The holidays are all about spending time with your loved ones, and of course, buying them gifts. But as retailers everywhere vie for shoppers' attention, one store made a big misstep by printing what some are calling a "date rapey" ad in its most recent catalog.
The ad, from luxury department chain Bloomingdale's, shows a man staring at a woman who is looking away. It also includes the tagline: "Spike your best friend's eggnog when they're not looking."
Alcohol is the most common drug involved in sexual assaults, and date rape is one of the "fastest-growing, drug-facilitated sexual assault crimes" in the U.S., according to authorities.
So although the ad could be interpreted in different ways, some called it inappropriate, and said it perpetuates rape culture:
Or don't and quit being a creep... #Bloomingdales pic.twitter.com/Liu8DKMMnP
Also the 'short skirt and date rape' trope reinforced in glossy ads @Bloomingdales. Hit em where it hurts folks. pic.twitter.com/eG2PVVmXMj
#Bloomingdales wtf, promote rape culture much https://t.co/e3Qwg0LLoo
Today in #rapeculture, your @Bloomingdales holiday ad. #consent #drunkisnotyes pic.twitter.com/EQ9CES6wLM
.@Bloomingdales was this meant to be funny? Bc you are just condoning rape culture and taking advantage of people https://t.co/atDmAKx3k5
Bloomingdale's tweeted an apology on Tuesday, conceding that the ad's copy was "in poor taste."
We heard your feedback about our catalog copy, which was inappropriate and in poor taste. Bloomingdale's sincerely apologizes.
