Feb 20 • 19:05 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia Postimees

New blond jokes? Very ridiculous! Car repair shop advertisements create a furor

A car repair workshop in Tallinn, Autostaap, faces criticism for its humorous advertisements that many perceive as belittling women, employees, and people with disabilities.

Autostaap, a car repair workshop based in Lasnamäe, Tallinn, has sparked controversy over its series of humorous advertisements released over several months. Critics argue that the ads demean not only the employees but also women and individuals with disabilities, with some potential customers finding the humor to be offensive rather than amusing. This backlash highlights the growing sensitivity around advertising content and its impact on societal values.

A recent example that stoked outrage was a Hyundai advertisement from October of the previous year, where a returning husband was told to consider getting a new wife instead of a car, sparking outrage at its sexist tone. Such portrayals of women have not only drawn ire from the public but have also generated a significant amount of viewership, with the advertisement receiving over 200,000 views in a short time. Critics were left questioning the values of a company that seemingly promotes family values while making light of women's roles in society.

The aforementioned Hyundai advertisement even caught the attention of Facebook groups concerned with women's rights, such as "Virginia Woolf Wouldn't Fear You," underscoring the negative perception surrounding brands that perpetuate stereotypes. These incidents are reflective of a broader concern regarding how companies craft their public image and the implications of trivializing serious issues through humor. As public expectations change, so too does the responsibility of brands to align their messaging with contemporary values and encourage inclusivity rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

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