Sexist? German Mayor Creates Parking Spaces for Men Only

One wonders how feminists will respond to this one: A small town is Germany has created gender-specific parking spots. The action, especially in this day-and-age, is certainly bound to create some controversy. According to Triberg Mayor Gallus Strobel, the efforts to designate these spots, which are said to be tougher to get into, will "challenge political correctness."

But that's not the only thing that Strobel is looking to put to the test. In his view, men are more likely to enjoy the purportedly adventurous task of pulling into a more difficult parking spot. Plus, he believes they are generally better at doing so.

The German web site The Local has more about these controversial spots:

Unlike the 12 spaces set aside for women, which are wider, well-lit, and closer to the exit, the men’s spaces require the driver to pull in at an angle, and avoid hitting cement pillars. They are an “attraction” for any ambitious driver, Strobel told the daily Süddeutsche Zeitung.

“But men are, as a rule, a little better at such challenges,” he told the paper.

Before people get too agitated by this comment, which some will certainly see as sexist, consider that Strobel clarified his views, inviting women to take the challenge and admitting -- gasp -- that "there are also great women drivers!" Oddly, he also claims that he's received positive feedback thus far.

"Strobel said that the move was good advertising for his town, and that one man emailed him saying he would travel there just to test himself at parking," The Local continues.

MSNBC has more regarding motivation for the gendered parking spots:

The mayor told Focus the parking policy is, above all, a publicity stunt to draw tourists' attention to the idyllic town of Triberg.

"Our city spends about 50,000 euros every year for marketing, and the parking action may have cost us 50 euros," Strobel told Focus.

The spaces are marked by standard gender symbols to showcase which are for men and which are for women.

(H/T: MSNBC)