Cougar Spoof Angers Women's Groups

Several rape victims groups in New Zealand have spoken out against a recent advertisement for an airline competition. The online spoof documentary features a voiceover talking about how cougars, the sexy variety, starve themselves during the day, only to take to the streets and prowl for unsuspecting young men at night. A little protest or disinterest won’t stop these throngs of sexually charged, middle-aged women from pouncing on the fresh meat at the local bar, according to the ad.

The company’s Grabaseat discount airfare website encouraged women to send in photos of themelves in all their cougarness for the chance to win tickets to a rugby tournament (I’m still trying to figure out how middle-aged cougars and rugby go together). While Grabaseat Manager Duane Perrott insists that the advertisement was meant to be a light-hearted romp, not an attempt to demean women, that has not stopped several groups from protesting.

Director of the New Zealand’s Rape Prevention Education Kim McGregor said that aside from the ad being demeaning toward women, it also pokes fun at male rape victims.

“We have also had complaints from male survivors who have been raped by women and they are very distressed that their situation is being laughed at and made out to be humorous.”

Ok, I’m all about sensitivity here, but come on guys, take a joke. The last thing you’d characterize this ad as is malicious. Judge for yourself after the jump.

Via: Reuters