Uber apologizes for sexist 'Wife Appreciation Day' message in Bengaluru
What's the story
Uber feeds on sexism, again. And apologizes, again. This time, it sent a text to men in Bengaluru, asking them to 'appreciate their wives' by letting them 'take a day off from the kitchen' and use offers on UberEATS food service.
Anger erupted on Twitter, but it seems to have been a non-issue in Bengaluru. Most residents remained unaware. Local newspapers skipped the story.
Twitter Post
Uber wants husbands to celebrate Wife Appreciation Day
Uber sorry for 'Wife Appreciation Day' promotion urging men to 'let' their wives 'take a day off from the kitchen'https://t.co/VatoGGVFFv pic.twitter.com/JaO1DPyBdK
— ITV News (@itvnews) September 18, 2017
Sexism
Twitter slams Uber for trying to define gender roles
The users of the micro-blogging site slammed Uber for blatant sexism and trying to define gender roles in India.
Rashi Kakkar tweeted: "...Of course women are meant to slog it out in the kitchen & the men need to BUY us freedom."
Another user, Bryn Phillips, wrote: "And this years winner of 'the most sexist company on earth' award goes to...(Uber)."
Apology
Uber acknowledges that the message was 'totally inappropriate'
However, Uber was quick to realize its blunder and apologize. It admitted that its move was "totally inappropriate" and tweeted: "We've removed it, and we apologize."
The global giant's chief brand ambassador, Bozoma Saint John, responding to a user, also tweeted that Uber's message had been "completely unacceptable" and that she would take care of this.
Twitter Post
Uber's chief brand ambassador accepts mistake
Oh hell no. This is completely unacceptable. Will take care of this.
— Bozoma Saint John (@badassboz) September 17, 2017
History
Previous incidents of sexism at Uber
This isn't the first time that Uber has been accused of being sexist.
Susan J Fowler, Uber's ex-employee, had written a blog post earlier this year, documenting her experiences of sexism at the organization. Her post opened up a Pandora's box, forcing Uber to investigate the claims of sexual harassment by its employees, and firing over 20 staffers including founder and CEO Travis Kalanick.