Kleenex bows to sexism complaints as it blows away 'Mansize' tissues
After more than 60 years, Kleenex has rebranded its "Mansize" tissues
The finer points of gender equality are not to be sneezed at. After more than 60 years, Kleenex has rebranded its "Mansize" tissues after receiving complaints that the brand was sexist. Kimberly-Clark, which owns Kleenex, said the tissues would now be known as "extra large", despite not itself believing that the Mansize branding suggests or endorses gender inequality. It comes amid a wider backlash against unnecessarily "gendered" products, with consumers and campaigners criticising manufacturers of razors, pens, confectionary and other products for their potentially harmful gender stereotyping. Britain's Advertising Standards Authority has also said it will ban those that encourage gender stereotypes such as women cleaning up after their family, or men failing to do housework. It conducted a year-long inquiry, which found some adverts portrayed "potentially harmful" gender stereotypes. Sam Smethers, CEO at feminist campaign group the Fawcett Society, praised the move, saying: "Remo...
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