In a rather tone-deaf marketing move, a real estate advertisement currently making the rounds in Seattle poses the question, “Who would you prefer to represent you?” My immediate thought? “The woman on the left, effortlessly juggling a whirlwind of chaos with kids, obviously! Definitely not the smug pair on the right.” Yet, according to the masterminds behind the ad, a duo named Mark and Jake Harrison, my instincts are apparently misguided.
These two “visionaries” decided to showcase a working mom as the quintessential example of someone you wouldn’t want handling your real estate transactions. Their reasoning? Working mothers, they claim, can only operate part-time due to the overwhelming demands of motherhood. You know, like dealing with kids who are apparently tying her up with yarn, balancing kitchenware on her head, and, of course, drawing all over her face. And let’s not forget the duck casually wandering through her living room—because why not?
Flipping the ad over reveals a side-by-side comparison of what they offer versus what a working mom supposedly provides. While they boast their professional services in a neat list, the working mom’s side simply states, “Available at THEIR convenience.” I guess having a woman around to provide some perspective during the brainstorming session was too much to ask. Surely, she was busy managing her flock of ducks.
The backlash was swift, prompting the Harrisons to apologize via their Facebook page, which has since vanished. They stated, “We respect all professional agents in our area, including dedicated mothers. Our intention was to highlight the importance of having a full-time agent in a competitive market, but we missed the mark entirely. We recognize that the role of a mother is far more demanding than what we face in real estate. We are truly sorry.” Spoiler alert: they misused “utmost,” and the apology felt rather insincere.
Maybe it’s time for these guys to seek advice from a working mom on how to juggle life’s pressures. After all, we could all use a little direction, especially when navigating the complexities of motherhood and career. If you’re interested in learning more about the intricacies of home insemination, check out this post on intracervical insemination. Additionally, for invaluable insights, visit Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation, a fantastic resource for anyone on this journey. And if you’re considering your options, Make A Mom offers expert guidance on navigating your fertility journey.
In summary, this real estate ad serves as a reminder of how harmful stereotypes can be, especially in a world where working moms are doing their best to balance numerous responsibilities. It’s clear that understanding and respect for all professions, especially those of mothers, is long overdue.