Florida LogoPeople are up in arms about a new logo unveiled by the state Florida. It's designed to promote economic development, but many think it promotes sexism instead.

And honestly, it does. Designed by Enterprise Florida, it reads: "Florida: the Perfect Climate for Business." Which is fine, but instead an "i" they used a tie. You know the kind MEN wear with their suits.

I tend to be pretty slow to jump on the political correctness outrage bandwagon unless something is pretty blatant. In many cases I think people are overreacting and read too much into things. But a tie? How many women do you know that wear a tie? Can you imagine them ever inserting a tube of lipstick or a high-heeled shoe for the "i" instead in something like this? 

According to Fox2, a spokesman for Enterprise Florida said the logo was reviewed by two boards, one of which included 25 women who serve as chief marketing officers. I'm shocked none  objected.  Now, I don't think it was designed intentionally because they don't want women in business, but I think it was a huge error in judgment. Because the last thing you want to do with an ad to get people to feel good about bringing to your state is to piss them off.

I asked my husband if he thinks it's sexist, and he said not at all. When I told him that I thought it was and why, he said, "You're completely overreacting." Maybe so, but I still think they could have come up with something more gender neutral.

Worse than any sexism, however,  it's just a bad logo. I know very few men who even wear ties these days so it makes it seem outdated, and the whole thing is just dull.  It's not all that attractive, and it really wouldn't make me look twice. For the reported $380,000 that thing cost, ($380,00!!!) you would think they'd get something better than that. Sounds like bad business all together.

Do you think this advertisement is sexist?

 

Image via Enterprise Florida