An advertisement for instant paste displayed on a Bengaluru bus has landed the brand, Indira’s in a soup (rasam in this case). The ad shows a man with a baffled expression. Next to him is the phrase, “Wife North Indianaaa?” followed by a quick fix to prepare the traditional South Indian soup, rasam. This ad ignited a debate on social media where many Netizens found the instant rasam ad to be racist and even sexist. Here’s more about this controversy.
Bengaluru Bus Ad For Rasam Stirs The Pot Of Controversy
Today in ads that manage to be sexist while also insulting both North and South India (from r/bangalore) pic.twitter.com/wuyOcoIazi
— Tejas Dinkar (blue tick here) (@tdinkar) January 4, 2024
Tejas Dinkar posted a picture of an instant rasam ad displayed on a Bengaluru Bus on X (formerly Twitter). The X user in his caption mentions how this ad has not just managed to be sexist but also insulting to both North and South Indians. The ad attempts to communicate that if a South Indian man has a North Indian wife who doesn’t know how to prepare rasam, she can use Indira’s instant rasam brand. “Rasam in seconds,” promises the ad.
Also Read: Bhagyashree, Calls Rasam & Soup For The Soul And We Couldn’t Agree More!
This Post Started A Debate On Social Media
Ever since @tdinkar posted this on X, it went viral in no time. Many Netizens pointed out how this ad offended women, and South Indian and North Indian people at the same time. @ponnappa comments, ” equality is insulting everyone equally”. @wokeakka says, “hOw iS iT seXiST? Assumes men cant keep rasam. Then Assumes all south indian women know to keep rasam. Finally assumes women do the cooking in the house It’s 2024 get a grip ffs”. @idontcareaatall states, “The north-south issue is nothing compared to the sexism in this ad.”
Like, cook your own rasam, uncle ji. Your wife is making yummy rotis for herself. https://t.co/3iewww3hlO
— Sanjana ♡ (IA) (@Sanjuxtwt) January 4, 2024
This is the most bizarre advertisement ever, disgusting behaviour 🤮 https://t.co/KAjs9lvPw2
— Xfaraway (@Xfaraway28) January 4, 2024
Meanwhile, there were many X users who didn’t find this ad offensive. @kanishkabagaria stated that people should stop taking offence at everything. @phanikiran instead finds this ad to promote or acknowledge South-North marriages.
This is neither sexist, nor does it offend me (North Indian). This is symbolism trying to capture the reality of many Bangaloreans. Stop fishing for offence.
— Anant Mishra 🇮🇳 (@_anant_mishra) January 4, 2024
I don’t know which North/South/East/West Indian would be offended by this advertisement. I personally find it creative and funny. 100% would buy Indira’s Rasam paste.👍
— Ashutosh Bhatt (@roguedoga) January 5, 2024
Cover Image Courtesy:
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.
First Published: January 08, 2024 1:31 PM