TripAdvisor Removes 'Feminist' Review From Site
Woman complains about misogyny, gets people's backs up, has her review taken down. Standard
TripAdvisor has removed a review from its website because of the use of the naughty words 'misogyny' and 'feminism'.
The poster, who was reviewing her experience of a pub meal out, was allowed to repost her review with the words removed, but was later criticised by the 'manageress' for being too 'feministic'.
Originally picked up by Shiny Shiny, if we break it down it's all a bit of a storm in a teacup - but the retrograde views on show from the 'manageress' and TripAdvisor show that yes, we do still need feminism in 2015, particularly as even the use of the word is still so misunderstood.
What Happened?
The reviewer, Christina Fowler, enjoyed her meal at The Bell at Westoning in Bedfordshire, but wasn't so keen on seeing a waitresses being 'bitten on the shoulder' and having her bottom smacked by a male co-worker.
Anyone walking in and seeing that sort of behaviour in a public-facing business might feel uncomfortable and rightfully concerned that the said waitresses were being mistreated by a potentially misogynistic boss.
From the inside it might simply be, as the bottom-smacking manager later responded, a jokey familiarity between the staff that's part of the 'family ethos' of the place.
Both views are understandable but given that as a customer you would hope to be made feel comfortable when parting with your cash for dinner, we'd have to err on the side of Ms Fowler.
TripAdvisor explained why the review was targeted. Spokesman James Kay said that the site's guidelines are that reviewers should not make personal, political, ethical or religious commentary.
He said: “To be clear, the review was not removed because the reviewer’s first-hand experience was considered irrelevant. In fact, we encouraged the reviewer to resubmit their review in order that their experience be shared with the travel community.”
The Manager's Response
The restaurant took issue with Fowler's lack of concentration on its food and wine, and felt the reviewer commenting on the staff's behaviour was 'irrelevant'.
The self-titled 'manageress' resonded angrily to the original review, saying 'I am female', as if that proves anything, and going on to call Fowler 'boring' and 'feministic'. Why? For preferring her dinner without her waitress being spanked? Call us dull as ditchwater then.
It's clear that the words 'misogyny' and 'feminism' have triggered an emotional response that's manifested in sending defensive insults back to Fowler, which hasn't done the restaurant any favours.
What Does It Matter?
The fact that TripAdvisor took umbridge with the review after it began to go viral isn't a great sign - showing a fear of sexist behaviour being called out.
There's been a lot of work in recent years to 'reclaim' feminism and to explain its real meaning to those who get scared at the idea of women being fully equal in society. For example, to be able to work as waiting staff without having their bottoms smacked.
And this just goes to show that people are still willfully misunderstanding. You call out misogyny or mention the word feminism and you get jumped on for being 'feministic', as if being a feminist were a bad thing.
The spat between reviewer and restaurant is probably very similar to thousands on the site - not every experience everywhere will be positive for everyone - but TripAdvisor weighing in and making a big deal of the use of language has turned it into something much bigger.
An edited version of the review has now been reposted. And we bet the restaurant is wishing no fuss had been made in the first place - a negative review going viral is far more damaging than one that sinks to the bottom of the rest of the positive experiences.
Do you think TripAdvisor were right to ask for the ammendments to the article?
[Everyday Sexism: Why We Still Need Feminism]
[Can You Have A Feminist Wedding? Clue: Yes]
