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The image of a perfect woman in the 1950s is familiar to all of us – a diligent wife, slaving around the house all day, preparing delicious meals for her hardworking husband, taking care of the children, and all that with a smile, of course. This image was reflected a lot in the ads of that era too. Inspired by them, photographer and video editor from Beirut, Lebanon, Eli Rezkallah created a series called “In A Parallel Universe” where he switched up the gender roles portrayed in those ads to reveal the absurdity of such stereotypes with humor.
“Last Thanksgiving, I overheard my uncles talk about how women are better off cooking, taking care of the kitchen, and fulfilling “their womanly duties,” Rezkallah writes on his website. “Although I know that not all men are like my uncles and think that way, I was surprised to learn that some still do, so I went on to imagine a parallel universe, where roles are inverted and men are given a taste of their own sexist poison.”
Scroll down to see these funny recreations of old-school ads for yourself!
More info: elirezkallah.com
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#3
Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 8 years ago
Eh, this one is pretty demeaning both ways. Not cool in either case.
#4
Alia Gail 8 years ago
should point out it’s not ok either way, i just realized i sounded sexist towards men there didn’t mean to sorry
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manowce 8 years ago
all those vintage ads are horrible, but this one? this is a whole new level of wrong.
AngelofThursdays 8 years ago
why does the woman STILL have to be in high heels? Heels were originally made for men anyway...
lisa H 8 years ago
It's an ad for Mr Leggs slacks. The same company that uses sexist ads to sell women millions of pairs of panty hose to wear with those high heels!
P Webb 4 years ago
I don't think pantyhose OR high heels are sexist. I like my high heels.
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Barbara Johnson 8 years ago
The high heels have got to go if they truly want to make it look like the reverse. Nothing sexy about her on the flip side is the point. As it is, they turn it into a dominatrix scenario. So, it is still sexist.
P Webb 4 years ago
I LIKE my high heels! I don't find them sexist at all.
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Peter Jon Shuler 1 year ago
This is especially disturbing. These Mr. Leggs ads are not just sexist, they seem to find humor in abusive behavior.
Judy Hobart 8 years ago
Unbelievable that anyone made the original ad. Either way they're horrible!
Zach Vrooman 8 years ago
There's dudes that would pay good money to have some lady step on their head wearing stilettos.
Loretta D la Spriella 8 years ago
This is literally humiliating but the tiger rug costs a fortune.. when it was okay to use them.. terrible photos.
#7
Ladies and Gentlemen 8 years ago
Damn, these are really sexist ads. I had never seen them. Glad to see things changed for good.
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What do you think ?
Lodogg 3323 8 years ago
If these offend you... you really won't want to see the ethnic and black ads from back then. Yes, by today's standards, they are offensive. It's called progress. As a society we've matured. We don't marry off our kids for dowry at 12 anymore, do we? No. Now go call your grandmothers and thank them for fighting for change.
Lin Larsson 8 years ago
I don't have to thank my grandmother, she didn't do anything to make a change. It's quite the opposite, she never understood the movement, which is a whole different type of sad, really.
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Mylah Rose 8 years ago
These originals are shocking! Such a good idea to do these parallels, and beautifully executed.
Hari Onago 8 years ago
True but we still have all those TV ads overwhelmingly stereotyping women as housewives: whether it is detergent or dish soap advertising, etc. as if it were women's responsibility alone.
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Semi-transparent Panda 8 years ago
For the people whining that "both of these are wrong" and "this is degrading to men." That's. The. Point.
Leonard Abs 8 years ago
It's not degrading to men. I don't the majority of men would be affected by this at all and any guys here complaining are just trolls.
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Pamala Knowlton 8 years ago
I’m of an age where I remember most of these ads. They’re not jokes or exaggerations. Women really were expected to be brainless, helpless, and happy to serve their husbands without complaint.
Kelly G 8 years ago
Equality for all gender. Men love your kitchen and take care of your kids too. Hello Pamela
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Valerie Sinkavich 8 years ago
some places in our country, guys don't know those are out of date. they think it's still that way.
Petra Christovová 8 years ago
Wow, those original advertisements are really disgusting. Quite shows at what position were women basically a few years ago.
Bart Dierickx 8 years ago
True, and this was the position of many many men. Spoiler, it's no better. It's only better if we look at the top of the top of the topf of the iceberg. 800px-Dolc...9b8475.jpg 
Nina Wum 8 years ago
The saddest part is that advertisement for woman-oriented goods haven't really changed all that much. In the thisties it was "douse your ladyparts in Lysol or HE WILL LEAVE YOU YOU SMELLY CREATURE". Now it's much subtler, but the underlying message "get this product or no man ever will find you attractive" is still predominant. Just flip open any ladies' magazine and see for yourself.
None 8 years ago
Not only Lysol was seen as a cleaning agent for those parts, it was also a contraceptive in a time when those were seen as a bad thing, so those ads were basically saying "if you get pregnant and he's not into it, it's YOUR fault because you didn't use this harsh chemical to kill all of his seeds inside you". Like, WTF????
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Cynthia McCarver 8 years ago
So revealing to read the comments from the men with hurt feelings. :-)
Kelly G 8 years ago
Women has been partially treated and ignored since time past. Hi Cynthia
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Jessica Joseph 8 years ago
Just remember that when Conservatives harken to the 'Good old days' and how happy they were, just remember this is what they are harkening to. Art reflects life. This is actually what life was like for women. They often got through it by drinking, smoking and scarfing down lots and lots of pills. Surely the men were happy but not the women and that is why the Women's Movement happened. It would have never happened if women were contented and fulfilled being treated like that.
Reg Fife 8 years ago
That's like saying liberals all want to go back to the good ol' days of the hippies. No conservative I know of wants to see a return to keeping women exclusively in the kitchen.
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Cherie Barnard 8 years ago
These are infuriating af. I'm nauseated thinking that people actually thought this was okay and that women just accepted it. And that in some households this is still the norm.
Annette Easton 8 years ago
For the people saying both are wrong, reversing it doesn't make it any better etc -- yes, that's the point. Because if you JUST look at the originals then you can think "oh my, wasn't society quaint back then" and *sometimes* the reality of exactly how wrong those ads are doesn't hit you. Until you do a gender reversal on them and then suddenly it makes it really clear for some people.
