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‘Sexist’ clothing label orders women to do laundry – Metro US

‘Sexist’ clothing label orders women to do laundry

A clothing label on a UK brand of pants is at the center of controversy for laundry instructions that many people are calling sexist.

British journalist Emma Barnett tweeted a photo of the label after seeing it on a pair of her boyfriend’s pants. The laundry instructions begin normal enough with the usual directions of “machine wash warm.” It’s the next bit that stuck out to Barnett: “OR – GIVE IT TO YOUR WOMAN, IT’S HER JOB.”

The Twitter pic has sparked a firestorm against the company, Madhouse, which tweeted a response a day after the controversy broke, saying the label had gone unnoticed:

“There was never any intention to offend it is obvious that we need to be a lot more careful when proofing sold goods. If we had noticed the label the items would never of been put in our stores. A mistake was made and we apologise for this,” Madhouse tweeted.

Plenty of critics took the opportunity to blast Madhouse on Twitter, one user saying, “Way to alienate a substantial part of your potential customer base :O.”

Other users have defended the label as harmless fun. “It’s a joke, get over it! Why are people so touchy…,” one person Tweeted.

Some have taken opportunity to shed light on gender roles still in play, both jokingly and seriously.

“i could forgive it if it was at least funny 🙁 besides…what about the gay guys.. do both of them do laundry? or just one?,” said one Tweeter.

Another woman wrote,”I tried to get up in arms over this, but couldn’t . Maybe it’s because the laundry basket I’m carrying is too heavy?”

Do you think the label is sexist or an innocent joke?