'Real men provide, real women appreciate it' billboard draws controversy
Protesters plan peaceful protest in response to the sign's message
Protesters plan peaceful protest in response to the sign's message
Protesters plan peaceful protest in response to the sign's message
Women are speaking out about a billboard on Business 40 that they find offensive.
The sign reads, "Real men provide, Real women appreciate it."
The billboard belongs to Whiteheart Outdoor Advertising and is near the westbound lanes of Business 40 and Linville Road, between Winston-Salem and Greensboro.
"I take it as a very deliberate jab at women who demand equality and demand to be seen as equals and are vocal," said Molly Grace, who has organized a protest in response to the sign. "So to me it's also a very blatant about wanting to silence women and tell them to just accept the way that things are."
Grace, who owns Kleur, a boutique business in downtown Winston-Salem, has created a Facebook event to protest what the sign represents.
She said they're not protesting the fact that the sign exists, but the message behind the sign, and believes the sign represents a mindset that should not be acceptable in today's society.
The demonstration is planned 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday under the billboard.
On Facebook, organizers of the demonstration stated, "We are protesting patriarchy and sexism, and that this antiquated way of thinking about women exists at all. We are protesting the implied demand that women be silent and appreciate, regardless of whatever circumstances, their role as non-providers."
So far, more than 200 people have expressed interest in the demonstration.
Organizers are encouraging both men and women to bring signs to voice alternative views.
WXII 12 News has reached out to the person who purchased the sign but has not received a response.
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