sexism Archives - Desperate Living

Be Careful How You Use It: The Story Of Hai Karate

The ad campaigns for cologne Hai Karate promised that it would drive women mad with desire, forcing users to become experts in self-defence.

Ding Dong! The Lusty Libertine Adventures Of Casanova ’73

The notorious Leslie Phillips sit-com of the 1970s is not quite the sexist atrocity that it has been made out to be.

Britain’s New Moral Panic Part One: The OnlyFans Ad Backlash

Britain currently seems in the grip of a new moral panic over porn – but then, when is Britain ever not in a moral panic over porn? Even so, this week seems especially hysterical.

Gratuitously Sexy Tech Advertising Of the Past

The valiant attempt by advertisers to make dull and functional tech seem like something that will boost your sex appeal.

Politicians, Prohibitionists And Porn: A Bad Combination

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Let’s not allow outrage at inappropriate workplace behaviour by an MP to further embolden the moralising opportunists.

The Lost World Of Sexy Video Game Advertising

Lurid, lecherous and ludicrous – the game marketing pitched at teenage boys in the 1980s and 1990s.

Much Ado About Hooters

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Politicians and campaigners fear that a new branch of the self-declared ‘delightfully tacky’ fast-food chain will bring the sky falling down – but they’re wrong.

Yes, It’s The Benny Hill Show!

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The kerfuffle over the famous comedian’s return to UK TV.

Cheers! The Wonderful World Of Beer Advertising

A collection of beautiful, outrageous and frankly baffling print adverts for beer from around the world.

The Tennents Lager Lovelies

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The unlikely collision of lager and glamour girls that became a national institution for decades.

The Condescending Sexism Of ‘Feminist’ Superhero Cinema

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The constant implication in superhero films, that women are inherently powerless with their destinies shaped by the actions of men, does not seem a particularly empowering narrative.

It’s All to Your Good! Buckfast Tonic Wine And Bored Housewives

The notorious tonic wine’s impressive attempts to appeal to stressed women as a way of coping with the nightmare of running a household.