Skirt looking for a ‘bold and beautiful’ agency
In a clever case of role reversal, one anonymous agency strategist has put herself on the market as a “skirt for hire”.
She’s popped up on Twitter, created a blog and posted a job ad on Mumbrella, where she writes: “An opportunity for a bold and beautiful agency has arisen, with a senior skirt now available for hire.”
Specialising in communications, marketing, PR and social media, the Skirt launched her recruitment push last week.
The only hint of who she is, is the fact that she works in Melbourne, she’s done in-house comms for government departments and a not-for-profit organisation. And she’s also had experience in issues management, having worked for the Victorian Department of Health.
And she’s not shy either, telling prospective agencies: “If you are interested in finding out more about this rare opportunity to hire one of Melbourne’s most dedicated skirts, apply immediately as our client is keen to appoint the right agency as soon as possible.”
Dr Mumbo would like to know if there are any educated guesses on just who this Skirt may be…
Hmmm… methinks Karalee Evans
User ID not verified.
That was my initial thought also to be honest.
User ID not verified.
Stan Lee.
User ID not verified.
Thanks for the write up, Mumbo!
User ID not verified.
Pants or skirt for hire too – I don’t mind what I wear as long as the position is interesting and you pay appropriately.
User ID not verified.
Gotta love the good-ol’ double standards. Last time I heard a bloke refer to a woman as “a skirt” he was roundly attacked for being a “sexist pig” and “misogynist” and had to attend a special meeting with a special “expert” in workplace relations.
But hey, if it’s a self promotional gimmick from some unemployed “skirt”, apparently the term is perfectly acceptable it seems, I’ll make a note.
User ID not verified.
@James Duthie and @Joel
Interesting that you both guessed Karalee… she should be flattered either way
User ID not verified.
I love the Twitter handle, for some reason reminds me of Mad Men 🙂 It’s a cheeky little poke of fun Nate, wouldnt worry about it. We should all enjoy making a little fun of ourselves now and then 🙂 I wish The Skirt well!
User ID not verified.
@Nate I run by this rule: If you own it, you can use it.
User ID not verified.
@Nate,
‘Skirt’ is the female equivalent of ‘suit’ in most agencies. It’s not ‘skirt’ as in ‘chasing skirt’ like your colleague probably employed it. It’s all about the intent… like, for instance, how you’re not allowed to call black hip hop artists ‘niggers’, no matter how many times they refer to themselves that way. When they say it, it’s either just a noun or a term of endearment; when you or I say it, it’s slander and a bit KKK. I think it has something to do with the idea of ‘context’. Grown ups understand this.
User ID not verified.
@Rowena “It’s a cheeky little poke of fun Nate, ” I agree, it’s a moeratly clever little gimmick for whoring a bit of attention…
But make no mistake, it IS a double standard, Women fought long and hard for EQUAL rights, and having different rules for which kind of person is allowed to use certain terms in certain contexts, based solely on the arrangement of ones chromosomes is not equality at all, it’s what we call hypocrisy.
Perhaps we should imagine this exact same stunt, but perpetrated by someone of a lovely dark skin tone… “Nigger for hire”? after all… in certain sub-cultures the “N word” is accepted and used liberally, but ONLY tolerated as long as a white person isn’t using it.
Same thing, Same hypocrisy… but in THIS example, I imagine the reaction would be VERY different, don’t you?
User ID not verified.
@OtherAndrew, “grown ups” at least intelligent ones, would realize that applying different rules for who can say what and when based only on genetic factors, from either side of the fence, is racist as implied by my above post.
Just because it’s happening and is excused as “owning” the term, doesn’t make it okay to demand that if you look different you’re not allowed to use it.
User ID not verified.
@Nate,
For the record, I consider myself reasonably intelligent (although not always very grown up).
Life is, unfortunately, very complex. Sometimes, we can’t make simple rules, and we’re left with grey areas and inconsistencies. Sometimes, we have to rely on judgment and ‘context’ to determine what is or isn’t appropriate. For example, your mate can call you a bastard with a slap on the back, and it’s fine. A stranger can call you a bastard and hit you with equal pressure, and you’ll want to punch his lights out. The difference is, you got it… context.
If, by ‘racism’ you mean that it’s discriminatory for black people to use ‘nigger’ when we can’t, then you’re right. But ‘racism’ actually refers to a belief of racial superiority (which usually leads to discrimination), in which case you’re wrong. The same goes for your argument about sexism re the Skirt for Hire name. It’s not based on a belief of gender superiority in this context, it’s just a description.
Perhaps we’re missing the point – maybe we should ask The Skirt if the name ‘Non-Gender-Specific Apparel for Hire’ was taken?
User ID not verified.
@otherandrew
well put. Agreed.
User ID not verified.
@OtherAndrew, If you are happy to live with inequality, double standards and “inconsistencies” based on nothing more than gender or race, prepared to accept them and excuse them, then fine, But I’m proud to call out this shit when I intersect it.
People like you, who seem so eager to make excuses for this kind of hypocrisy, have retarded the progress and establishment of true equality for too long, In my opinion.
User ID not verified.
@Nate,
Yep, more than happy to. Would probably make me angry otherwise.
In terms of real progress, I’m not sure how denying the right of women to refer to themselves as ‘skirts’ or black people to refer to themselves as ‘niggers’ is really holding back things like equal work for equal pay or inequalities in education or health care standards. Maybe if I objected to a tongue-in-cheek employment ad more strongly, we’d finally see the equality you are so desperate for.
Lighten up, you bastard. 😉
User ID not verified.
Could it be The Stig’s girlfriend??????
User ID not verified.
