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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

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Original poster

Mumsnet advertisers

41 replies

RedHoodGirl · 15/04/2018 14:41

I noticed Justine Roberts was in the paper talking about Mumsnet advertisers. It reminded me that one thing I’ve found odd is the ads I’ve noticed being placed on the MN Feminism Chat board.

Whenever I come on here I’ve often seen ads for ‘Misguided’ and ‘Pretty Little Thing’ - but the image of women and girls seems totally at odds with feminist values?

I’ve added some screenshots below (as I can only attach 3 images per post)

I wondered if anyone else had thought the same? If so, shouldn’t we be asking Mumsnet to review their advertisers policy, as surely we don’t want to be supporting such sexist stereotypes?

OP posts:
Original poster
RedHoodGirl · 15/04/2018 14:42

Here’s some more images from their websites.

OP posts:
OohMavis · 15/04/2018 14:46

Are those real clothes? Grin

I don't think it really matters really. If you're likely to buy those clothes, then you will - if not, you won't. I don't think there's anything offensive about shit fashion.

AssignedPuuurfectAtBirth · 15/04/2018 14:49

Yes, because you don't have an agenda at all Redhoodgirl

Feeling a bit peeved that Mumsnet has chosen to support the free speech of women?

rememberthetime · 15/04/2018 14:51

I doubt adverts are targeted at different boards, but are a site-wide decision.
Not all women on Mumsnet describe themselves as feminists. there's a diverse range of women here and we all have different values and beliefs. The adverts that are on the site seem to be carefully chosen to reflect the interests of all women, not just feminists.
The adverts you link to are not distasteful and while they may be promoting female gender stereotypes, most of us are wise enough to know if it's our thing or not.

Like most businesses, Mumsnet needs to make money from advertising and must compromise to a certain extent. However I am certain that they would quickly review and remove any adverts that promoted harmful goods, services or images.

flowersonthepiano · 15/04/2018 14:54

I wouldn't buy those clothes....but have some holiday ads in my sidebar at the mo that look quite tempting.

After this morning, I have every confidence that the people at mumsnet are capable of making good decisions re advertisers.

rememberthetime · 15/04/2018 14:54

Essentially what I am saying is to give us credit. We are adults, the site is aimed at adults and we can all make up our own minds and choose to support certain advertisers, or not.

LangCleg · 15/04/2018 14:58

The site is about a lot more than feminism, though, OP.

I too have confidence in MNHQ to make the right decisions.

Particularly with regards to free speech, recent decisions about which I am sure you share, right OP?

Original poster
RedHoodGirl · 15/04/2018 14:59

I’m not saying that these clothes shouldn’t exist, or that people shouldn’t be free to buy them. Just that it seemed at odds with my feminist values of promoting women as objects in a stereotypically sexualised way.

It’s interesting to hear other feminists thoughts (which is why I started the thread) Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
RedHoodGirl · 15/04/2018 15:00

^sorry, that should’ve said ‘not promoting’

OP posts:
rowdywoman1 · 15/04/2018 15:02

Grin You lot are quick!

Well - I'm seeing ads for the first time as I have an ad blocker - which I've gone and switched off for Mumsnet. I suppose I will now have a succession of boxes arriving at my door as I am tempted into purchasing many pink items of clothing Grin

0phelia · 15/04/2018 15:03

I get mostly car rental ads

Mumsnet advertisers
0phelia · 15/04/2018 15:06

I wonder if the ads you see are personalised and take into account your cookies and browser history.

Ifonlyus · 15/04/2018 15:06

I just ignore the ads I am not interested in. Simple.

AssignedPuuurfectAtBirth · 15/04/2018 15:09

"I wonder if the ads you see are personalised and take into account your cookies and browser history"

They will Ophelia. So what are you are seeing reflects your browsing history Red

Pirrip · 15/04/2018 15:10

You generally see ads based on what you have been looking at - I'm seeing lots of holiday cottage adverts and fitness breaks, because in the recent past that's what I've searched.

It's not a feminist issue, it's a consumer issue - you see what you're interested in.

Winewinewinegin · 15/04/2018 15:11

I have never seen that ad on mumsnet, I think they are tailored to your browsing history as others say.

AssignedPuuurfectAtBirth · 15/04/2018 15:13

"Just that it seemed at odds with my feminist values of promoting women as objects in a stereotypically sexualised way"

So you might want to ask yourself your own question Red Grin

AnitaLovesVictor · 15/04/2018 15:15

I get yoga clothes, John Lewis and holidays/weekend breaks Grin

They're obviously not clued up on my Wine and Gin purchasing power yet...

0phelia · 15/04/2018 15:16

Ooh high quality fine art printing. And car rental.

God ads are annoying!

Mumsnet advertisers
R0wantrees · 15/04/2018 15:16

I think there was a similar rather embarrassing complaint made my a male MP who complained about adverts without being aware that this revealed more about their internet use!
www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/mar/17/gavin-barwell-date-arab-girls-twitter

I've got adverts for a travel!

TripleRainbow · 15/04/2018 15:18

I don't get those adverts either.

If you don't like seeing those adverts you could try deleting your cookies OP?

0phelia · 15/04/2018 15:18

assigned lol

Original poster
RedHoodGirl · 15/04/2018 15:24

I know about programmatic ads, but I’ve not been on either of those websites, nor been on any other websites related to ‘young women’s’ fashion or interests. I’m more into home interiors and gardening! It’s puzzling.

OP posts:
TurningWood · 15/04/2018 15:42

I don't get those adverts either OP.

TurningWood · 15/04/2018 15:43

Oh I tell a lie, I have Pretty little things showing now.