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Can’t Get A Raise? It’s Probably Because You’re Not Douching

UPDATE: Summer Eve’s Brand Manager has apologized for the ad and notes that the brand is taking immediate steps to remove it from circulation.

Hi I am Angela Bryant, Summer’s Eve Brand Manager. I would like to first of all apologize if this ad in anyway has offended anyone. We are taking immediate next steps to remove the ad from circulation. We want you to know that Fleet Laboratories and the Summer’s Eve brand have the utmost respect for women. While we understand how some may come to an alternative conclusion regarding our recent ad, that was never our intention. Thank you.

***

Are you a woman? Do you want a raise? Have you checked to make sure your vagina doesn’t smell? Then you’re set! According to a full page Summer’s Eve advertorial in Women’s Day magazine, the first step to getting a raise is douching. We wish we were joking.

The ad is headlined “Confidence At Work: How To Ask For A Raise” and is set up to look like an article in the magazine. It has one of those itty-bitty “Promotion” tags at the top. But leading off a list of somewhat helpful advice like, “jot down a list of all your important achievements and accomplishments,” is the mind-bogglingly offensive Step 1:

It should start with your usual routine and all the things you do to feel you best, including showering with Summer’s Eve Feminine Wash or throwing a packet of Summer’s Eve Feminine Cleansing Cloths into your bag for a quick freshness pick-me-up during the day.

And no, it’s not 1956. What do you think of this ad? Helpful? Absurd? Let us know in the comments!

[The Daily Kos via Jezebel]



  • Fleet Laboratories

    Hi I am Angela Bryant, Summer’s Eve Brand Manager. I would like to first of all apologize if this ad in anyway has offended anyone. We are taking immediate next steps to remove the ad from circulation. We want you to know that Fleet Laboratories and the Summer’s Eve brand have the utmost respect for women. While we understand how some may come to an alternative conclusion regarding our recent ad, that was never our intention. Thank you.

  • lavieunrue

    WOW, speechless!

  • http://www.sloverandco.com RLK

    Great that Ms Bryant is pulling this ad, but what on earth were they thinking? I understand that their mark is defined by vaginas, but the women who own them certainly aren’t. I’ve been their customer…but I’m moving on to Massengill. At least they simply offer hackneyed allusions to the sea for my vaginal refresh!!

  • http://www.sloverandco.com RLK

    Does the fact that Fleet, which owns Summer’s Eve, is owned by a leader of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, have anything to do with their corporate attitude toward women?

  • spiny2

    Also contains the phrase, “Great job on the XXX project!” when suggesting ways a woman could ask for a raise. Great job, Summer’s Eve!

  • Fleet Laboratories

    Hello this is Angela Bryant, Summer’s Eve Brand Manager. I want to thank you for speaking your mind on what appeared in Woman’s Day. Many of you have asked “what were they thinking?” In all honesty, we never made the connections when the editorial was reviewed and we apologize. We are working hard to adjust our current ad campaigns, though unfortunately, one or two may appear in upcoming magazines that were already in production when these concerns became evident.

    Moving forward, Summer’s Eve wants to not only connect with our customers, but to be an active leader on the issues that matter to women. We just engaged a progressive communications team, and in the next several weeks, we’ll be talking to women all over the country about the issues that matter to us as women. We’re insisting on open and frank discussions to make sure all of our future marketing and education efforts are relevant and respectful.

    I want to know what you would like to hear and see from Summer’s Eve, so send me an email at summerseve_cares@cbfleet.com
    Thank you again, Angela Bryant

  • Coronalsuture

    Ignore these idiots, you’re trying to sell a product that does what it does. I think upping your personal hygiene and your confidence WOULD help you get a raise. If it’s a vagina wash, talk about vaginas, not crashing oceans or whatever

  • http://www.treatvaginaldryness.com John

    Hey, Everyone can make an honest mistake. However when you are dealing with vagina’s you are also directly dealing with the persons confidence in themself as well. You do have to be very careful not to offend.

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