... is denounced — because it's "catcalling."
I can't embed the ad, but you can play it at the link (to HuffPo). The model is wearing an extremely skimpy dress that seems about to fall off of her and she's strutting down a dark city street. It's really kind of an absurd fantasy, because: 1. The men seem nice and not threatening at all,* and 2. They're talking about her shoes.
By the way, what counts as "catcalling"? The first definition I got, Googling, was "make a whistle, shout, or comment of a sexual nature to a woman passing by." Is "nice shoes, lady" a comment of a sexual nature? Well, Jimmy Choo clearly wants you to think it is.
____________________
* If you felt these men were evil, look into your heart and ensure that you didn't have a racist reaction (at 0:40).
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94 comments:
I can't recall a single time in my life where I noticed a woman's shoes.
I secretly enjoyed being whistled at and I suspect this is true of most women.
No. He wants to imply nice shoes better than sex. That's the joke right. Aside from that Mrs Lincoln.
If you do not sufficiently denounce expressions of male patriarchy and chauvinism, then you too will be denounced.
Shoes are vagina symbols.
Women buy crap like Jimmy Choo so they will be noticed. However it's usually only other women or gay guys that notice.
I have not looked at HuffPoo since they went nuts about Trump and don't intend to start.
There was a time in America when complimenting a woman's attire was not considered hitting on them.
"Shoes are vagina symbols."
Then the woman has 2 penises (even before she gets the hot dog from the fatherly vendor).
Feminists disapproving of the shoes may help sales. Who's the market for these shoes? We can see they make other women mad... isn't that the point?
I think men will often compliment a clothing item as an oblique--and acceptable--way of saying "You look pretty".
Turtle
It's largely a class thing. Most non-explicit forms of communication are. It's an attempt to impose educated upper middle-class white class norms on everyone.
Remember that catcall video of a few years ago? A women walking in NY getting catcalls of various sorts? To get that many responses they kept walking back and forth through black neighborhoods (someone reconstructed her route). That's where the catcalls almost all came from. And that is culturally conditioned. Not only that but if you watch long segments of the damn thing you can see her, an expensively dressed white woman, walking quickly past black men, studiously avoiding eye contact or any acknowledgment of their nods etc. What message does *that* send?
We see similar things with the title IX travesties. Most of those caught up in that were minorities. It's because what should be communicated verbally and what needn't be, and how, are culturally conditioned. Again we saw the attempt to impose educated upper middle-class white class norms on everyone.
Larry J
I am white Canadian male who taught english in south korea twenty years ago. I worked with a korean woman who was lovely, absolutely stunning, who's husband bought her new pair of high heels every week or two and she would wear them to work in a mid thigh skirt. You would have noticed my colleague's shoes. Other male teachers and I reckoned that husband had a shoe/foot fetish and we were ever so glad that he did, my colleague was one of prettiest women I have ever seen in my forty seven years.
mockturtle - My partner is mid 40's and I met her for lunch a few weeks ago. She walked into restaurant with big smile on her face, I ask why she so pleased, and some guy wolf whistled her on the way over and she was delighted that she 'still got it'.
"Choo shoe" thought the puppy.
... Do you think they know the "Nice shoes, want to screw?" meme?
Ken B, I happen to be an educated upper-middle-class white woman. Not acknowledging catcalls does not imply lack of appreciation. If you turn and say, "Hey, thanks, guys!" it might send the wrong message.
Anecdote: I was a feminist in the late 60's and very early 70's. When I went to work for the company where I met my husband, a co-worker confided to me that this man [my future husband] had said of me, "I find her very attractive but she seems a bit of a bluestocking". Guess who changed her style? ;-)
Female fantasy.
Its not men that are the intended audience for this thing.
I bet the advertisers ran this by focus groups to see what clicked, etc. They aren't likely to be wrong on this stuff, at least as far as the common run of femininity.
The political/ideological reaction is something else.
The complainers have a problem with female fantasies but have no language to discuss them. Or it is not acceptable to do so.
"This video is unavailable." See, this is why we can’t have nice things.
