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Apparently, This Logo Is Sexist

Feb. 4, 2013 12:31pm Becket Adams

Enterprise Florida, the group responsible for Florida’s economic development, unveiled a logo on Thursday that some are calling “sexist.”

But before we go any further, can you spot the alleged sexism?

Courtesy eflorida.com

Yup, it’s the orange tie. You see, because the logo uses an orange tie in place of the “i,” and most businesswomen don’t wear ties, the logo is supposedly discriminatory.

“I thought immediately that it set us back, all the work that we’ve done. It’s not that they have to make it pink or ‘girlie,’ but maybe put a briefcase or something like an iPhone or smart phone in there to represent business,” Pamela Rogan, the President of the Central Florida Chapter of NAWBO, the National Association of Women Business Owners, tells Fox 35.

“There are a lot of other icons I think can better represent business,” she adds.

Rogan said Enterprise Florida’s new logo may discourage female CEOs from moving to Florida.

“When you’re going to a strange place, and you think that’s the stigma that’s there, you may think twice,” she said.

Enterprise defends its logo.

“We feel confident in the brand, as a clear and effective message to both businesses in the state and worldwide, that Florida is a top destination for business,” said Enterprise Florida Public Relations Manager Sean Helton.

Still, Rogan maintains that the tie featured in the logo conveys a certain degrees of sexism.

“It’s not even one of those ties they had back in the day, because that was the thing. It’s a bold tie. And nothing against men, but I think they could have had something a little more generic that represented business,” said Rogan.

But here’s something: Before unveiling the new logo, Helton says Enterprise Florida showed it to about 25 female CEOs and none of them saw anything wrong with it.

He also says that he “has no intention of changing it,” as Fox 35 puts it.

But what do you think?

Follow Becket Adams (@BecketAdaams) on Twitter

Featured image courtesy Enterprise Florida.

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Comments (177)

caleejr
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:56pm
Sarah Palin shoots gun = evil person who hates america
Obama shoots gun = smartest man alive who understands the average american….

to me ^that^ is sexist.

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- Priscilla King
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:14pm
  Dittos. (Uh-oh, I already posted “dittos” somewhere last week, will the site block me from posting them here?)
  
  Report this comment
- sunctchr
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:35pm
  Obamma shoots gun== demonstration: how NOT to hold a rifle unless you’d like a fractured cheekbone.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:25pm
  Is it not sexist to place a period at the end of the sentence?
- starman70
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 3:24pm
  The only thing wrong with this ad is the moron who complained.
  
  Report this comment
- JQuentinEvermann
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:10pm
  Doesn’t this woman have a man in her life to tell her to shut up when she’s being this stupid?
  
  Report this comment
- DarkJello
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:22pm
  Legalize the constitution!
  
  Also, common sense is a rare, rare commodity these day.
  
  Report this comment
- tonypro
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 5:23pm
  LOL,,, and to think I actually thought this article was going to be about debbiewasaman schitz.
  
  Report this comment
- Wolf
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 6:34pm
  Women want equal rights with men, they can dress like men. Screw those liberal whiny snot nosed sluts.
  
  Report this comment
- banjarmon
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:39pm
  If this logo offends you that means we DON’T want you in Florida!!
  
  Report this comment
for HIS glory
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:54pm
I agree with 95% of the things said on this news forum. I am a woman, a Christian, a libertarian, an activist. Very simple… women don’t wear ties, men do. YES, “apparently” this is a sexist logo.

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:00pm
  Proof that you are another emoting fem bimbo.
  
  Report this comment
- LeadNotFollow
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:06pm
  They should have used a palm tree as the “i” in Florida.
  They do seem to be implying that only men travel on business.
  
  Report this comment
- BODYBAG
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:11pm
  Islamists argue the necktie is a symbol of the Cross, christianity or a noose
  http://www.islamhelpline.com/node/8501
  
  Take your pick and you’re guaranteed to “offend” someone.
  Ridiculous
  
  Report this comment
- Priscilla King
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:16pm
  Well, that chunky letter R suggests…no, it’s too chunky to be ONLY a woman in a suit. It’s a woman crossing her arms in the “no deal” sign in a suit!
  
  Report this comment
- midnightvelvet
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:21pm
  Too much time on your hands, maybe?
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:23pm
  Any female CEO who is offended or in the least bit put out by it isn’t worth having in the first place. She’s someone who is walking around with a chip on her shoulder. These are not the type of people you want to work for or ever do business with.
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:28pm
  Jihad Jerk-proof that your lil strain of nazi knows no bounds. But you have no clue how an o/u operates. That is some strange crap there. Muslim apologist, and nazi though go together well.
  