Louise Shippey 8 years ago
I am amazed (thought shouldn't be) at all the dumbos pointing out that both versions are ''wrong'' WELL OF COURSE THEY ARE !....so call yourself a feminist and get with the programme.
Elizabeth Brothers 8 years ago
That last one shouldn't show the man nipples. We still have that little misogynistic societal rule that women can't show their nipples and have to wear padded bras to hide even the hint of them. While it's very acceptable for men to walk around without shirts on.
Jean-luc Picard 8 years ago
It was probably the wrong thing to do, but I had a chuckle. I tried not to overthink the whole situation and I certainly wasn't offended nor feel the need to offend anybody else. People need to chill a bit, I reckon.
Nomadus Aureus 8 years ago
I remember in the 90's in my country almost everything was advertised with naked women. Car tyre? Nude. Electric heater? Nude. Even the effing bathroom tiles... It kind of suited the mentality of the majority back then. I remember asking the logic of it. An otherwise highly educated, talented and usually nice middle aged gentleman explained that it's because man pay for these things and when we'll be the ones paying, it'll be male nudes. Still looking for the tyre ad featuring a hunk. (please note the sarcasm...)
anarkzie 8 years ago
It's kind of like over in here, in England in which some newspapers have Page 3, which is basically just a topless woman smiling at you when you turn the the cover, I never really occurred to me how odd this is until a friend of mine from another country pointed it, "Why do you porn in your newspapers?" me, "erm.....tradition...wait...I don't know"
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Nicu Buculei 8 years ago
I find the most amusing how in the last one (leotards) they photographer had to include the nipples and make clear is a guy.
Gayle McDonald 8 years ago
No matter how any ads are made the are always going to be offensive to somebody, either by race disability, gender, weight, age, etc etc. They use shock tactics because it is what we will remember. We will never see advertising that is neutral all the time. The whole women should stay home thing has been done to death. Not many men can earn the amount of money it would take to be able to cover the costs of living and raising a family comfortably so women also have to try work. This means the woman had to be let out of the kitchen. shock horror.
Anneke Kuilman 8 years ago
It’s not only about the money that women are working.
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Sam Ramirez 8 years ago
might have been better if they got a man that looks like he could change a tire
Martin Williams 8 years ago
The originals are beyond sexist - truly misogynistic. The remakes are funny and most of them work better than the original! As a man, the remakes don't offend me at all, whereas the originals fill me with shame.
Jackie Page 8 years ago
So, Hardee's really advertised that their food was sloppy and hastily prepared??
Vexor Shadewing 8 years ago
Honestly I can name several men and women who'd happily conform on both sides of this, but enough about my sex life.
Poseidon Cheez 8 years ago
Oh my gosh how did these people not get that men and women do the same things if your a woman you dont have to serve your husband if your a man you dont have to serve your wife! A happy marriage is a couples cooperation
Loretta D la Spriella 8 years ago
Everytime I see these old stuff I get indignation and feel bad for those women who accepted that life. What makes me laugh about the entire situation: some Men today say, that no woman and no man should be treated that way...
Emily Bachy 8 years ago
I think we should stop dragging up ads from the past. It's the equivalent of poking a bear ready for hibernation. It's calming down, but now you have to wake it up.
Susie Sheridan 8 years ago
That’s kinda like saying we shouldn’t recognize the sexism that still exists (#metoo) or the racism that still exists (BLM) because things are better now than in the fifties. We should know our history and how we got to where we are today. Bringing up history doesn’t cause the way things are today; it explains it.
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Jarrod Lee 6 years ago
Next we should take good movies and reboot them with women..... ooooooo... nevermind.
Thomassen Bart 7 years ago
They are not really offensive because they simply don't work as commentary on the gender or human conditions. The reason that such ads could be made in the past is because they reflected a reality, even if it was extreme. To simply reverse the roles fails due to the same logic. Women do occupy nor have they replaced men in the hierarchy. Men do not do house work, are not primary care givers, (with exception), do not stay home cooking etc...nor are they physically weaker and or concerned with traditionally female themes. So the whole thing is a no go.
Vladimir Krstic 7 years ago
I get it but why did they make the man faminine? Hiow do you now see the irony?
Kat Robin Shulder 8 years ago
this is moderately amusing, but it's sexist both ways. people are equal, not magically better than one another.
Leroy Green 8 years ago
I found all of the alternatives entertaining, cute, and playfully erotic. I'd be proud to bring my wife breakfast in bed on my knees. Maybe she'll tie me up with her Van Huesen ties and spank me for the quality of my coffee.
Leasa Ryan-Janssen 8 years ago
Why did the male in the new copy ads have to be so effeminate? I would have made more of a point had the man been a typical masculine man. Also, that was just the way it was in those days. No one was offended as it just was. Most women wanted to be in the home and enjoyed their roles back then. The funny part was, men and women worked equally back then, he put in long hours and did the heavy lifting, she nurtured her children and made the home a place of health and well being for the family. Also, finances were shared and both had a goal of providing for the home and family. It wasn't all bad.
Marius Dumas 8 years ago
The roles are already reversed much worse than that, we se ads of women kicking men in the nuts, men as buffoon with smart women who knows better. The ads against males today are brutal. I think this article still sells it way to short compared to what is out there. just imagine you change the roles of March and Homer Simpson, and see how we would react to stupid useless March. No my friend you are way to late to make any difference in what is already mainstream. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFZat3oIbhU
Elena Mendiola Illescas 8 years ago
I think it will be more clever to do the new ones with sexist ideas towards men that are true, like men are the ones that get money in the house, or men can't cry etc..
Billy Jackson 8 years ago
WoW some of those are pretty embarrassing to think we allowed that kind of thinking..
Krieger Strauss 8 years ago
Yes but women are biological housewives this just doesn't work and serves as sarcastic humour to hide that fact.
Elizabeth Brothers 8 years ago
That last one shouldn't show the man nipples. We still have that little misogynistic societal rule that women can't show their nipples and have to wear padded bras to hide even the hint of them. While it's very acceptable to walk around without shirts on.
Jovy Jergens 8 years ago
Such a clever fellow and, as a woman who remembers the humiliation of and the discrimination against women of that era, THANK YOU!