Turtle
And as you note, you didn't acknowledge the calls, and were "secretly" pleased. Because our class has a certain model of decorum and implicit ideas of what the boundaries are for such things. All implicit. But inner city black neighborhoods have different standards. And when that woman trolled for and provoked reactions they were portrayed as offensive and oppressive beyond all question. They did what was perfectly acceptable in their milieu and were pilloried for it.
The Youtube video has been purged, but the long knives have not yet reached Facebook.
Ann Althouse said...
Feminists disapproving of the shoes may help sales. Who's the market for these shoes? We can see they make other women mad... isn't that the point?
FLOTUS 44 wears them.
Emmett Till:Jimmy Choo:: Lynching: High Tech Lynching
Maybe they're just saying "Nice Choos, lady."
Disappointing that we didn't get to see her eat the hot dog.
YouTube doesn't like men telling ladies "nice shoes!".
The other day a young woman on the sidewalk looked at my sportcoat and said "NIce coat."
I said "Thank you, I like it too."
Then I went into my office building. I thought it was nice of her to say that.
You know what's fun? When you walk past a guy and say "Nice shoes, lady!" The straighter the guy, the funnier it is.
Sophomore year of college, I had a crush on this girl on my dorm floor, and we flirted for a few weeks, and finally I got the nerve to ask her to the movies. She said Yes, and wore a nice skirt and these red high heel shoes for the date.
We went to this Richard Dreyfuss/Danny DeVito movie about salesmen in Baltimore, but while walking to the theater, not knowing crap about women or shoes, I casually commented on her red shoes, whereon she replied, "Oh, those are my 'fuck-me'pumps!"
Needless to say, the movie and aftermath went splendid.
I am not Laslo, nor a Shoe Salesman.
A couple of years ago, I was in a business where the girl at the counter had about 3 or 4 top buttons on her shirt unbuttoned. It wasn't to show off her cleavage, but to show off what looked like a full chest tattoo. What do you say to someone like that? Could she be offended by any comment?
So the confident strong beautiful women who see this for the bullshit it is, will continue to marry the most successful people in our country. The rest, not so much.
The complainers have a problem with female fantasies but have no language to discuss them. Or it is not acceptable to do so.
I suspect they do not read "female fiction." I have been reading the "Outlander " series of novels.
I referred to the first one as "My dirty book, which got my wife interested and she downloaded it to her Kindle.
She read the first few chapters, then got to the racy part and agreed with me.
I think men are more visual but women like pornography, too.
Needless to say, the movie and aftermath went splendid.
I would've asked if she wanted to skip the movie....
Michael K - Tell your wife that Outlander is also a tv show, the third season is on now, that women are swooning over.
I always compliment women on their outfits, but there are limits.
https://i.imgur.com/7qr9dDu.jpg
mockturtle said...
I secretly enjoyed being whistled at and I suspect this is true of most women.
12/22/17, 11:01 AM
Of course! It's a compliment.
Never in my life has a man ever said "Nice shoes" to me. And I have owned some damn cute shoes. Women always notice them.
It wasn't to show off her cleavage, but to show off what looked like a full chest tattoo. What do you say to someone like that?
Nice calligraphy?
I secretly enjoyed being whistled at and I suspect this is true of most women.
Same here. To the young ladies, believe me, you will miss it when they stop noticing you.
How I would respond would depend on the circumstances. If the guy/guys were right on the sidewalk, I might smile and just continue to walk on past. If they were too aggressive and within 'reaching distance'...ignore and walk faster or even duck into a convenient shop or bodega for protection.
There was a construction site on a multi story building, when I was young and living in SF, that I had to walk by daily to get from my parking lot space to the work place. The guys were up on the building and scaffolding and behind a big construction fence to keep people from getting into the site. When I would get cat calls, I would smile and wave back. It became a fun game to playfully interact with the guys and I never felt in danger or disrespected.
It was flattering to say the least. I think they appreciated my appreciation too
" When I went to work for the company where I met my husband, a co-worker confided to me that this man [my future husband] had said of me, "I find her very attractive but she seems a bit of a bluestocking".
mock, was that because you told him off when he put his hand on your knee?
