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-   -   Virgin Atlantic Disrespects Women? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/virgin-atlantic-disrespects-women-411864/)

SFImporter Mar 16th, 2004 06:47 PM

Virgin Atlantic Disrespects Women?
 
That's the feeling I got when I read about their new JFK Lounge.

According to their press release:
(http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040218/nyw034_1.html)
they are touting the fact that they are the first company in the world to utlize the "Kisses" male urinal.

http://www.bathroom-mania.com/urinoir/kisses.html

This bathroom device is formed in the shape of a woman's mouth - completely dolled up with ultra-red lipstick.

I think Virgin Atlantic thinks this if fun and kooky. I think someone in the company made a really bad decision.

What's your take?

I'm not a woman, but I think it is in very bad taste. I don't think I'll be flying them any time soon. What's next - flight attendants in mini-skirts?

Scarlett Mar 16th, 2004 06:58 PM

Ick...very bad taste. What was on that persons mind? Did they do something really weird with the womens toilets too ?

Gothampc Mar 16th, 2004 07:05 PM

I'm a male and I find this really disgusting.

Clifton Mar 16th, 2004 07:49 PM


Pretty weird. Designed by a woman, according to the website. Why, I have no idea.

Patrick Mar 16th, 2004 08:26 PM

When was Virgin Atlantic known for its good taste? This newest angle sounds about par for the course.

Cassandra Mar 17th, 2004 07:47 AM

My grandmother (born before 1900) used to say it was a pity God designed us with our playground so near our plumbing (which she always said with a wink)! This is a turn on that phrase she could never have imagined. Beyond tacky, and disrespectful to both genders. A few people might find it funny; but I'd be surprised if they were not in the very small minority. A misjudgment on Virgin's part, even with their irreverent orientation.

Diana Mar 17th, 2004 09:09 AM

Ack, gag, ewwwww!

(Please don't let my husband know that there really IS something in this world that could render me totally speechless.)

My guess is that this will appeal to the same idiots that find "Naked Paintball Bimbos" to be good, clean fun. :-<

LilyLace Mar 17th, 2004 09:59 AM

ok I am a woman. Due to the fact that 95% of the people in my industry are men, I am very "flexible" in this area. However, Virgin has created a new low in this world. I am embarrassed that I have actually been a frequent customer of theirs.

Wednesday Mar 17th, 2004 10:16 AM

Do the toilet seats in the womens' bathroom have a man's face painted on it where you sit down ?

SFImporter Mar 20th, 2004 07:34 AM

It seems as if Virgin has come to its senses:

"Everyone at Virgin Atlantic was very sorry to hear of people's concerns about the design of the "Kisses" urinals," the airline said in a statement Friday.

"We can assure everyone who complained to us that no offence was ever intended," it said. "Virgin Atlantic always aims to listen to our passengers and the general public and as a result we will not install the urinals."

Judy24 Mar 20th, 2004 07:38 AM

SF Importer--Interesting follow up from Virgin Atlantic. So now the question becomes, were they ever really planning to install "Kisses" in the first place, or was this all just a publicity stunt? (You know the saying--there's no such thing as bad publicity?)

MaryZ Mar 20th, 2004 07:45 AM

Publicity stunt or not, I can get around just fine without flying with them.

Diana Mar 20th, 2004 08:02 AM

I don't usually get involved in stuff like this, but I sent them an e-mail on Tuesday with a link to this thread.

Apparently, enough people complained that they decided to go in another direction with their potties. (Up is the only direction they COULD go imho.)

PJKeay Mar 20th, 2004 08:31 AM

It seems very out of character for Richard Branson and Virgin to seek publicity

jor Mar 20th, 2004 11:11 AM

Maybe they will phase them out with the new Tony Blair uninals and toilet seats. \:D/

gyppielou Mar 20th, 2004 12:05 PM

I'm sorry, the product left me speechless as well, since I was laughing so hard.

It is tasteless. It is horrible, hideous and.... hysterical. I guess I am not that easily offended by bullsht.

And yes, it was a ludicrous idea on any corporation to include this product in its business. A humerous product displayed publicly can be quite offensive.

Ryan Mar 20th, 2004 12:36 PM

I thought it had a striking similarity to the Rolling Stones logo (ie. Mick Jagger.) Maybe that's the image the intended, although clearly didn't, to evoke.

Cassandra Mar 20th, 2004 01:12 PM

Excuuuuse me, Ryan, but someone would really have to hate Mick Jagger to put his "kisser" there.

jor Mar 20th, 2004 01:22 PM

Cassandra, why would this be "disrespectful to both genders"? It's the famous Jagger lips known around the world and has nothing to do with women. Please stay out of the Men's room and getting false impressions. \:D/

Clifton Mar 20th, 2004 01:29 PM


I'm not sure imagining that it's Jagger helps all that much. :D


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