Connor Certa 8 years ago
This is just lazy and unimaginative. And, most importantly, they add nothing to the conversation whatseoever. The onlunreason why anyone would even remotely be speaking about these photographs is because they are paired with the legitimately shocking adds beside them. The photographs themselves are a weak attempt at social commentary. After all, can you really compare adds from decades ago with current gender expectations? Of course not. This is just pathetic.
Brianna LaPoint 8 years ago
This is awesome. I mean people should never have had these ads, but cant unring that bell.
Debbie Andersson 8 years ago
How did every woman not commit suicide or started cults in the deepest forests against men amazes me...I was boiling in my head already when a fellow archer ( a man ) didn´t take my archery skills seriously cause I was a woman.
Néjib Ghediri 8 years ago
Except that these men look more like men playing women's roles than regular men. The photographers themselves couldn't see "real men" pictured like that.
Maria Kyriakidou 8 years ago
if the roles were reverse and they broke stereotypes in new ads the working women shouldnt have all been wearing suits. the classic men's garment. they stilll hide stereotypes.....
Surbhi Bansal Halder 8 years ago
These were really astonishing and surprising and yes offensive too. I am glad I am born today and not in that era.
Buzz Covington 8 years ago
This might have been relevant 50 years ago. Just sad and tired now.
Redd Swain 8 years ago
I encourage you all to read an etiquette book. That will give you the realest look into the society these women had to live and follow. Men, too. Far more scary than these adds.
Donny Meanie 8 years ago
It's...... just an ad. An ad from the 1950s. Why should anyone in 2018 give a s**t?
Debbie Cooper 8 years ago
I am not offended because it was a very different time. These ads were very typical. I love to watch old TV shows and how women were portrayed, doing housework in a dress and heels. I was there when the "feminist" movement surfaced. Women burning their bras and such. I remember my parents, my father serving his country in the Air Force, not being able to find a place to live due to segregation. I remember Sambo's restaurants. Seriously, it was called Sambo's? And Anita Hill being ridiculed by congress when she complained of the inappropriate behavior and harassment she suffered under Clarence Thomas. Times have indeed changed.
Sarchis Dolmanian 8 years ago
Excellent opportunity to remember that 'two wrongs don't make a right'!
Nani Thomas 8 years ago
Why do people say it's wrong on both sides? Everyone sees that it's wrong to do that to a man. It's doing that to a woman that people don't see as wrong.
Leonard Abs 8 years ago
Reversing the stereotype doesn't work in the slightest. It's visually interesting but not thought provoking to anyone born in the last 50 years.
Glenn Poignee 8 years ago
the absurdity of 60 year old ads...The absurd part is redoing them at all. It draws a contrast to something that simply isn't done anymore. That's absurd
Danny Archer 8 years ago
If there are guys out there who are offended by this in anyway, let me give some info. Feminists have pussified you! There is nothing particularly clever about this because the purported modern male stereotypes are simply not true while many of the 50s female ones still are. The ability to open bottle tops is still the domain of the man, for example. Why, I had to do it the other day on a bottle of squash for a friend's wife who is a financial manager. I really don't know any guy that is EXPECTED to stay in the kitchen and cook and clean. Those of us who do, do it because we either have no one else to do it or are sharing duties in the house. I really am not offended about these role reversal because they're not highlighting any real social structure for modern men whereas the 50s ads did regarding women. Let's have a photo series about divorced dads, homeless men, convicted males and juxtapose them against their female counterparts if you really want to get up nose.
anarkzie 8 years ago
The originals are shocking enough, the role reversals does nothing for me, as a man I'm not looking at a man being told to stay in the kitchen and thinking "now I understand what women feel/felt" or "This is offensive". I think some feminist don't understand that times have moved on and that mens attitudes(in the west at least) have changed and so they do stuff like this to educate us but just leave us feeling that their fighting an invisble spectre from the past. The originals shocking, the updates meh.
David Payne 8 years ago
The "Original" Hardee's ad features a logo they didn't use until they merged with Carl's Jr, in 1997.
Paul Osborne 8 years ago
It was a different era, things that were acceptable then aren't acceptable now. In another 60 years things today will seem outdated.
A dose of reality... 8 years ago
To imagine that these sexist photos were mostly accepted back then. I don't know if / why the reversed pictures should be better or help change anything...
Monilip 8 years ago
they are not better, that's the point. They are just to show people, by comparasion, how bad these ads were
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Mikko Karjalainen 8 years ago
Even today we see ads that on purpose paint the other gender as simple, weak or stupid - who just needs something (like a product) to succeed (or do better) at certain place (like home, work etc) or task? People back then in the 60's were not stupid! We are, if we take these silly ads seriously.
Karla Thompson 8 years ago
I think we should all stop and give a big kudos to the male model in the “after” ads. He problem felt super uncomfortable but was willing to do it for the sake of humor and social commentary.
Morgan Fisher 8 years ago
I am just wondering why the "hidden" messages here were hidden? I was expecting them to be extremely violent, obscene, racist, etc. They are just unpopular and received some "minus" votes, it seems. Is that a big problem?
Bradley Auerbach 8 years ago
I've always thought of what that kind of parallel universe would look like! What about switching the roles of races or gender preferences?
Sancha Fung 8 years ago
I wonder where we saw them. Like are they actual ads that were on newspapers or just comedic fun?
Connie Martin 8 years ago
I don't see the point of this. Does someone really need to see men in parallel positions to know these attitudes are wrong?
Yvonne Gacheru 8 years ago
Me thinks these models might not be as good (acting wise) or as we illustrated as the females.. You must consider the talents involved in 20s-50s print Ads, considering these ads are renderings of an artist based on great acting/modelling and some great editing to furnish a slogan. Not every Ad from the time would be thought provoking when gender reversed. Challenge yourself Author.
Yvonne Gacheru 8 years ago
Sorry *'these male models might not be as good (acting wise) or as *you illustrated as the females.
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Kjorn 8 years ago
either way it's not ok. but people seem to be ok when the role are reverse and it's the men who are in that situation.
Betsy Braddock 8 years ago
I agree that it's not okay, but I completely disagree with the rest of what you said, the point of these isn't to say it's okay to subjugate men, it's simply to point out how wrong it is by providing a parallel depiction.