  Report this comment
- rclubbe
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:37pm
  Women do wear business suits with ties.
  
  Report this comment
- sunctchr
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:44pm
  Some women DO wear ties. I have. Since there are 1% more women than men in the general population, this tie represents the minority. If people have nothing better to do than look for suttle discriminations they need to get a REAL life. If this is the worst they can come up with…. then we are in pretty good shape.
  
  Report this comment
- MDECKER
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:46pm
  Enough already! This, Pamela Rogan, has been so busy working on what? Her feigned outrage nauseates me, as does all these other so-called, “offended” groups.
  
  Report this comment
- txswalker
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:01pm
  Ellen wheres on all the time…to not include a tie would be homophobic towards lezbians
  
  Report this comment
- RaydocX
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:06pm
  what letter do you propose turning into a smart business skirt?!
  
  This is not sexist. it recognizes business is a reason people want to go to Florida, whether for vacation or for business.
  
  Ridiculous… anyone angered by this has too much time on their hands.
  
  Report this comment
- Southerner01
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:21pm
  Why do you claim women don’t wear ties. That seems sexist to me. I’ve seen women with ties.
  
  Report this comment
- smokie
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:57pm
  Annie Hall.
  
  Report this comment
- SgtBarrett
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 3:26pm
  As a Christian woman, shouldn’t you be more worried about if the logo disrespects men? Christian women really have lost sight of what is good for them. Make your man look good and he takes care of you. Make him feel good and no matter how bad he messes up he will climb the moon to over come that failure so that he supports you. Once Christian women start pushing themselves to the front of society, then “Christian Society” is a lost cause. So why should a necktie be offensive to a Christian woman? It’s a symbol of her husbands success? If she wants a symbol of her success then put a symbol of a necktie on her other logos since a successful man is usually the result of a strong supportive woman and again represents her success!
  
  Men need women, but most women will never admit to needing a man. How sad for us as a nation.
  
  Report this comment
- kadster01
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 3:26pm
  Are you kidding me? Women can get away with wearing pretty much anything and it’s a fashion statement. I see women wearing ties quite often in my profession. It’s men who have such a limited wardrobe.
  
  Anyway, don’t we have more important things to worry about these days?!
  
  Report this comment
- FreedomGal76
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 3:46pm
  I am a woman, a Christian, a libertarian, an activist as well, and I know there is (and should be) allowed different advertising for different target audiences; look at all the business advertising that is targeted for women in business… you don’t see men complaining. We need to have thicker skin that to be constantly offended by things like that. Being offended is what should define us as being “set back”.
  
  Report this comment
- DEPORTOBAMA
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 5:31pm
  “For His Glory”?
  You should be “For My Glory”.
  
  Report this comment
- BHOHG2G
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:15pm
  Your feelings really get hurt that easily?
  
  Report this comment
- 3monkeysmomma
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:05pm
  I’ve worn a tie before and I’m all girl.
  It looked cute with my silk blouse, short skirt and spiked heels.
  (yes, I was shamelessly using all my assets, working for commission)
  
  Report this comment
- Spyderco
  Posted on February 5, 2013 at 2:20am
  My female server at Olive Garden wore a tie.
  
  Report this comment
- VetMike
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:55am
  Get a grip. I’ve seen women wearing ties. If someone is intent on being offended they will find something to be offended by. You seem to be thinking that the ad guys sat around for days dreaming up some covert sexist message. Do you also see boogiemen under your bed?
  
  Report this comment
- loriann12
  Posted on February 6, 2013 at 12:47pm
  I wore a very skinny tie back in the 80′s. What should they do, dress the A in an A-skirt, or perhaps put a mini-skirt on one of the letters? Get over it.
  
  Report this comment
Helen Hyde
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:54pm
If I was Florida, and some woman was disturbed enough by that logo that they would not do business there I would say good riddance.
If they had put a fishing pole, or a golf club, or a horseshoe, or a dollar sign, or ??? there would always be some dink that has nothing better to bitch about, take offense.
this PC stuff is insane. grow up.

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- HotFixIt
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:47pm
  Agreed! No matter what they used.. someone is going to complain. Get over yourself and get on with …. business!
  
  Report this comment
JBaer
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:53pm
As a female, I see absolutely nothing wrong with this ad. So what if there’s a tie in it! Big hairy deal!

