Iran has banned women models for ice cream brand advertisements.

Iran has banned women models for ice cream brand advertisements.

Iran has banned women models for ice cream brand advertisements. The reason cited is that Iranian men get aroused when women in a hijab eat an ice lolly.

I am no one to talk or write about Iran and its rules, but it does make me wonder why women are targeted everywhere and all the time. Are we really such witches who can cast a spell even while we are eating?

One must note that Iranian women are not protected by the law against domestic violence and anyone protesting against the rules can land up in jail with 10 years of imprisonment or a very big fine. The laws ensure women are kept in their place, caged and subjugated.

If we view food marketing closer, advertising has subtly divided food into genders. We find feminine and masculine food. Men are used as models for steak advertisements, while women are often seen laughing and giggling while eating cupcakes. So I have understood the reason for the ban. But I can’t get my head around as to why are men not banned from feeling inappropriately towards a woman? Why is the onus of being moral keepers constantly thrusted on women?

It is not considered feminine to be seen in beer ads. The biceps and the belching must go hand in hand. Women must just look sexy, coy or inviting.

Iran is strict in ensuring that women won’t be seen eating ice cream but also no soft drinks too.

In India, all consumers have bought the mango drink that Katrina Kaif promoted. The ad had her licking her lips and drinking the last drop of the mango juice till her thirst was quenched. She sold us orgasm in a tetra pack. The sales went up, and each sip and every gulp had consumers wanting more.

In India, Magnum ice cream’s model was Kareena Kapoor Khan who was seen endorsing the brand very sexily.

Magnum was the first hand-held ice cream created as a premium ice cream for adults. Do mark the word adults and the tagline is “for pleasure seekers”. Ice cream doesn’t resemble anything phallic yet it is positioned sexily with the women raising up the heat quotient.

Magnum sells 1 billion units annually worldwide and is the biggest ice cream brand of Unilever. We have seen many stars endorse this brand.

I am forced to go back into time when ice cream was sold by vendors in cycle rickshaws with boxes that promised heaven.

I had no idea about the sin attached to the stick that was licked to its absolute finish.

Picture credit- Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) July 5, 2022