(I loved that story, btw!)
Ann Althouse said...
Feminists disapproving of the shoes may help sales.
Wouldn't surprise me if the ad agency that created the ad also started the complaints against it.
No, this happened well before the party. ;-) And I'll admit I had a bit too much to drink at that event.
Makes me think of the scene in “Legally Blonde” where Reese Witherspoon’s character realizes that a key witness is gay because he’s a guy and yet he notices her shoes and knows that they’re “last year’s Prada.”
What do you say to someone like that? Could she be offended by any comment?
12/22/17, 11:59 AM
AllenS, don't say anything. There are women who think they have the right to walk around naked - but get offended when men look at them.
If she's a SJW, she'll be offended by even an innocuous comment because SJWs live to be offended.
Is he gay... or European?
When I was in my 20's and taking the ferry from England to Ostend, Belgium, I was on the deck with an American friend I had made while traveling, and a middle aged Euro - perhaps Belgian, I don't know - said to us "Why, don't you young ladies look lovely?" as he was walking past.
We both smiled back at him and you know what? I felt happy and lovely all day long because of that compliment.
As DBQ said, you miss it when it's gone.
Same here. To the young ladies, believe me, you will miss it when they stop noticing you.
Yes. The only glances I get now are from very young men. But that's OK. I've had my day in the sun and accept aging with what I hope is equanimity. I wouldn't be young again for anything.
Yeah..because a NY clubbing gal would never dress to get noticed.
This playful ad falls in the "That's not funny!" category for the easily triggered.
"Sad!"
Will Cara Delavigne be banished and assigned a burlap sack?
As DBQ said, you miss it when it's gone.
In the leftwing axis of San Francisco/Berkeley/Oakland, I am seeing hordes of young women who could be attractive, if they would: (1) remove the earring from their nose, (2) bathe, and (3) replace worn down rags with a dress.
Now, the young men are scruffy-looking snowflakes too. But, there seems to be some fad to try to look bad, or not worry about trying to look good, because......oppression!
This is a steep departure from my youth.
BAG,
I view the nose ring as the symbol for the easily led..if not laid.
The only glances I get now are from very young men. But that's OK. I've had my day in the sun and accept aging with what I hope is equanimity.
It is sad to see older women (and men) who refuse to acknowledge that they are aging. Old people who are still clinging inappropriately to their vanished youth. You see some women who are so obviously jealous, even of their own daughters.
When my daughter was coming home from college and was growing into a beautiful adult woman, my attitude was...."It is HER turn now and I can enjoy the results of my work. My job is done here." (dusts off hands.)
I still get the occasional appreciative glance from strangers and even some nice compliments, but as Mockturtle says: I've had my day in the sun.
I had a boss who often complimented me or just commented on my shoes. I figured out quickly he had a foot fetish, which I thought was amusing and harmless.
I also have a friend in SF...60ish. White, short and rather round. Salt/pepper hair she wears spiked up, generally wears black but often has jeweled or colorful shoes on. She gets compliments from male (often black) strangers on her shoes and hair quite frequently. It makes her smile, and she considers it her contribution to world peace...
I think the quirky, amusing aspect of the ad is that in the normal world any young woman wearing that dress and walking alone would expect catcalls and sexual approaches. But that didn't happen...because the shoes were so completely fabulous, they are what caught men's eyes. It's a goof.
Looking at that video -- I don't know, maybe it's just me -- I almost get the impression that the protagonist *actively desires* attention, of a specifically sexual nature. I guess I must be losing my marbles. Blaming the victim.
Sean Gleeson said...The Youtube video has been purged
--
Nah...
Shimmer in the dark
Nice shoes. I kind of hope they knew this fake bad pick up line existed and made the ad anyway.
C'mon Elizabeth..these things can't be joked about anymore.
Repeat after me: That's. Not. Funny.
See how that makes the world a better place?
