Advert for razors shows topless NB model with mastectomy scars

[SapphosRock]

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.

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

No need to shave face as biological female.

I wish this was true 😫

Our blades cut well.
Great slogan.

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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.

Ah, fair enough. Apologies, OP!

But yes, the advert is appalling.

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.

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

@GCBookseller1 @jimboandthejetset

I'm not talking about this advert in specific.

I'm saying that in your everyday life, walking around strangers, don't make these 3 assumptions.

Women have a hard enough time being judged for not meeting 'female' stereotypes, let's not make it harder.

It's been posted and referred to on this AIBU thread.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4567793-some-adverts-are-so-bad-youll-never-purchase-the-product?page=1

I feel quite strongly about this, in part, because I have a strong association of mastectomy scars with cancer. I find it revolting that it’s become a lifestyle choice tbh. I think choosing to get your breasts removed is the opposite of ‘empowering’ and being your ‘authentic self’. I suspect she has a hard life ahead of her, and I feel sorry for her … and I will never give that company my money.

Women have a hard enough time being judged for not meeting 'female' stereotypes, let's not make it harder.

Well, yes, exactly. Hence us objecting to the advertiser and all the people in the gender world actively promoting the "mastectomy = 'man'" concept.

But... but what's the significance of the mastectomy scars?? None at all. Used for shock value.

The model says they won't shave their pits or face, but they do shave their legs. So why not show them dancing their legs?

This ad is in such poor taste.

Oh no. I use Estrid. I was pleasantly surprised by their lack of woo and pro-women marketing. This seems the opposite of that.

Preventative double mastectomy generally involve silicon implants. Pretty sure Angelina didn't opt for flat scars, for example.

I’ve seen breast cancer up close and personal, so seriously … don’t patronise me.

Typically, a completely topless woman would not feature on an advert unless they identified as a man.

(and of course armpit hair/ short hair doesn’t equal gender issues, otherwise I’m sure that many of us on this thread would tick that box!)

Why is the razor on her neck? It looks like it is saying “perfect for slotting someone’s throat and giving nice neat scars”.

Arrrgghhh! Slitting someone’s throat!

Thanks, I forgot about this reason.

I think this model is definitely trans though, as it's unlikely a woman with a mastectomy would be pictured topless on a shaving advert, unless she was shaving her armpits maybe? It's a very strange advert all round.

So a transman can’t be in an advert for razors? Why on Earth not? It doesn’t affect you. Transmen do exist and should be represented in adverts like any other segment of the society.

And why is it “self harm” to remove your breasts but not “self-harm” to get massive implants to make them far larger? The first doesn’t cause any medical issues and reduces your chance of breast cancer, but the second (implants) is associated with tons of medical problems due to implants leaking, scar tissue, and so on.