Poundland has been accused of selling marshmallows with phrases “be gentle” and “Squidge my cheeks”.
Budget chain Poundland has been slammed for selling ‘Booby‘ and ‘Booty‘ marshmallows which urge shoppers to ‘squeeze’.The sweets shaped like breasts and bottoms have been spotted on shelves for just 50p in the store’s ‘Novelty‘ section- which has items aimed at kids. The packaging on the sweets has the phrases “be gentle” and “Squidge my cheeks”.
Gemma Aitchison, who spotted the sweets in Bolton, Manchester, tweeted to ask Poundland what message they were trying to send with marshmallows shaped like women’s body parts. She said: ‘What exactly are you trying to say with these products, Poundland, to the families who come in store? ‘No sign of any male things to sexually assault. No testicles to grab at? Why do we have candy like this, usually made for children?‘I know they are marshmallows and I understand that marshmallows aren’t the end of the world. ‘But I also know that sexual objectification is linked to violence and, for companies, profit.
What exactly are you trying to say with these products @Poundland to the families who come in store?
No sign of any male things to sexually assault. No testicles to grab at? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8m09ke99TK— Gemma Aitchison (BA hons) (@gemma_brett) January 9, 2019
A Twitter user said they were disappointed ‘to see porn culture at Poundland’, while another called the marshmallows ‘gross, misogynist, and, unsurprisingly, also perverted’.
Another said: “Poundland, can you explain why on earth you are selling these sexist products?”Have you thought about the impact they might have on women & children reading the packaging?”
Oh my goodness. That is APPALLING. The sexualisation and objectification of women even in marshmallow form?? And that pornified illustration… Dear lord, @Poundland is still 1972 is your stores. This is an absolute disgrace.
— Josephine Liptrott (@JoLiptrott) January 9, 2019
Even Sweets are sexualised.
Marshmallow Boobies:
“A cracking pair!”
“Be gentle!”Marshmallow Booty!
“Squidge My Cheeks!”Available in the Children’s sweets aisle at your local Poundland.
I’m see that looking for Pork Gelatine in my sweets is now the least of my concerns! pic.twitter.com/LGHQe3lDh2
— RogerRaja (@RogerRaja100) January 10, 2019