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BERT 7 years ago
I don't 'like the result' because it's trite and unoriginal. Howa bout the artist use their noggin and think up something new. I recall a recent female comedy sketch that went viral. They went all Led Zeppelin on the male construction worker catcall. Here's how they did it. Ready? The women construction workers. Wow. Hilarious. That being said. Funny is funny. Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey, even Amy Schumer I like. Another good example was Jan Hooks. She placed her angst on TV/Media that feed us with glorified B.S. rewarding marginal effort/talent. Watch her scene in Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Or her SNL sketches 'The Sweeney Sisters. There was always anger behind her characters enthusiastic facade. A grade.
Stephan Riediker 7 years ago
why don't you also reverse the gender roles in sexist advertisements in which men get raped, slapped or sexually harassed by a woman and the audience is expected to laugh about it? I'm wondering what the reactions about this would be.....
SlyNine 8 years ago
Men don't really give a s**t. We see much worse ways men are depicted by media.
aaron bur sir 4 years ago
oh really. How? Because man can go to court for grouping someone and become president. So go f**k yourself
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Yioryos Ninjitsu 8 years ago
Of course some men are not gonna like them you idiot..If anyone at all remotely liked them it really would be disturbing. These ads are sexist as f**k! Why would you ever want to revert to such a twisted time in history is beyond me....There was a time when Hitler ruled the Germans, which tortured and killed many Jewish people. Would it be ok with you if at this day and age the roles were reversed and we saw Jewish people gashing Germans?! ''Photographer reverses victimhood roles in nazi Germany....and some Germans are nooot gonna like it''.....what the actual f**k dude xD. Twisted f***s...the whole point of history is to help us move forward, not repeat it like some f****n brainless meatbags!!!
Gage Franke 5 years ago
Relax, dude. No one wants that. It's not meant to be taken seriously.
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JohnnyandRebecca Jones 8 years ago
when this country lived with these values divorce wasnt over 55% drug abuse was not where it is now and there was alot more respect for ones elders and their parents
Von Awesome 8 years ago
Divorce was less common because women in the 1950s were completely dependent on their husbands. They had no money, education, or careers of their own and thus couldn't support themselves if they left. Thank guy in the sky that this "stay together for the kids" mentality is on its way out. As for "respect", people often had to show it because they'd be beaten if they didn't. There were no rules against corporal punishment like there are today; violence should never be an acceptable response for anyone or any age or gender.
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Tammy Hubatsek 8 years ago
Back then, it wasn't considered "sexist". It was just how things were. I found it much more offensive when my role as a wife, mother, and homemaker was belittled and made to appear as not important, or lazy, or worse, not as hard as it actually is. I took pride in what I did and I don't need any liberal woman (or man) trying to convince me otherwise.
Bart Dierickx 8 years ago
Every ad is insulting, 'cos we view it with today's glasses. But I think these are an oversimplification of history. And sure those values are out of fashion and we shouldn't bring them back! But the reality was not that women their place was in the kitchen, and the men were free to choose. For most families the reality was women stayed at home - they had no choice-, and men had to work s****y jobs -they had no choice. Many men worked jobs that significantly reduced their life expectancy and quality. Just to provide for their families. Only a small small percentage of men were able to have glamorous careers and enjoy higher education. Today we have no choice. We only have the illusion of choice. Either gender must work outside the home and bring our children to day care. Many parents don't even witness the first steps and words of their own children. Careers ain't worth that price of admission. Ps: I am dreaming of encountering a woman that earns so much I can stay home with the kids
Susie Sheridan 8 years ago
Maybe you could find a woman who earns more if society weren’t still sexist.
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Lonnie Santrock 8 years ago
I think that all these lawsuits against everybody is making everybody afraid to be the sexual beings that we are let's not forget none of us would be here without sex and I don't see anything wrong with a little harmless titillation as long as nobody's rights are being stepped on and no children are being harmed. Society just lighten up already.
CbusResident 8 years ago
All the women and male feminists who are raging on here about how all of the old gender stereotypes were chauvinist, you have a point. But please, please don't turn around after you rage about stuff like this and say things about how 'men have man colds and complain about their man colds too much.' That too is a gender stereotype.
Geoffrey Froment 8 years ago
Absolutely pathetic. Women are as much stupid as men ? That is the message i see there
Jeff Goodhall 8 years ago
As a man who looked after his daughter for the 1st year of her life because mum wanted a career I find this offensive. I didnt wear makeup cleaning or doing the dishes, so why is every man in these pictures wearing makeup? why is being at home STILL portrayed as feminine??? I looked after my daughter, looked after the house, started a BNB and made furniture when mum came home. This is a very very dumb way of showing gender inequality. You prove nothing by posting this c**p. I hope for a day when we talk about PEOPLE being equal. not men / women being in charge and simply swapping roles. idiotic.
Yioryos Ninjitsu 8 years ago
So much hate and bitterness in the comments...It's disheartening to see so many women applauding the idea of degrading someone like that. Even if it's just the idea. So many people seem to be willing to revert to twisted times, and while wearing a malicious smile as well!..Do you honestly believe that is how the human race will move forward?..Why not gas some Germans while we're at it as well? wtf?
Monilip 8 years ago
You missed the point. The point is not "it's revenge time, now we put men in stupid position" but to show how bad those adds were by showing adds in reverse (who are as much bad as the first ones).
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Sarjana Lastname 8 years ago
this is all about clothes, nothing else. woman can wear men clothes and oppsite it doesent have nothing to do whit sexuality, then is prvet separate, fetish who get exited from clothes, but home work rarely is sexual habit.
Sarjana Lastname 8 years ago
now days is no law to use men clothes, certain roles go along chiren, fire and cooking has always been wooo-man work, it doesent matter what is in pants or what kind of outfit they have
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Svetoslav Dimitrov 8 years ago
Men and women ain't equal, they never were they never will be... equal RIGHTS... this is something else people. Make the difference between f*****g genetics and rights
Enomfon Asuquo 8 years ago
I think that reversing the gender roles isn't bringing awareness to the problem it's just poking fun at it. We should be progressing not moving backwards.
Elina Edison 8 years ago
It's all very disturbing and, frankly, how don't see how this will change any man's mind since the parallels are just ridiculous. The originals are horrible, no doubt about it, but the parallels are ridiculous.
