Pols pissed off by iced tea ads

From the Queens Chronicle:

Ads promoting Arizona Iced Tea have raised questions in the Queens community over whether they are offensive to women because of their dual meaning.

The signs proclaim “I love big cans,” with a picture of the tall drink. But “cans” is also slang for breasts, or, in its singular form can refer to a person’s behind. The ads can be found in downtown Jamaica and other parts of the borough.

The company claims it never intended to convey a sexual message, but others say it is offensive especially to minority women who are often stereotyped for having above average endowments.

“It is disrespectful to black women, and all women in general,” said City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), adding that Arizona tends to advertise more heavily in minority communities.

Jackie Harrigan, a spokeswoman for Arizona, said the nationwide campaign, which has been running for about one year, is “not skewed toward any one group.”

“The ‘I love big cans’ slogan is based on the popularity of our 23-ounce pre-priced cans, which are the bread and butter of our business,” Harrigan said.

She added that the company was not aware that the slogan could be perceived to have an alternate meaning and that it was not Arizona’s intention in developing the campaign.

Ann Jawin, president of the Center for the Women of New York in Kew Gardens, wasn’t buying that.

“I’m sure they are not innocent,” she said. “I’m sure they knew about the double entendre when they created the ad. It’s the same long, old story of objectifying women to sell products.”

Harrigan said no one has complained to the company about the ads being sexist or offensive.

City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst), chairwoman of the Council’s Committee on Women’s Issues, was also troubled by the way Arizona is selling its tea.

“I find these ads concerning because they continue the trend throughout the media to objectify women for the purposes of selling products,” Ferreras said in an email statement. “I encourage companies to find more creative and respectful ways of selling their products, if they expect to keep women as consumers.”

1) It seems no one has a sense of humor anymore.
2) Dopey ultra-liberal pols are offended by this, but none of them have a peep to say about the whore ads in the Trib.
3) Ann Jawin has her panties in a bunch about silly iced tea ads, but not Grace Meng hiring a guy whose living is made off the previously mentioned whore ads.

Scotty, please beam me up!