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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

That this Virgin Atlantic advert strikes me as really sexist?

57 replies

badgermonkey · 11/01/2009 17:07

uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KS_6HHQ7jOA

"Still red hot", ffs? Are we really still using the Alpha Male pilot surrounded by bimbo stewardesses stereotype? And I know it's set in 1984, but the 'still' in the tagline suggests that they're playing on the image still.

OP posts:
thornyrose · 11/01/2009 17:09

Its using sex to sell, which many adverts do.

NotADragonOfSoup · 11/01/2009 17:11

No more sexist than the aero advert with the virtually naked man and the female voice over who hasn't realised he was talking.

[shrug]

badgermonkey · 11/01/2009 17:12

Well, yes, I know that, but do they have to be so blatent about it? Why does an airline have to be sexy? And why is 'sexy' a bunch of women (silent, grinning automatons of women) hanging around an only averagely attractive man? I don't think that's sexy; it just makes me feel like they're not bothered about women flying with them. It's men's opinions that are important.

OP posts:
cheshirekitty · 11/01/2009 17:15

But the sexy pilot is aimed at us ladies. (I am keeping my own sexy pilot locked up away from the ladies in red).

Jodee · 11/01/2009 17:15

hadn't thought about the possible sexism aspect, tbh, I just love the retro ad with Youth hanging outside Our Price Records holding a Big Country album (ahh to be 17 again!)

MrsKrabappel · 11/01/2009 17:17

Pilots do, sadly, live up to their reputatiton.

badgermonkey · 11/01/2009 17:17

The woman are all walking reverently around the pilot - after all, the big professional man is the important person in that group.

OK, clearly it's just me.

OP posts:
llareggub · 11/01/2009 17:17

I never crossed my mind he was the pilot. At first I thought he was a stray passenger until I noticed he had the uniform on. Then I took him to be the token male cabin crew, probably called Darren.

llareggub · 11/01/2009 17:18

Actually it may be a different ad that I saw!

thornyrose · 11/01/2009 17:18

Why does a car have to be sexy? Or a kettle?

I dont like it, I dont agree with it but sex sells everything these days.

NotADragonOfSoup · 11/01/2009 17:18

I don't think they're walking reverently, they're all striding confidently through the airport. I'm seriously impressed they can stride so confidently on a marble floor in that height of shoe TBH.

saadia · 11/01/2009 17:19

I agree, I thought that when I first saw it. I also find many French car ads very sexist. There's no need and I don't see how you can sell a product by totally alienating half the population

devilisunaccomplishedinprada · 11/01/2009 17:28

Ah YABU it's sexist just tongue in cheek. Made me smile actually. And the mood I'm in today thats quite an achievement.

devilisunaccomplishedinprada · 11/01/2009 17:29

it's not sexist (I need sleep ).

devilisunaccomplishedinprada · 11/01/2009 17:41

Have you seen this virgin advert just had me PMSL

sexy

LoveBeingAMummy · 11/01/2009 19:33

Why is the pilot so old? The woman he throws a 'sexy' glance too is certainly not the same age as the trolly dollies.

LurkerOfTheUniverse · 11/01/2009 19:44

I quite like the new Virgin ad, although it may just be the Frankie song they use

LurkerOfTheUniverse · 11/01/2009 19:45

Frankie Goes To Hollywood were FAB

ScottishMummy · 11/01/2009 20:02

of course they emphasise image and allude to attractiveness,is advertising.the imperative is to sell

dont actually agree with your interpretation of the ad.too milly tant and angst to read such convoluted sexist stereotypes

alternatively
empowered and employed hosties,trot to work in flame red suit

CaptainUnderpants · 11/01/2009 20:14

Never saw it as being sexist just reminded very much of the good old 80's .

I like the advert .

Sometimes we read too much into things.

tumtumtetum · 11/01/2009 20:38

Ad came on TV just as was reading thread!

Watched it to double check if my initial reaction still held.

It does - ad is sexist - deffo in my view.

Also had a quick google to check if my initial impression that most of the air hostesses were blonde was correct ot not. It wasn't but the agency who made the ad reckon that

"As the music kicks in, the airline?s glamorous hostesses stride through the airport dressed in red high heels and red uniform to jaw-dropping gazes.

One passenger is heard saying: I need to change my job as his colleague replies: I need to change my ticket."

The ad closes on a shot of the Flying Lady, painted on the side of the Virgin Atlantic 747 plane, who winks at the camera before the endline: "Still red hot."

Yuck. Deffo sexist badgermonkey - I'm with you even if we are in the minority

mosschops30 · 11/01/2009 20:40

Dear god you need to get a grip. Go back to weaving a cardigan out of your own hair and let the rest of us watch the advert with our dh's dribbling by our sides!

tumtumtetum · 11/01/2009 20:43

Oh sorry mosschops off I fuck then.

mosschops30 · 11/01/2009 20:44

tumtum it wasnt aimed at you, was at OP although now ive read your post, it can be you too

wilkos · 11/01/2009 20:48

i thought it was great! very tongue in cheek. stewardesses looked powerful, not like sex objects imho

get over yourselves