Forget the Starbucks red cup debate. What is going on with Bloomingdale’s new ad? It’s clear to see why the advertisement has sparked controversey across the Internet.
The photo released in the 2015 Holiday Catalog features a man (creepishly) staring at a woman with the words, “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking.” This ad completely sends the wrong message and deserves the backlash it has been receiving.
Soon after Bloomingdale’s apologized for this serious error, stating, “We heard your feedback about our catalog copy, which was inappropriate and in poor taste.” But it has us wondering, who approved this ad? Did someone really believe this wasn’t offensive?
As collegiates, we are the prime targets for sexual violence on campus and should be especially offended by Bloomingdale’s oversight. One in four college women report surviving rape or attempted rape at some point during their college experience. But the rape culture is a prominent issue faced by all college students–both men and women–and should not be taken lightly. Female and male students deserve to feel and be safe on their campus (or anywhere for that matter).
This is about more than an ad.
A popular and beloved store was sending a message that perpetuates rape culture and reinforces that spiking drinks is perfectly okay. Actually, they were encouraging it. Although Bloomingdale’s immediately took down the ad and admitted their wrong-doing, when will we live in a society where ads such as these won’t be released in the first place?