The above ad was pulled on Dec. 8, 2011, by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board after hundreds of phone calls and email complaints about the ad's message. The text in the ad reads "She didn't want to do it, but she couldn't say no. When your friends drink, they can end up making bad decisions. Like going home with someone they don't know very well. Decisions like that leave them vulnerable to dangers like date rape. Help your friends stay in control and stay safe." More information on the removal of the ad can be found on Think Progress' website.
While the small print of the ad is perfectly acceptable; you do, in fact, put yourself in danger when you drink too much, the larger text points the finger of blame at rape victims. Did you have a drink? Then it's your fault if someone slips something in your drink and rapes you.
This ad was part of a larger $600,000 campaign that aims to curb excessive drinking. From what I can find of the ads, women are depicted as the ones who should be careful about their habits and their friends should pay attention. What about the guy who sees the obviously intoxicated woman and sweet talks her into coming home with him? Or the one who slips something into her drink when she's not looking. Or the one who keeps touching her after she says no but is unable to fight back? Or the guy who yells and gets violent after a couple drinks and takes it out on the drunken woman he cornered in the bathroom?
Hey PA Liquor Control Board, is it all still her fault for having a drink or two?
I couldn't agree more, the advertisement targeted the girl as putting herself in the position. But doesn't even refer to other peoples roles in this situation. I'm glad they pulled it.
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