“We understand that our colleagues and the public at large are grappling with what constitutes sexually offensive behavior in the workplace and what consequences are appropriate,” Mr. Baquet added."
No, no, no. This is absolutely wrong and very telling. We know what sexually offensive behavior is. We are grappling about Due Process and jurisdiction.
Blogger mockturtle said...It wasn't to show off her cleavage, but to show off what looked like a full chest tattoo. What do you say to someone like that?
Nice calligraphy?
--
Maybe:
"Bet that hurt..how much did it cost?"
TWW,
This is the wrongthink commercial post..you want the Glenn Rush gropey post.
Screeching, feminist harpies.
Can't live with them. Pass the beer nuts.
It wasn't to show off her cleavage, but to show off what looked like a full chest tattoo. What do you say to someone like that?
"Nice art." At least, that's what I used to say, to some success.
Had one woman lift her shirt to show me the rest. That was a great day.
"Again we saw the attempt to impose educated upper middle-class white class norms on everyone."
Having lived in a few dubious neighborhoods, I wish that attempt had been more successful.
There is an episode of FAMILY GUY in which Peter Griffin reads skewed versions of famous fairy tales, and in the one based on Cinderalla, Prince Charming, in his quest to find the owner of the glass slipper, orders his soldiers to scout the countryside--except the South Side.
"Even back in fairy tale times," he tells the viewer, "the South Side of any place was . . . well, let's just say . . . 'loud.'"
I truly believe that with so many women willing to consider a few words of unwanted, **verbal** attention to practically cause PSTD - we are seeing evidence of some very emotionally unhinged individuals, desperate to see themselves as 'damaged'. My prediction: the suicide rate for women is going to reach epic proportions in the next few decades. If viewing an unwanted penis or hearing unwelcome sexual speech can create so much deep trauma (years later) just wait until a real tragedy happens to them. They won't be able to bear it.
Very disappointed with the Jimmy Choo ad. I wanted to see her eat the hot dog. Maybe it's in the director's cut.
My prediction: the suicide rate for women is going to reach epic proportions in the next few decades.
Not really, ALP, because it's faux outrage and faux damage.
"I secretly enjoyed being whistled at and I suspect this is true of most women."
I've whistled at some women, but never because of their shoes.
And C'mon, women wear shoes for other women. They know men don't care.
From "The American President" (Directed by Rob Reiner):
Lucy: Just be yourself.
President Andrew Shepherd: Be myself.
Lucy: Yeah, and compliment her shoes. Girls like that.
Just before the 0:40 second mark (as assigned), Ms. Delevingne turns in mid route to catch a passing guy's butt smiling in approval. The guy on the stoop appears to be serious about the shoes.
So, it's the Weekend in The City, and this Kitty is looking for a Kool Kat. Just as the song says: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m648v4s5sFc
I really cannot see what the problem is with a Babe looking for some fun in the City. What's WRONG with people? The self-righteous feminists are out to "school" us all to which the only response is "Let them Kids alone!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK5WLq4pBFg
The only disparaging remark made in that ad was "...., lady."
"...a woman is beaten every 9 seconds in the US. 9 SECONDS!"
That is why this ad is so wrong. OK, me neither.
Nothing racist at :40. Would it be different to say, "nice jacket", or "nice hat" at the Kentucky Derby?
"...a woman is beaten every 9 seconds in the US. 9 SECONDS!"
Who is this woman and why doesn't she do something about it?
Years ago I was working at a construction site and I witnessed the best variation of cat-calls I've ever seen. An extremely attractive blond in a mini skirt was walking her little dog on the sidewalk, and a block-long line of dump trucks were waiting to pick up a load. As she passed the first truck, the driver released his air brakes. "PSHSHSH!" She went by the next truck. PSHSHSH! And on it went, PSH PSH PSH PSH all along the block. I thought it was great. I don't know what she thought. Never broke stride or looked anywhere but straight ahead.
But I imagine she's still telling the story, too.
And just today I complimented a woman in the adjacent line at Wal-Mart on her very nice ballet slippers.