Tony Hernandez 8 years ago
What I find hard to believe is that someone actually thought these new "revisions" would make men mad, or offend us ("trigger us", maybe?). I think most men would be amused by them. Except liberals, of course. But then again, I did say men would be amused...
Dasholzhaus 8 years ago
Am I the only guy that doesnt give a rats a*s about the reversed ads? For either gender, letting an advertisement get you all butt hurt is childish. Grow up and just worry about yourself and your day. So many snowflakes.
Alia Gail 8 years ago
Dude, we don’t WANT for men to be in these positions, we’re just showing what it would be like.
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Dave Roger 8 years ago
Ooh look, you said SJW! Good for you. Did you make your quota of saying overused right-wing nonsense words for the day now?
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John Smith 8 years ago
Totally my point dude, but this is Bored Panda, and the majority of browsers are hopeless f**s and libtards.
Load More Replies... Dave Roger 8 years ago
Nothing says "I"m a huge closeted gay person" like hating gay people for no reason. John, you're not a man. Not anywhere near it. You're a sad sack little child who hates himself and projects your self hatred on the world around you. Real men think you're a b***h.
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Lodogg 3323 8 years ago
If these offend you... you really won't want to see the ethnic and black ads from back then. Yes, by today's standards, they are offensive. It's called progress. As a society we've matured. We don't marry off our kids for dowry at 12 anymore, do we? No. Now go call your grandmothers and thank them for fighting for change.
Lin Larsson 8 years ago
I don't have to thank my grandmother, she didn't do anything to make a change. It's quite the opposite, she never understood the movement, which is a whole different type of sad, really.
Load More Replies... Mylah Rose 8 years ago
These originals are shocking! Such a good idea to do these parallels, and beautifully executed.
Hari Onago 8 years ago
True but we still have all those TV ads overwhelmingly stereotyping women as housewives: whether it is detergent or dish soap advertising, etc. as if it were women's responsibility alone.
Load More Replies... Semi-transparent Panda 8 years ago
For the people whining that "both of these are wrong" and "this is degrading to men." That's. The. Point.
Leonard Abs 8 years ago
It's not degrading to men. I don't the majority of men would be affected by this at all and any guys here complaining are just trolls.
Load More Replies... Pamala Knowlton 8 years ago
I’m of an age where I remember most of these ads. They’re not jokes or exaggerations. Women really were expected to be brainless, helpless, and happy to serve their husbands without complaint.
Kelly G 8 years ago
Equality for all gender. Men love your kitchen and take care of your kids too. Hello Pamela
Load More Replies... Valerie Sinkavich 8 years ago
some places in our country, guys don't know those are out of date. they think it's still that way.
Petra Christovová 8 years ago
Wow, those original advertisements are really disgusting. Quite shows at what position were women basically a few years ago.
Bart Dierickx 8 years ago
True, and this was the position of many many men. Spoiler, it's no better. It's only better if we look at the top of the top of the topf of the iceberg. 800px-Dolc...9b8475.jpg
Nina Wum 8 years ago
The saddest part is that advertisement for woman-oriented goods haven't really changed all that much. In the thisties it was "douse your ladyparts in Lysol or HE WILL LEAVE YOU YOU SMELLY CREATURE". Now it's much subtler, but the underlying message "get this product or no man ever will find you attractive" is still predominant. Just flip open any ladies' magazine and see for yourself.
None 8 years ago
Not only Lysol was seen as a cleaning agent for those parts, it was also a contraceptive in a time when those were seen as a bad thing, so those ads were basically saying "if you get pregnant and he's not into it, it's YOUR fault because you didn't use this harsh chemical to kill all of his seeds inside you". Like, WTF????
Load More Replies... Cynthia McCarver 8 years ago
So revealing to read the comments from the men with hurt feelings. :-)
Kelly G 8 years ago
Women has been partially treated and ignored since time past. Hi Cynthia
Load More Replies... Jessica Joseph 8 years ago
Just remember that when Conservatives harken to the 'Good old days' and how happy they were, just remember this is what they are harkening to. Art reflects life. This is actually what life was like for women. They often got through it by drinking, smoking and scarfing down lots and lots of pills. Surely the men were happy but not the women and that is why the Women's Movement happened. It would have never happened if women were contented and fulfilled being treated like that.
Reg Fife 8 years ago
That's like saying liberals all want to go back to the good ol' days of the hippies. No conservative I know of wants to see a return to keeping women exclusively in the kitchen.
Load More Replies... Cherie Barnard 8 years ago
These are infuriating af. I'm nauseated thinking that people actually thought this was okay and that women just accepted it. And that in some households this is still the norm.
Annette Easton 8 years ago
For the people saying both are wrong, reversing it doesn't make it any better etc -- yes, that's the point. Because if you JUST look at the originals then you can think "oh my, wasn't society quaint back then" and *sometimes* the reality of exactly how wrong those ads are doesn't hit you. Until you do a gender reversal on them and then suddenly it makes it really clear for some people.
Louise Shippey 8 years ago
I am amazed (thought shouldn't be) at all the dumbos pointing out that both versions are ''wrong'' WELL OF COURSE THEY ARE !....so call yourself a feminist and get with the programme.
Elizabeth Brothers 8 years ago
That last one shouldn't show the man nipples. We still have that little misogynistic societal rule that women can't show their nipples and have to wear padded bras to hide even the hint of them. While it's very acceptable for men to walk around without shirts on.
Jean-luc Picard 8 years ago
It was probably the wrong thing to do, but I had a chuckle. I tried not to overthink the whole situation and I certainly wasn't offended nor feel the need to offend anybody else. People need to chill a bit, I reckon.
Nomadus Aureus 8 years ago
I remember in the 90's in my country almost everything was advertised with naked women. Car tyre? Nude. Electric heater? Nude. Even the effing bathroom tiles... It kind of suited the mentality of the majority back then. I remember asking the logic of it. An otherwise highly educated, talented and usually nice middle aged gentleman explained that it's because man pay for these things and when we'll be the ones paying, it'll be male nudes. Still looking for the tyre ad featuring a hunk. (please note the sarcasm...)
anarkzie 8 years ago
It's kind of like over in here, in England in which some newspapers have Page 3, which is basically just a topless woman smiling at you when you turn the the cover, I never really occurred to me how odd this is until a friend of mine from another country pointed it, "Why do you porn in your newspapers?" me, "erm.....tradition...wait...I don't know"
Load More Replies... Nicu Buculei 8 years ago
I find the most amusing how in the last one (leotards) they photographer had to include the nipples and make clear is a guy.
