Myer responds to accusations about a ‘lack of diversity’ with their underwear models – “We take this very seriously…”
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It seems that not even Myer is safe from being criticised by users across the globe after one Reddit user pointed out their allegedly harmful marketing strategy and representation.
“Something positive is going on at Myer, but it seems like half of the marketing department didn’t get the memo…” a user captioned their post alongside screenshots of Myer’s website.
The pictures evidently show a diverse range of female lingerie and sleepwear models, showcasing women of various ages, body shapes, and races.
Meanwhile, the corresponding male section of the website only consisted of younger men leaning towards a more conventionally attractive build.
“We want overweight confident women but the men must always be muscle-bound and hairless.” one person teased.
“Yes, hairless… but never balding.” chimed another.
“Don’t forget, young… they HAVE to be young!” a third added.
The controversial screenshot referred to in the post. Image Credit: @pensando1
Another exclaimed: “We need balding, middle-aged men with back hair, please… And some dad bods as well!”
One user expressed their disappointment with double-standard marketing, explaining: “[The brands have] only developed a representative brand position for women and failed to do the same for men, which I think is hypocritical,”
Several men spoke up about how it’s ‘nearly impossible’ to look like the models in the ads.
“Even more than that, it’s these guys’ jobs to look like that. They can therefore put in the effort required. But the rest of us have other jobs which don’t always lend themselves to that kind of body,” a user detailed.
To which someone responded: “To all the blokes bothered by this, I say be (the) change you want to see. Compliment your mates, check in on them, show a bit of vulnerability among them, and let them be vulnerable around you without fear of mockery,”
One more supported the idea commenting: “Agreed. To the men bothered by this, make a change, say something, send an email, share it on various social platforms, and tag Myer saying they should do better. I’m sick of women having to do everything, I want to see men stand up and take some responsibility.”
Post Credit: @pensando1 (Reddit)
“I don’t want my teenage son growing up feeling pressured by unrealistic body standards. Not every man grows up looking like a jacked action figure – sure, some do, but depicting this body type as the only one to aspire to is toxic,” a concerned mum added.
“I also don’t want my daughters growing up with some warped view of male beauty or thinking a single body type is the benchmark of normality.” said another.
The commotion prompted Myer to release a statement in hopes to clear the accusations. Their spokesperson claimed that the screenshots failed to represent their advertising as well as the models in their latest campaign which is set to roll out in the next few weeks.
“Myer takes diversity seriously and has a proud record of embracing and showing the diversity of the Australian community in our advertising,” they said.
Myer’s latest campaign. Image Credit: news.com.au
“This includes all body types, ages, heights, and backgrounds. In our latest campaign, we have a diverse range of models across men’s and women’s fashion, and you will see the diversity of the models used as this campaign rolls out.”
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you all that every single body type, race, and age is worth all the love in the world. Beauty is NOT exclusive to a particular group of people – so go ahead and show off how great you look today, you lovely bunch of queens and kings!
Do you agree with the points made by the Reddit users or did things get a little out of hand? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Watch how beauty culture can be harmful with the video below:
Video Credit: Ibrahim Kamit
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