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Microsoft’s portrayal of woman tech users

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sexist microsoft ad for a new toy for women - the computerOffensive.

Women! Microsoft would like you to meet the computer. It’s a handy device that you can use to plan your wedding.

The company’s latest ad campaign, which is called ‘Honestly’, shows a bride-to-be sitting with her friends.

And it shows how, thanks to the new Windows touchscreen, they can browse Pinterest and search for her wedding band.

With ease.

That is when they aren’t busy cleaning, cooking, or giving birth.

‘It’s more affordable, it looks GREAT, and it’s perfect for planning my wedding’, the bride-to-be-actress beams.

Later she jokes: ‘Now if they’d only like their bridesmaid’s dresses as much as my All-in-One!’

This ‘Honestly’ ad is the latest in a series of misguided attempts to draw more women customers.

In early February Microsoft released a women-targeted ad centered around a harried karate mom who bought a Windows laptop so her children could chat online.

In December, the company was forced to change the language of a customisable letter for their ‘We got your back’ promotion, which was slammed for characterising women as non-gamers.

One such option read ‘Hey honey, not sure if you’ve heard, but Xbox One is available. That means we can start playing games like Dead Rising 3. I know, I know. You’d rather knit than watch me slay zombies, but hear me out on this. Xbox One is actually for both of us…’

To complain about Microsoft’s repeated portrayal of women as superficial tech users, contact with them via their website or tweet them: @MicrosoftUK.

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