"'Maybe we’d hear “sorry” differently if we took it as a gesture of compassion, not'... 'a sign of weakness.'”
Ms. Dahl, quoted in an Op-Ed piece in the NY Times, shared my perspective on this ad from Pantene:
"Sorry - Not Sorry," the ad's "improvement" on a simple sorry, is actually passive agressive which, in my opinion, is weaker than being apologetic for no real reason.
Also note the body language of the woman replacing "Sorry" with "Morning, got a minute?" Her shrugging shoulders, cute little head nod to the side, and meek delivery don't really convey a remarkably different message, although her hair is pretty lustrous.
I've never seen this ad, so I really enjoyed getting to see it here and read your take, because I think the same thing after seeing it....especially your point about the girl popping into the office. The second version is definitely a meek delivery, as you said -- how is that better and in line with their suggested approach?! And why is saying "sorry" in most of these scenarios wrong to begin with? Thinking like this is what makes people feel they have a right to say and do whatever they want without showing some regards for how the other person might feel....thanks for sharing this. Excellent points!
ReplyDeleteSorry! I mean, THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteHere's a related article that you may also find interesting:
http://www.rolereboot.org/culture-and-politics/details/2014-05-10-simple-words-every-girl-learn/
It insists that girls should make their mantra the following phrases:
"Stop interrupting me."
"I just said that."
"No explanation needed."
Since when is it ideal for women to model negative behavior that we ascribe, perhaps unfairly, to men in general, as a means to combat sexism? I would find it rude if anyone, regardless of their gender, answered my question with "No explanation needed."
I don't believe any of the recommended statements are actually beneficial to furthering meaningful dialogue and that the underlying sentiments can be conveyed more constructively.
Oh wow, that really is terrible advice...it's essentially saying, "ladies, hate how men act like jerks? Well, the answer is to act like one too -- or worse, even!" Geez, it doesn't have to be all or nothing, aggressive or passive -- there's a middle ground which involves acting normal and assertive as necessary. NO EXPLANATION NEEDED! ha that is too crazy...
ReplyDeleteI just said that.
ReplyDeleteahahahhahahahahaaa and I'm glad you took the time to state it too! Thanks again!