeMedium
Preventative double mastectomy if you are at a high risk of developing breast cancer such as a genetic predisposition.

Plasmodesmata · 12/06/2022 17:56

I don't understand why they are deliberately showing hairy armpits in a razor advert.

Also what Pruella said. There's probably a market for a menopausal-woman-face-shaving razor. Marketed at the old and the grumpy. Not quite as on-trend as this though.

trailrunner85 · 12/06/2022 17:52

Ah, fair enough. Apologies, OP!

But yes, the advert is appalling.

NecessaryScene · 12/06/2022 17:52

How are you so sure this woman is NB/trans, and hasn't had a double mastectomy for breast cancer or other health reasons?

For starters, she's topless in a general audience advert. The only reason you'll see a woman topless in that situation in 2022 is because you're pretending she's a man, so normal rules don't apply.

user1471447924 · 12/06/2022 17:52

Erghh. Cancelled my Estrid subscription off the back of this.

Original poster
SapphosRock · 12/06/2022 17:50

The model is definitely trans, I checked before posting my OP.

OP posts:
Motorina · 12/06/2022 17:48

The model is a trans activist. The razor company says so on their website.

estrid.com/sv-uk/tips-tricks/sun-s-out-stash-out/

I don't get why it would make anyone buy their razors, either.

trailrunner85 · 12/06/2022 17:42

How are you so sure this woman is NB/trans, and hasn't had a double mastectomy for breast cancer or other health reasons?

When I look at this photo I see a) a woman with mastectomy scars and b) a pretty shitty, ethically-dubious and deliberately-provocative advert. I didn't immediately make the non-binary/trans link as the model is so "feminine" in appearance. Unless the model is a famous NB model I'm not aware of?

Cailleach1 · 12/06/2022 17:37

Are the company promoting the blades as good for cutting your skin? It is really sinister. Against the backdrop of the scars from the surgical removal of breasts, it is disturbing where the blade of the razor is being held.

mumda · 12/06/2022 17:29

Our blades cut well.
Great slogan.

Pruella · 12/06/2022 17:29

No need to shave face as biological female.

I wish this was true 😫

achillestoes · 12/06/2022 17:27

So sad. I won’t buy anything from people who are prepared to use kids like this.

ResisterRex · 12/06/2022 17:21

Why is the razor placed at the neck? That chosen position is unsettling. It must be half hanging on skin at the neck.

AsTreesWalking · 12/06/2022 17:15

That poor child.

Ponderingwindow · 12/06/2022 17:13

Associating razors with cuts and scars. Someone missed some classes in Introduction to Marketing.

just to be clear, I have learned not to be ashamed of the scars on my body where disease has been removed, my biggest is across my neck so always visible. I was ashamed at first, but now I know that a scar can be a badge of survival. I’m not belittling cancer survivors, which this model likely is not. This is purely about bad marketing decisions.

Original poster
SapphosRock · 12/06/2022 17:06

If anyone wants to post this in AIBU please feel free!

OP posts:
IstayedForTheFeminism · 12/06/2022 17:06

No need to shave face as biological female.

While I agree this advert is odd, some biological women absolutely do have to shave/epilate/whatever their faces.

rocketfromthecrypt · 12/06/2022 17:05

It's the logic that bothers me. The model is showing hairy armpits - in an advert for razors? Like a bald man in a shampoo advertisement.

StillWeRise · 12/06/2022 17:03

I agree, re post this in AIBU, people need to see this

Original poster
SapphosRock · 12/06/2022 17:03

I'm not judging the model, I'm judging whoever decided this advert was a good idea.

Someone with self-harm scars advertising razor blades is like a morbidly obese person advertising cheesecake.

OP posts:
jimboandthejetset · 12/06/2022 17:02

AlsoknownasOther · 12/06/2022 16:39

When judging other people living their lives, please remember...
On some women

  1. Short hair doesn't equal gender issues
And/or
  1. Armpit hair doesn't equal gender issues
And/or
  1. A double mastectomy doesn't equal gender issues or cancer survivor

Can you explain this advert then? Because if this isn't symbolising a FTM transition then I have no idea what it's supposed to mean. I'm not being obtuse, i genuinely don't understand it.

GCBookseller1 · 12/06/2022 16:57

AlsoknownasOther · 12/06/2022 16:39

When judging other people living their lives, please remember...
On some women

  1. Short hair doesn't equal gender issues
And/or
  1. Armpit hair doesn't equal gender issues
And/or
  1. A double mastectomy doesn't equal gender issues or cancer survivor

Get over yourself 🙄It’s a marketing campaign, nobody’s judging her living her life, they’re questioning the wisdom of an advert that she’s presumably chosen to take part in.

ZaraSizeMedium · 12/06/2022 16:49

A double mastectomy doesn't equal gender issues or cancer survivor

Genuine question - why else might a woman have a double mastectomy? Other than gender issues or cancer/potential cancer prevention?

catsonahottinroof · 12/06/2022 16:49

What would be the other reason for a double mastectomy apart from gender issues or being a cancer survivor? (Just out of interest).

FunnyTalks · 12/06/2022 16:48

I thought op was judging yet another instance of corporate swallowing of a deeply harmful misogynist and homophobic ideology. Not judging the model themselves - female humans have a difficult time under the patriarchy.