So before I start, I should say a few things.
First is that I love Singapore.
I have many friends from there.
I lived there for 4 happy years.
I got married there.
I am a PR there.
Secondly is that what I am about to post is old, however when has that ever stopped me?
Anyway, way back in 2015, a retailer in Singapore decided to drum up some sales by doing a Black Friday promotion.
Yes, I know Black Friday is a US thing, but retailers are so desperate to take every penny from us that they can, that they’d flog their family if it meant an extra $1 in the till.
So this Singaporean teenage fashion brand decided to do an online promotional campaign.
Given it’s Singapore, the land of tranquil harmony, you’d think it would be fairly innocent wouldn’t you.
Well see if you still feel that way when you see this.
Bad eh.
Oh hang on, are you just looking at the inappropriate pre-pubecent girl simulating an orgasm?
Noooooooo …
Sure, that’s utterly inappropriate but look to the left of that.
Yes, it really says RAPE ME.
WHAT THE FUCK?
A women’s fashion shop has used the statement ‘RAPE ME’.
This from a nation where thousands of people signed a petition to ban Adam Lambert from performing at the New Years Eve party because his homosexual lifestyle sets a bad example to family values.
Of course the brand apologised like a mad man … but I note they also decided to blame it all on a graphic designer, as if that justifies the utter contempt of doing something like this.
We all make mistakes.
We all can say something that someone else may interpret wrongly.
But I am pretty certain there is no situation in history where a fashion retailer could actually think saying RAPE ME is acceptable.
If this was still 2015, I’d think about nominating them for fuck up of the year, but let’s face it … they’d only win second because let’s not forget the Malaysian Airline ex-Marketing Director who discussed the brand benefits of 2 airlines crashing, killing hundreds of innocent lives.
[For the record, 3rd place would go to Mr Publicis for his 7 minute ramble of ridiculous]
Is it any wonder why so many in business – and absolutely everyone in procurement – views anyone in marketing or advertising as a bit of a joke.