Gayle McDonald 8 years ago
No matter how any ads are made the are always going to be offensive to somebody, either by race disability, gender, weight, age, etc etc. They use shock tactics because it is what we will remember. We will never see advertising that is neutral all the time. The whole women should stay home thing has been done to death. Not many men can earn the amount of money it would take to be able to cover the costs of living and raising a family comfortably so women also have to try work. This means the woman had to be let out of the kitchen. shock horror.
Anneke Kuilman 8 years ago
It’s not only about the money that women are working.
Load More Replies... Sam Ramirez 8 years ago
might have been better if they got a man that looks like he could change a tire
Martin Williams 8 years ago
The originals are beyond sexist - truly misogynistic. The remakes are funny and most of them work better than the original! As a man, the remakes don't offend me at all, whereas the originals fill me with shame.
Jackie Page 8 years ago
So, Hardee's really advertised that their food was sloppy and hastily prepared??
Vexor Shadewing 8 years ago
Honestly I can name several men and women who'd happily conform on both sides of this, but enough about my sex life.
Poseidon Cheez 8 years ago
Oh my gosh how did these people not get that men and women do the same things if your a woman you dont have to serve your husband if your a man you dont have to serve your wife! A happy marriage is a couples cooperation
Loretta D la Spriella 8 years ago
Everytime I see these old stuff I get indignation and feel bad for those women who accepted that life. What makes me laugh about the entire situation: some Men today say, that no woman and no man should be treated that way...
Emily Bachy 8 years ago
I think we should stop dragging up ads from the past. It's the equivalent of poking a bear ready for hibernation. It's calming down, but now you have to wake it up.
Susie Sheridan 8 years ago
That’s kinda like saying we shouldn’t recognize the sexism that still exists (#metoo) or the racism that still exists (BLM) because things are better now than in the fifties. We should know our history and how we got to where we are today. Bringing up history doesn’t cause the way things are today; it explains it.
Load More Replies... Jarrod Lee 6 years ago
Next we should take good movies and reboot them with women..... ooooooo... nevermind.
Thomassen Bart 7 years ago
They are not really offensive because they simply don't work as commentary on the gender or human conditions. The reason that such ads could be made in the past is because they reflected a reality, even if it was extreme. To simply reverse the roles fails due to the same logic. Women do occupy nor have they replaced men in the hierarchy. Men do not do house work, are not primary care givers, (with exception), do not stay home cooking etc...nor are they physically weaker and or concerned with traditionally female themes. So the whole thing is a no go.
Vladimir Krstic 7 years ago
I get it but why did they make the man faminine? Hiow do you now see the irony?
Kat Robin Shulder 8 years ago
this is moderately amusing, but it's sexist both ways. people are equal, not magically better than one another.
Leroy Green 8 years ago
I found all of the alternatives entertaining, cute, and playfully erotic. I'd be proud to bring my wife breakfast in bed on my knees. Maybe she'll tie me up with her Van Huesen ties and spank me for the quality of my coffee.
Leasa Ryan-Janssen 8 years ago
Why did the male in the new copy ads have to be so effeminate? I would have made more of a point had the man been a typical masculine man. Also, that was just the way it was in those days. No one was offended as it just was. Most women wanted to be in the home and enjoyed their roles back then. The funny part was, men and women worked equally back then, he put in long hours and did the heavy lifting, she nurtured her children and made the home a place of health and well being for the family. Also, finances were shared and both had a goal of providing for the home and family. It wasn't all bad.
Marius Dumas 8 years ago
The roles are already reversed much worse than that, we se ads of women kicking men in the nuts, men as buffoon with smart women who knows better. The ads against males today are brutal. I think this article still sells it way to short compared to what is out there. just imagine you change the roles of March and Homer Simpson, and see how we would react to stupid useless March. No my friend you are way to late to make any difference in what is already mainstream. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFZat3oIbhU
Elena Mendiola Illescas 8 years ago
I think it will be more clever to do the new ones with sexist ideas towards men that are true, like men are the ones that get money in the house, or men can't cry etc..
Billy Jackson 8 years ago
WoW some of those are pretty embarrassing to think we allowed that kind of thinking..
Krieger Strauss 8 years ago
Yes but women are biological housewives this just doesn't work and serves as sarcastic humour to hide that fact.
Elizabeth Brothers 8 years ago
That last one shouldn't show the man nipples. We still have that little misogynistic societal rule that women can't show their nipples and have to wear padded bras to hide even the hint of them. While it's very acceptable to walk around without shirts on.
Jovy Jergens 8 years ago
Such a clever fellow and, as a woman who remembers the humiliation of and the discrimination against women of that era, THANK YOU!
Connor Certa 8 years ago
This is just lazy and unimaginative. And, most importantly, they add nothing to the conversation whatseoever. The onlunreason why anyone would even remotely be speaking about these photographs is because they are paired with the legitimately shocking adds beside them. The photographs themselves are a weak attempt at social commentary. After all, can you really compare adds from decades ago with current gender expectations? Of course not. This is just pathetic.
Brianna LaPoint 8 years ago
This is awesome. I mean people should never have had these ads, but cant unring that bell.
Debbie Andersson 8 years ago
How did every woman not commit suicide or started cults in the deepest forests against men amazes me...I was boiling in my head already when a fellow archer ( a man ) didn´t take my archery skills seriously cause I was a woman.
Néjib Ghediri 8 years ago
Except that these men look more like men playing women's roles than regular men. The photographers themselves couldn't see "real men" pictured like that.
Maria Kyriakidou 8 years ago
if the roles were reverse and they broke stereotypes in new ads the working women shouldnt have all been wearing suits. the classic men's garment. they stilll hide stereotypes.....
Surbhi Bansal Halder 8 years ago
These were really astonishing and surprising and yes offensive too. I am glad I am born today and not in that era.
Buzz Covington 8 years ago
This might have been relevant 50 years ago. Just sad and tired now.
