PHOTO: SUNDAY WORLD
A controversial advertisement on a bustling North Sydney road has ignited a passionate debate, with some critics denouncing it as an endorsement of a “gateway violent act.” The bold marketing move by a real estate agent has stirred controversy, particularly due to a clever play on words that has divided locals.
The advertisement, prominently displayed on the fence of an empty lot in Neutral Bay, Sydney, has raised eyebrows by urging potential businesses to ‘expose yourself.’ Positioned along Falcon Street, a major outbound route from Sydney’s North Shore with a daily traffic flow of approximately 50,000 cars, the large board features a man viewed from behind wearing dark socks, dark shoes, and a trench coat provocatively held open, simulating a ‘flashing’ act.
The ad calls on businesses to “expose yourself” on the corner location. Picture: Facebook
However, the ad has attracted criticism from some members of the community who believe it trivializes sexual aggression. Stacey Edmonds, a resident of the Mosman community, voiced her concerns on the Mosman Living Facebook group, stating that the ad makes light of a criminal offense, noting that flashing is a proven “gateway violent act.”
Taking her objections to LinkedIn with the hashtag “#AdvertisingFauxPas,” Edmonds emphasized that flashing is not a trivial matter but a serious sexual offense. She argued that such depictions on real estate billboards contribute to the normalization of criminal sexual acts, urging the removal of the sign.
A woman in the Mosman Living group took issue with the sign, threatening to take action against its bold content. Picture: Facebook.
The ensuing online debate revealed diverse opinions on the appropriateness of the ad. While some acknowledged its humor, others concurred with Edmonds, asserting that references to flashing should not be used in public spaces. The director and owner of the agency responsible for the ad, Abdul Moussalli of Prosel, defended the campaign, stating that it was meant for business marketing and had received positive feedback. He clarified that the image had been used in other contexts without issue.
Despite the controversy, Moussalli expressed regret if anyone found the ad offensive. He mentioned that no approval was sought for the sign as it was on their own fence. Edmonds, however, issued a warning that she would make a formal complaint if the ad was not removed by a specified date.
The ad (which can be seen on Google Maps) sits on the corner of Falcon Street in Neutral Bay, which is passed by about 50,000 cars each day. Picture: Google Maps.
The underlying issue of flashing, also known as “obscene exposure” in Australia, was highlighted, indicating that such actions in public places could lead to fines, imprisonment of up to two years, and potential inclusion in a sex offense register for the guilty party.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU