Lloyd Home Appliances placed this ad, for what it calls "India's First Unisex Washing Machines", in the July 11 edition of the Bangalore Times.
Their new campaign revolves around the fact that their machines are so simple to use that "even men can do the washing, easily".
View this video on YouTube
But not everyone seems to be on board with it.
In case you were holding your breath for it, India's first unisex washing machine is here. Filed under #BeyondWTF
India's first Unisex washing machine!!! Wait, what!? https://t.co/NH0BqMEg4W
The ad has led to some hilariously sarcastic reactions.
Finally, a victory for male equality everywhere! https://t.co/lnQHn2p3FO
Finally I can use that electric motor housed in metal that worked only with 2 X chromosomes. A win for Men's rights https://t.co/HetPzRQrFl
Can someone pls break the news to my husband that all these years he's been using a washing machine meant for women? https://t.co/LNOeyUDBr0
Some were amused by the ad's inherent implications.
Ah well,they really NEEDED to simplify the washing machine functions because, admit it, men are dumber. Yes? @jestme https://t.co/kkmQGGBBbV
Pls see the TV commercial, apparently women understand how buttons works, men need it to be simpler (read dumber) https://t.co/6TNJIK6NeZ
So that means we men cannot operate other washing machines? Lloyd, I take offence! https://t.co/1Vp3CbTa9b
While others were just confused.
I didn't know washing machines were gender specific until now 😨 https://t.co/gDmz2bTiaQ
What is a unisex washing machine? My washing machine doesn't ask my gender every time I use it. #bakwaasadvertising https://t.co/G6RS4MuVea
Okay, now we need to tell men that the machine is UNISEX to make them wash clothes!! Didn't know that!! https://t.co/PPF8drL3QL
But for all the progress the ad seems to want to hint at...
From the 50s advertising slogans of "so simple that even women can use it", to this. #feminism #win :-/ https://t.co/BzTKXLmD0t
Things haven't changed all that much in the industry.
@jestme @chennaikaran not to worry. Unisex machines still need detergent that's 'as good as mom's hand wash?!?'
Sigh.