Redd Swain 8 years ago
I encourage you all to read an etiquette book. That will give you the realest look into the society these women had to live and follow. Men, too. Far more scary than these adds.
Donny Meanie 8 years ago
It's...... just an ad. An ad from the 1950s. Why should anyone in 2018 give a s**t?
Debbie Cooper 8 years ago
I am not offended because it was a very different time. These ads were very typical. I love to watch old TV shows and how women were portrayed, doing housework in a dress and heels. I was there when the "feminist" movement surfaced. Women burning their bras and such. I remember my parents, my father serving his country in the Air Force, not being able to find a place to live due to segregation. I remember Sambo's restaurants. Seriously, it was called Sambo's? And Anita Hill being ridiculed by congress when she complained of the inappropriate behavior and harassment she suffered under Clarence Thomas. Times have indeed changed.
Sarchis Dolmanian 8 years ago
Excellent opportunity to remember that 'two wrongs don't make a right'!
Nani Thomas 8 years ago
Why do people say it's wrong on both sides? Everyone sees that it's wrong to do that to a man. It's doing that to a woman that people don't see as wrong.
Leonard Abs 8 years ago
Reversing the stereotype doesn't work in the slightest. It's visually interesting but not thought provoking to anyone born in the last 50 years.
Glenn Poignee 8 years ago
the absurdity of 60 year old ads...The absurd part is redoing them at all. It draws a contrast to something that simply isn't done anymore. That's absurd
Danny Archer 8 years ago
If there are guys out there who are offended by this in anyway, let me give some info. Feminists have pussified you! There is nothing particularly clever about this because the purported modern male stereotypes are simply not true while many of the 50s female ones still are. The ability to open bottle tops is still the domain of the man, for example. Why, I had to do it the other day on a bottle of squash for a friend's wife who is a financial manager. I really don't know any guy that is EXPECTED to stay in the kitchen and cook and clean. Those of us who do, do it because we either have no one else to do it or are sharing duties in the house. I really am not offended about these role reversal because they're not highlighting any real social structure for modern men whereas the 50s ads did regarding women. Let's have a photo series about divorced dads, homeless men, convicted males and juxtapose them against their female counterparts if you really want to get up nose.
anarkzie 8 years ago
The originals are shocking enough, the role reversals does nothing for me, as a man I'm not looking at a man being told to stay in the kitchen and thinking "now I understand what women feel/felt" or "This is offensive". I think some feminist don't understand that times have moved on and that mens attitudes(in the west at least) have changed and so they do stuff like this to educate us but just leave us feeling that their fighting an invisble spectre from the past. The originals shocking, the updates meh.
David Payne 8 years ago
The "Original" Hardee's ad features a logo they didn't use until they merged with Carl's Jr, in 1997.
Paul Osborne 8 years ago
It was a different era, things that were acceptable then aren't acceptable now. In another 60 years things today will seem outdated.
A dose of reality... 8 years ago
To imagine that these sexist photos were mostly accepted back then. I don't know if / why the reversed pictures should be better or help change anything...
Monilip 8 years ago
they are not better, that's the point. They are just to show people, by comparasion, how bad these ads were
Load More Replies... Mikko Karjalainen 8 years ago
Even today we see ads that on purpose paint the other gender as simple, weak or stupid - who just needs something (like a product) to succeed (or do better) at certain place (like home, work etc) or task? People back then in the 60's were not stupid! We are, if we take these silly ads seriously.
Karla Thompson 8 years ago
I think we should all stop and give a big kudos to the male model in the “after” ads. He problem felt super uncomfortable but was willing to do it for the sake of humor and social commentary.
Morgan Fisher 8 years ago
I am just wondering why the "hidden" messages here were hidden? I was expecting them to be extremely violent, obscene, racist, etc. They are just unpopular and received some "minus" votes, it seems. Is that a big problem?
Bradley Auerbach 8 years ago
I've always thought of what that kind of parallel universe would look like! What about switching the roles of races or gender preferences?
Sancha Fung 8 years ago
I wonder where we saw them. Like are they actual ads that were on newspapers or just comedic fun?
Connie Martin 8 years ago
I don't see the point of this. Does someone really need to see men in parallel positions to know these attitudes are wrong?
Yvonne Gacheru 8 years ago
Me thinks these models might not be as good (acting wise) or as we illustrated as the females.. You must consider the talents involved in 20s-50s print Ads, considering these ads are renderings of an artist based on great acting/modelling and some great editing to furnish a slogan. Not every Ad from the time would be thought provoking when gender reversed. Challenge yourself Author.
Yvonne Gacheru 8 years ago
Sorry *'these male models might not be as good (acting wise) or as *you illustrated as the females.
Load More Replies... Kjorn 8 years ago
either way it's not ok. but people seem to be ok when the role are reverse and it's the men who are in that situation.
Betsy Braddock 8 years ago
I agree that it's not okay, but I completely disagree with the rest of what you said, the point of these isn't to say it's okay to subjugate men, it's simply to point out how wrong it is by providing a parallel depiction.
Load More Replies... BERT 7 years ago
I don't 'like the result' because it's trite and unoriginal. Howa bout the artist use their noggin and think up something new. I recall a recent female comedy sketch that went viral. They went all Led Zeppelin on the male construction worker catcall. Here's how they did it. Ready? The women construction workers. Wow. Hilarious. That being said. Funny is funny. Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey, even Amy Schumer I like. Another good example was Jan Hooks. She placed her angst on TV/Media that feed us with glorified B.S. rewarding marginal effort/talent. Watch her scene in Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Or her SNL sketches 'The Sweeney Sisters. There was always anger behind her characters enthusiastic facade. A grade.
Stephan Riediker 7 years ago
why don't you also reverse the gender roles in sexist advertisements in which men get raped, slapped or sexually harassed by a woman and the audience is expected to laugh about it? I'm wondering what the reactions about this would be.....