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- pagraywolf
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:16pm
  Absolutely! Thanks for standing up for common sense.
  
  Report this comment
- KevINtampa
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:39pm
  Stop calling it common sense. By definition common sense is a thought process shared by everyone. Obviously this isn’t common sense, as there are others who disagree with it.
  
  Obama says gun control is a common sense solution to gun crime. No it’s not, as there are many who disagree with it so it’s not an idea that many people have in common. Fixing common sense is a logical idea in fixing gun violence. How do you do that? Encourage children to develop pride in American ideas, like the 1st & 2nd Amendments; instead we have a leader who encourages parents and government workers to apologize for these things.
  
  I guess my point is that there is no common sense among the American people anymore. There is no sense we all have in common. We have subverted what individual independence means and replaced it with an idea that individuality means that your ideas must always be unique. The moral fabric of what made Americans common to each other has been subverted. If you really want to know how this happened, just watch a Yuri Bezmenov lecture on youtube. His name should be known in every household. I can only speculate as to why Beck has never done a show on him as it seems 90% of Beck’s theories seem to come right out of Bezmenov’s lectures.
  
  For those who don’t know Bezmenov, he was a Soviet propagandist who defected to explain to the world how Communists erode another country’s sacred values. You’ll be smarted if you study his lectures.
  
  Report this comment
- term limits for congress
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:46pm
  Hairy? Ah, I see you are sexist, too.
  
  Report this comment
MN NICE
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:52pm
I once told my wife that W.I.F.E. was an acronym for:

W ashing
I roning
F u****g
E tc.

once… I’m starting to get feelings back in the lower extremities…

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- TheGrtDcptn
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:21pm
  LOL…Thanks for the chuckle…
  
  Glad there are some who still have a sense of humor =)
  
  Report this comment
- glckgrl
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:10pm
  that’s funny and as name implies, I am female. I’ve owned a law firm and trust me, that logo is NOT sexist nor offensive! If that influences a female CEO not to live in FL, she is a dolt not worth a wage. It’s called like the lezzbows after the Portland baker-a set up. Fogging, therapists call it, the feigned outrage to distract the masses from failed fiscal policy, mounting debt, weekly printing of money, no Senate budget in four years, no mandatory sentencing for illegal gun possession in Chicago when even the Commonwealth of Taxachusetts (MA) has it, no accountability for Benghazi, no accountability for Fast and Furious, no accountability for gangslaying, or 0 senators supporting the president’s 2012 budget, voter (cheating) fraud (and I was a poll watcher was saw it in my state with the same day registration), holes in our borders, president meeting with muslim brotherhood in the white house, failed monstrously-expensive obamaScare, administration hatred of Israel, giving dangerous weapons/jets to Egypt, and blaming it all on former President Bush and the GOP by the most divisive Stoner-in-Cheat that we’ve ever had in America. I am old-fashioned, proud to be a Christian and know my flaws, but I recognize a snow job when I see it. And by the way, beautiful though she is, Beyonce was dressed for bed not stage, not for a tv show seen by millions of youth. Should have chosen modest dress cuz little girls dressed for sex (like her) get used, abused and sometimes preg
  
  Report this comment
biohazard23
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:52pm
Would they feel better if a pocket rocket had been used instead of a tie?

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hi
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:50pm
Lol.

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leasecommander
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:50pm
Someone needs to find something to REALLY worry about…SHEEZ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Murkman
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:48pm
*facepalm*

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keywest62
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:48pm
Maybe they should have used a big shlong instead of a tie.

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- Talent-Keyhole
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:57pm
  Nope, put in a Tampon
  
  Report this comment
hi
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:48pm
I stay at home but I think it is definitely sexist. I think whatever they do will be sexist such as a letter shaped like a business women’s pump. That would be treated as a sexual thing. There is not a win win. Just say “Florida-no democrats here.” And everyone will know it is good for business.

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Skeeterhawk
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:47pm
“Rogan said Enterprise Florida’s new logo may discourage female CEOs from moving to Florida.”
Yeah, that’s how they got to be CEO’s. No spine, no initiative. This sign will scare them off. Moron
Rogan, go worry about something else. Maybe pick something important.

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keywest62
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:46pm
Maybe they should have used a “Penis” instead of a tie???

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- firman
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:49pm
  Hey..how come you can say penis but I can’t say ******? What’s up with that blaze?
  
