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Real Estate Ad Critiques Working Moms Without Justification
In Seattle, a real estate advertisement has stirred up quite a bit of controversy by questioning, “Who would you rather have represent you?” My immediate thought? Definitely the woman on the left, who’s adept at juggling multiple tasks amid the delightful chaos of motherhood. Obviously not the smug guys on the right. But according to the creators of the ad, Martin and Lisa Thompson from Thompson Realty Group, my choice is apparently misguided.
The Thompson duo, in their attempt to showcase their full-time commitment as a real estate team, decided to depict a working mom as an example of someone you wouldn’t want on your side. Their implication? Working mothers are too busy with their kids (who, by the way, are depicted as tying her up, balancing pots on her head, and drawing on her face) to be reliable real estate agents. And yes, there’s even a duck in her living room. Because why not?
On the flip side of the ad, they compare their services to those of a working mom, and let’s just say the disparity is laughable. Their column highlights their skills, while the mom’s side simply states, “Available at THEIR convenience.” Clearly, no one consulted a working mom during the creation of this ad; they were probably busy managing their households (or ducks).
The backlash was swift, leading the Thompsons to post an apology on their Facebook page: “There are countless professional agents in our area who are also dedicated mothers, including members of our team. Our intent was to illustrate the benefits of having a full-time agent in a competitive market, but we completely missed the mark. We have immense respect for moms and working mothers, and we recognize that their job is far more challenging than ours. We sincerely apologize.” (I had to copy that from a news site since their Facebook page is now down — looks like they’re feeling the heat.)
Let’s be real, that apology feels a bit flimsy, and the ad itself reeks of sexism. Maybe the Thompsons should take a moment to consult a working mom for some insights on managing pressure. If you’re interested in more about home insemination, check out this helpful blog post. Also, if you’re looking for expert advice on fertility, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource. And for those curious about the science behind conception, this Wikipedia page on in vitro fertilization is an excellent read.
In summary, the real estate ad that belittled working moms has sparked a much-needed conversation about respect and representation in the workplace. The backlash has prompted an apology, but the underlying issues of sexism remain.