Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

It's sexist! Twitter users deride Samsung Woman of Steel competition

 

Antonia Molloy
Friday 29 November 2013 12:12 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Samsung have been accused of sexism after running a competition which celebrates women’s achievements - by rewarding them with a kitchen.

The Woman of Steel competition, which was first highlighted by campaign group Everyday Sexism yesterday, has provoked outrage on Twitter for its perpetuation of gender stereotypes.

The competition, posted on the Samsung Home Appliances USA Facebook page, reads: "We've found some of the most magnificent women out there. Women whose superhuman strengths make them inspirational role models, and whose quick speed and heightened tastes make entertaining look easy."

Pictured on the advertisement is an immaculately turned-out young woman, who is clutching a tea cup in an apparent break from household chores. The winner, voted for by the public, will receive her own “brand new” Samsung kitchen and an honorary dinner party for eight prepared by a local chef.

Various Twitter users took to the site to voice their dismay at the company's portrayal of women.

Carly Williams tweeted: “The definition of a woman of steel is that she makes 'entertaining look easy'???? Seriously @samsung ????? #EverydaySexism

Other users also expressed their frustration about the equation of female accomplishment with perfect domesticity.

Lucy Sherriff tweeted: “She’s posing in her immaculate kitchen. SUCH A ROLE MODEL.”

Valeska Matziol added: “AND you'll also get dinner cooked for you cos FOR ONCE you shouldn't have to... *pukes*.”

It is not the first time Samsung has found itself in hot water. In March, the New York launch of the Galaxy S4 phone was embroiled in misogyny claims for its portrayal of women in a series of skits, including jokes about them marrying doctors and eating too much cheesecake.

The Independent has contacted Samsung for comment, and is awaiting their response.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in