  Report this comment
- orkydorky
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:51pm
  I’m sure some of those ladies have a penis too!
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:54pm
  Funny. I thought that it was a feminist ad because of the “O” used in the word Florida; ya know, because a woman’s mouth is never shut. I missed the orange Olympic torch.
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:31pm
  Jihad Jerky
  So you are a, you know O whenever Jews, women, or peeps of color are mentioned? You are a O nazi?
  
  Report this comment
- Melika
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:37pm
  @ Jerk: Number 2 LOL!! Holy sh1t, you are a jerk!
  
  @ Fubared: if you are going to spare with the jerk, you really need some better comebacks.
  
  Report this comment
- glckgrl
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:12pm
  and red lips shaped like an O for fl O rida. what drivel!
  
  Report this comment
edcoil
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:46pm
Is it just me or is it anything we do or say these days the media will go find someone to complain about it.

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- Outlaw_Josey_Wales
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:51pm
  The media love to call people sexist, recist and homophobes.
  
  Report this comment
PeteOH
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:45pm
Lighten up Frances! Pretty creative logo, I say.

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- firman
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:52pm
  Ah, another “stripes” fan. Thought I was the only one that used that phrase! love it.
  
  Report this comment
thetruthlives
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:43pm
that ugly broad in the report is clearly a loser

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06bucknasty
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:43pm
this is just getting more absurd every day. the lib/progressive whining and claim of discrimination/racism makes me want to vomit. they will see one day that they are just like the boy who cried wolf, completely diminishing real situations of racism/discrimination.

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mrunner
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:43pm
I think it is absolutely sexist that some men are forced to wear ties while women in the same occupation do not!

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- Priscilla King
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:20pm
  Ties aren’t nearly as bad as nylon next to skin stuffed into pointy-toed pumps. But does anybody need to wear either any more? Are there still employers who think that keeping people physically uncomfortable is the key to getting richer than Microsoft?
  
  Report this comment
- midnightvelvet
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:25pm
  We’re forced to wear uncomfortable shoes to make up for it….I think a tie would be less painful.
  
  Report this comment
DougHuffman
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:42pm
Exactly. Not butch enough for you fems?

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- Maji
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:46pm
  I agree about symbols.
  I think the Obama economic plan should
  be symbolized by a “commode”.
  
  Report this comment
love the kids
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:40pm
I thought i’ve seen Ellen Degenerate wear a tie???? ooops, bad example

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- Outlaw_Josey_Wales
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:01pm
  The tie isn’t the only thing she straps on.
  
  Report this comment
Verceofreason
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:38pm
MEN =business
WOMEN = kitchen

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- firman
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:47pm
  Which is why their feet are shorter..So they can stand closer to the sink. It’s an evolution thing. Bwahahahahaha.
  
  Report this comment
- grimmster
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:54pm
  @verce aka encinom.
  Then back to the kitchen encinom, before your b!tchboy gets home……
  
  Report this comment
- midnightvelvet
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:27pm
  This is what passes for “reason” these days?
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:03pm
  hi Dora,
  
  Trolls = toilet.
  
  Report this comment
- mewnani
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 3:38pm
  Eh…. Think of it as video game logic: We’re mages, men are warrior types. We’re meant to fill complementary roles. After all we’re meant to be counterparts to men.
  
  Report this comment
- DZ-015
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:19pm
  Divorced from Reason: The kitchen created your avatar, Dora Gasbag.
  
  Report this comment
yoshik
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:38pm
Cheezus Christo America has no balls. I am ashamed of this NEW Third World Icon.

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love the kids
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:38pm
Why does Florida Hate Women??? Just like Obama by reversing his decision on contreception, know he started his own “War on Women”

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firman
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:37pm
So Make the “O” in florida a ******. Problem solved.

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- Lando
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:44pm
  nailed it!
  
  Report this comment
- Shasta
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:55pm
  Apparently you can’t say that either. PC runs wild, even at the blaze.
  
  Report this comment
Mia Cav
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:35pm
Or it could be a return to the 80′s when women wore ties … anyone else remember the Annie Hall look?

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- Priscilla King
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:22pm
  Of course…but Annie Hall did not exactly Dress For Success.
  
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- midnightvelvet
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:32pm
  I had a narrow one made of light grey leather that I wore. It was actually pretty cute. Key to avoiding discomfort, don’t pull the tie too tight around your neck.
  
  Report this comment
- DefyTYRANNY
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:51pm
  I had that same grey leather skinny tie, I wore it with my Members Only and the parachute pants.
  
  Did I really just admit that?
  
  Report this comment

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