SlyNine 8 years ago
Men don't really give a s**t. We see much worse ways men are depicted by media.
aaron bur sir 4 years ago
oh really. How? Because man can go to court for grouping someone and become president. So go f**k yourself
Load More Replies... Yioryos Ninjitsu 8 years ago
Of course some men are not gonna like them you idiot..If anyone at all remotely liked them it really would be disturbing. These ads are sexist as f**k! Why would you ever want to revert to such a twisted time in history is beyond me....There was a time when Hitler ruled the Germans, which tortured and killed many Jewish people. Would it be ok with you if at this day and age the roles were reversed and we saw Jewish people gashing Germans?! ''Photographer reverses victimhood roles in nazi Germany....and some Germans are nooot gonna like it''.....what the actual f**k dude xD. Twisted f***s...the whole point of history is to help us move forward, not repeat it like some f****n brainless meatbags!!!
Gage Franke 5 years ago
Relax, dude. No one wants that. It's not meant to be taken seriously.
Load More Replies... JohnnyandRebecca Jones 8 years ago
when this country lived with these values divorce wasnt over 55% drug abuse was not where it is now and there was alot more respect for ones elders and their parents
Von Awesome 8 years ago
Divorce was less common because women in the 1950s were completely dependent on their husbands. They had no money, education, or careers of their own and thus couldn't support themselves if they left. Thank guy in the sky that this "stay together for the kids" mentality is on its way out. As for "respect", people often had to show it because they'd be beaten if they didn't. There were no rules against corporal punishment like there are today; violence should never be an acceptable response for anyone or any age or gender.
Load More Replies... Tammy Hubatsek 8 years ago
Back then, it wasn't considered "sexist". It was just how things were. I found it much more offensive when my role as a wife, mother, and homemaker was belittled and made to appear as not important, or lazy, or worse, not as hard as it actually is. I took pride in what I did and I don't need any liberal woman (or man) trying to convince me otherwise.
Bart Dierickx 8 years ago
Every ad is insulting, 'cos we view it with today's glasses. But I think these are an oversimplification of history. And sure those values are out of fashion and we shouldn't bring them back! But the reality was not that women their place was in the kitchen, and the men were free to choose. For most families the reality was women stayed at home - they had no choice-, and men had to work s****y jobs -they had no choice. Many men worked jobs that significantly reduced their life expectancy and quality. Just to provide for their families. Only a small small percentage of men were able to have glamorous careers and enjoy higher education. Today we have no choice. We only have the illusion of choice. Either gender must work outside the home and bring our children to day care. Many parents don't even witness the first steps and words of their own children. Careers ain't worth that price of admission. Ps: I am dreaming of encountering a woman that earns so much I can stay home with the kids
Susie Sheridan 8 years ago
Maybe you could find a woman who earns more if society weren’t still sexist.
Load More Replies... Lonnie Santrock 8 years ago
I think that all these lawsuits against everybody is making everybody afraid to be the sexual beings that we are let's not forget none of us would be here without sex and I don't see anything wrong with a little harmless titillation as long as nobody's rights are being stepped on and no children are being harmed. Society just lighten up already.
CbusResident 8 years ago
All the women and male feminists who are raging on here about how all of the old gender stereotypes were chauvinist, you have a point. But please, please don't turn around after you rage about stuff like this and say things about how 'men have man colds and complain about their man colds too much.' That too is a gender stereotype.
Geoffrey Froment 8 years ago
Absolutely pathetic. Women are as much stupid as men ? That is the message i see there
Jeff Goodhall 8 years ago
As a man who looked after his daughter for the 1st year of her life because mum wanted a career I find this offensive. I didnt wear makeup cleaning or doing the dishes, so why is every man in these pictures wearing makeup? why is being at home STILL portrayed as feminine??? I looked after my daughter, looked after the house, started a BNB and made furniture when mum came home. This is a very very dumb way of showing gender inequality. You prove nothing by posting this c**p. I hope for a day when we talk about PEOPLE being equal. not men / women being in charge and simply swapping roles. idiotic.
Yioryos Ninjitsu 8 years ago
So much hate and bitterness in the comments...It's disheartening to see so many women applauding the idea of degrading someone like that. Even if it's just the idea. So many people seem to be willing to revert to twisted times, and while wearing a malicious smile as well!..Do you honestly believe that is how the human race will move forward?..Why not gas some Germans while we're at it as well? wtf?
Monilip 8 years ago
You missed the point. The point is not "it's revenge time, now we put men in stupid position" but to show how bad those adds were by showing adds in reverse (who are as much bad as the first ones).
Load More Replies... Sarjana Lastname 8 years ago
this is all about clothes, nothing else. woman can wear men clothes and oppsite it doesent have nothing to do whit sexuality, then is prvet separate, fetish who get exited from clothes, but home work rarely is sexual habit.
Sarjana Lastname 8 years ago
now days is no law to use men clothes, certain roles go along chiren, fire and cooking has always been wooo-man work, it doesent matter what is in pants or what kind of outfit they have
Load More Replies... Svetoslav Dimitrov 8 years ago
Men and women ain't equal, they never were they never will be... equal RIGHTS... this is something else people. Make the difference between f*****g genetics and rights
Enomfon Asuquo 8 years ago
I think that reversing the gender roles isn't bringing awareness to the problem it's just poking fun at it. We should be progressing not moving backwards.
Elina Edison 8 years ago
It's all very disturbing and, frankly, how don't see how this will change any man's mind since the parallels are just ridiculous. The originals are horrible, no doubt about it, but the parallels are ridiculous.
Tony Hernandez 8 years ago
What I find hard to believe is that someone actually thought these new "revisions" would make men mad, or offend us ("trigger us", maybe?). I think most men would be amused by them. Except liberals, of course. But then again, I did say men would be amused...
Dasholzhaus 8 years ago
Am I the only guy that doesnt give a rats a*s about the reversed ads? For either gender, letting an advertisement get you all butt hurt is childish. Grow up and just worry about yourself and your day. So many snowflakes.
Alia Gail 8 years ago
Dude, we don’t WANT for men to be in these positions, we’re just showing what it would be like.
Load More Replies... Dave Roger 8 years ago
Ooh look, you said SJW! Good for you. Did you make your quota of saying overused right-wing nonsense words for the day now?
Load More Replies... John Smith 8 years ago
Totally my point dude, but this is Bored Panda, and the majority of browsers are hopeless f**s and libtards.
Load More Replies... Dave Roger 8 years ago
Nothing says "I"m a huge closeted gay person" like hating gay people for no reason. John, you're not a man. Not anywhere near it. You're a sad sack little child who hates himself and projects your self hatred on the world around you. Real men think you're a b***h.
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