Back in the 80s I wandered into the North Avenue McDonald's in Baltimore (not a particularly good section of town to start with) at about 1 am. Once I'm inside I realize that not only was I the only woman in the crowded place, I'm the only white person. I admit to being uncomfortable until a guy in line next to me looked down and commented, "Great shoes."
I relaxed, smiled bigly, and thanked him, for they were indeed spectacular brown and white spectator pumps.
Yes, one misses even annoying attention as one ages.
Christy reports: for they were indeed spectacular brown and white spectator pumps.
I miss spectator pumps. I miss my old Cole-Haan loafers, too.
But that's OK. I've had my day in the sun and accept aging with what I hope is equanimity. I wouldn't be young again for anything.
Ah...if only...
Faces : Ooh La La
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
I agree the ad is a joke: A woman in a tiny red dress will be noticed by men, but not for her shoes.
I watched the clip again. Did she pay for that hot dog?
I watched the clip again. Did she pay for that hot dog?
The hot dog vender is her Dad.
"If you felt these men were evil, look into your heart and ensure that you didn't have a racist reaction (at 0:40)"
If you have a heart, of course.
Too sexy for her shoes.
Give me a break.
Jimmy Choo shoes are designed for sexual appeal. They are showy, splashy and sexy, and designed to be worn by women with the same attributes. Like the spectacular little blond in the red dress in the ad. She is in total control of the entire situation. Must piss off the harpies that she is.
The hot dog vender is her Dad.
Which explains why her accent is so different from his.
Cara Deviligne is smoking hot. (Sorry was that regressive?)
A woman in a tiny red dress will be noticed by men, but not for her shoes.
If a woman walks down the street by putting her left foot to the right of the centerline of her body and her right foot to the left of her centerline, she certainly can make specific parts of her body oscillate side to side.
If a woman walks down the street by putting her left foot to the right of the centerline of her body and her right foot to the left of her centerline, she certainly can make specific parts of her body oscillate side to side.
Good to know the physics. Are you an engineer?
She reminds me of some meth-heads who walk around crazy and into traffic.
Catcalling/wolf whistling is offensive because it involves a lower class man addressing a higher class woman as an equal, instead of with the more chivalrous acknowledgement that he is not worthy to address her as an equal.
Men have been lynched for this crime.
Those are ugly shoes. I mean, they're aggressively ugly. Just...ugly.
I don't object to her tiny slinky dress.
She is walking, though, in a way that suggests back problems. Is...is she ok? Are her shoes so ugly they're making normal ambulation difficult? I would believe it--the power of the ugly on those shoes has got to be pretty strong.
Did she pay for that hotdog?! She sure didn't wait in line with those normal people (men)--privilege much? Or maybe they're LETTING her go in first, assuming from her awkward gait and clearly-visible footwear abominations that she's rushing to take those Choos off. If so, well done men.
YouTube: 1995 Diet Coke Break
Youtube: 1992 Pepsi Cindy Crawford
White people of the 90's--the worst!
@eddie, mathematician, retired after a lengthy career designing and developing software systems.
It's practically the 11th commandment now. Thou shalt not show any interest in a woman in public. Just on a fucking phone app. Whatever.
The Toothless Revolutionary said...
"It's practically the 11th commandment now. Thou shalt not show any interest in a woman in public. Just on a fucking phone app. Whatever."
There is truth to that. I'm the professor's age. I occasionally go to a local sports bar to watch events on the gigantic TV and sit at the bar. Not being dead yet, I notice the attractive young women that make up half the bar. I seem to be the only one that notices, as all the young men and women have their faces in cell phones. Before the cell people actually talk to one another in bars, even strangers. It's sad.
Mac,
I saw exactly that at a huge sports bar at UC Davis, watching a Warriors playoff game. Place was packed with college kids, 80% at single-sex tables, and 30% staring at phones. I actually repressed an urge to show the boys how it's done, cuz you know, my wife was right there...
mock, Walter,
Why are y'all so hesitant? Make that:
"Nice ink! What's the rest of it look like?"
I mean, if someone is being that exhibitionistic, you might as well acknowledge their effort.
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