Not AIBU but put your hands up

[sashh]

The ASA has had 160 complaints about the ASDA Xmas ad. Go on, how many of you made a complaint?

www.marketingweek.co.uk/news/asa-to-investigate-sexist-asda-ad/4004700.article

I didn't complain, but I do find the ad offensive and totally inappropriate in this day and age. Yes it does reflect a reality for some families, but it is putting a message to the viewers that this is normal and ok, and that it is the mum's job to make Christmas. It shouldn't. The next generation should not grow up thinking this and asda shouldn't be making out that this is still the case, society should have has moved on.

The ad reflects what happens in my house, apart from the washing up.

My DP did. His reason is that if you turned the ad around and it was the husband doing everything while the mum sat down looking pretty then there'd be uproar. It's the double standards he hates. Plus she's pretty hopeless at it all anyway. She can't wrap a present, sets the tree too far away from the plug socket, she's disorganised. So actually the ad is derogatory towards her too!

Just because it's representative doesn't mean it's not offensive. I think it glamourises and makes as aspirational the notion of being an undervalued member of the family and promotes a sort of tedious martyrdom of mothers. The fact that it's true of lots of women simply means that they are exploiting it and perpetuating a crap narrative. Its dressed up to represent the mum as happy and I think everyone should enjoy doing stuff for their family Just not be undervalued and for the expectation for be that the responsibility falls to women.
As a stretched analogy consider an advert that depicted a non-white or older employee being overlooked for promotion but doing work behind the scenes and not being recognised for it and seemingly relishing that position...
I also understand why some of you might think that the advert doesn't matter.

I didn't.

I might have complained....

I haven't complained because I actually have a life.

And I find it hilarious. Mostly because my own mother (who is wonderful) has never and will never be the one cooking Christmas dinner. That's the nan's job in her house! I plan to carry forward this excellent stress free tradition.

*man's job. Not Nan's job.

Advert doesn't bother me but asda have got everyone talking so it won't do them any harm!

I think it's weird to say that someone doesn't have a life if they take a minute to complain about something they care about. Especially as all of us are happy to spend time reading loads of random stuff from strangers on the inter web.

Agree with SecretNutellaFix

Of all the problems in the world, the one thing e are worrying about is a (true to life as previously stated) ad on TV that will be shown for what? 5/6 weeks....please!

I actually think the advert could have a good effect, in that those families where mum does most stuff, it might just make the rest of the family realize this, maybe she WILL get some help with the dishes this year. I don't really think it promotes or reinforces this stereotype as it is true in lots of houses to some degree. On the other thread, not many would dare to admit to being 'the Asda mum' as they got told their marriage was in effect 'a sham' and they should be ashamed of themselves and their men and how awful their lives must be. Bet there are lots of mumsnetters out there though who do the bulk of Christmas organizing!

In a way the ad was a good wake up call. Made me realize how bloody ridiculous it is running around like headless chickens - and it's not surprising people are all poorly by Christmas Eve.

I'm gonna chill this year and go with the flow!

This ad has done me good.

nobutts I don't mean complaining about something you care about means you have no life per se. I just cannot fathom how anybody could care about it that much.

It's obviously a good ad. How many of us would have even noticed it if not for the furore.

And imo, looking at the ridiculously complicated threads about Christmas all over Mumsnet atm (and considering it's only November), a lot of people seem to make Christmas much harder work than it needs to be, and enjoy the martyrdom of doing so.

Like most women I have a kind and loving husband who is perfectly capable of organising christmas. But my house too is like the one in the ad - and why is that? Because he can't do it? Because he hates Christmas?

No - its because I am a conrol freak (also like many women) and he wouldn't do it as I want it to be done!

I have no issue with the ad!

*Control tch!

I find it quite funny how people have reacted to this.

How fucking ridiculous to complain about something like this.

It's a bit pathetic that people have gone out of their way to complain about something as trivial as an advert. I think people need to opened some lives this Christmas..

Open*

Nope not me. Of course people are entitled to complain, I just think it's ironic that much longer running ad campaigns barely raise an eyebrow.

Mums go to Iceland anyone?

Personally I detest the boots here come the girls shite fests that grace our screens all year long, mainly because I find the phrase 'girls' used in context of grown women twee, cartoonish and simpering. But i'm not a massive fan of the message the whole year for an average women revolves around cosmetics and the social occasions that we simply must ensure we're preened to within an inch of out lives for.

Soooo, no I can't really get my knickers in a twist over one advert that conforms to a stereotype that although doesn't send a great message is a truism for lots of households at Christmas.

Oh wot bollocks. Life is too fucking short, the sad losers. Get a bastard grip.

I thought it was funny when I first saw it, I wasnt the least bit offended.
To complain about somethng so trivial is pretty sad IMO.

Tesco has a WOMAN going shopping for a Furby..how sexist is that

Oh, and the John Lewis one shows a snowman buying the snowlady a hat,gloves and scarf set. In this day and age she should buy her own and NOT rely on a MAN!!!!
Merry Christmas to all

I think mrs Claus should do the coke ad this year tbh