@ Nate you are blowing this completely out of proportion. As “The Skirt” referred to HERSELF in this manner why are you so worked up about it? Also as your name suggests you are male, so again…why are you getting so worked up?!
User ID not verified.
Problem solved, she IS The STIG’s girlfriend see http://femaleracingnews.com/wp.....s/tiff.jpg
User ID not verified.
@OtherAndrew “I’m not sure how denying the right of women to refer to themselves as ’skirts’ or black people to refer to themselves as ‘niggers’ is really holding back things ”
And there is where you’re utterly failing to comprehend. It’s not about “denying them the right” to anything, it’s about the use of a word not being only acceptable based on the physical characteristics of the speaker.
Let me see if I can dumb it down for you… either everyone has the “right” to use certain words freely, or no-one does, anything else is inherently unequal and bigoted
As long as people, like you, make excuses for this type of selective tolerance any fight for the “big stuff” like pay/education/health will be more difficult purely because the acceptance of this behavior, reinforces bigotry in a broader sense.
And no, I choose not to “lighten up” on this issue… Perhaps you think people like Rosa Parks should have “lightened up” a bit and not taken shit so seriously, why fight this bullshit in all it’s forms right? just chill out and let shit slide by, it’ll all work out in the end right? I mean seriously, a BLACK person challenging bigotry? Absurd, and a bloody WOMAN too! Silly skirt should have stayed in the kitchen right?
.
User ID not verified.
Let me know when you find out. I’d like to look this Skirt up.
User ID not verified.
Will the real “Skirt” please stand up….these guys have gone way too seriouse.Good on “the Skirt” great use of social media.
User ID not verified.
To quote AvenueQ – “everyone’s a little bit rascist sometimes” or sexist in this case.
User ID not verified.
@Jess “why are you so worked up about it? Also as your name suggests you are male, so again…why are you getting so worked up?!”
I’m sorry, are you implying that because I’m Male that I’ve no right to hold the opinion I do, or just that I shouldn’t be passionate about it because I’m a bloke?
I’d explain it to you, but YOUR name implies you’re just a chick…. It might confuse you to consider the fact that not all the people who have worked, or are working for true equality are, in fact, actual members of the various minorities, downtrodden, victims or gender seeking to obliterate bigotry.
Don’t let this revelation get your nylons in a knot.
User ID not verified.
I think the deterioration of this comment thread is evidence that people on the internet will argue about absolutely anything, regardless of a complete lack of importance.
@Nate Lets assume you won this argument and it impacted the world:
Thanks to you women will never use the “S” word again, you have however stunted the intelligence and humor of the entire human race. The world is plunged into a darkness less funny than “Meet the Spartans.” Carman Electra is elected supreme overlord and is deemed to be the perfect intellect, all those deemed to be more intelligent are placed in death camps and made to watch episodes of Big Brother until their brains have completely deteriorated.
All this is the result of your argument on a marketing forum… Was it worth it?
User ID not verified.
@Nate this song is for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9QOEZ2phV0
User ID not verified.
A genuinely amusing thread. Brings a smile to my face this afternoon.
User ID not verified.
@Joel “All this is the result of your argument on a marketing forum… Was it worth it?”
For all you know, I’m a plant trolling this comments section to sweep it up into “most commented” furthering the exposure of the “skirt”.
Perhaps I’m a Bored teen.
And while I don’t deny people online will argue given the slightest opportunity, your implication that the subject I raised isn’t worth even expressing an opinion, and your attempts at sarcasm to diminish the discussion, only tells me that you’re also happy to tolerate inequity… just as long as it doesn’t directly impact you.
Then again, seing as you’ve either been unable, or have deliberately chosen to misunderstand the point, maybe you’re the troll.
User ID not verified.
Thank you all. The whole office is in hysterics.
Amusing arguments and hilarious comebacks!
User ID not verified.
@Nate
the fight against discrimination: ur doing it rong
User ID not verified.
I for one welcome our new Carmen Electra overlord…
It’s true… I live under a bridge…
User ID not verified.
Good god…
User ID not verified.
@Joel,
Under a bridge? I saw your place on the news the other day with that whole F3 traffic shambles thing (Joll’s Bridge for those who missed it).
@Jon,
Very amusing.
@The Skirt,
I’ll leave it up to you with whether or not you want me to respond to Nate’s comments… feeling a little guilty that we seem to have hijacked the thread. Test question for the PR person: is any trafffic good traffic? 😛
User ID not verified.
Good on her. Personally, I would have gone for 4″ Heels for Hire, but someone might have got in touch with Alexander Downer.
User ID not verified.
Now look what you’ve done silly skirt person. You’ve wrecked the internet
User ID not verified.
Ha ha Sandra you win Comment of the Day
User ID not verified.
@nate I love a good keyboard warrior with nobody to fight….. posts and nobody answers, so he posts again.
User ID not verified.
@nate…..hilarious!
User ID not verified.
While all you lot talk amongst yourselves in the comments, I’d like to thank a well known Twitter Celebrity for the plug. See on on Chatroulette tonite Annik. xxx
User ID not verified.
@nate very gallant indeed – I’m sure your manbrand is in great shape (yes we work on LNA activations from time to time before anyone gets their knickers in a twist).
Would you be offended by African Americans calling themselves ”n*ggas”? I’m just curious
User ID not verified.
I’m genuinely in stomach pain from giggling. Happy to lend you my skirt, Nate if you feel this will bring back equality?
User ID not verified.
Jeez @Wilhaus read up.
The N word has already been debated, but they used the ER suffix not the A.
User ID not verified.
For the record, I have never referred to myself as “Nate”. Thankyou.
User ID not verified.
@Goose
I know it’s been debated just figured it could apply here too.
ie. Earnt the right to use it for themselves
I do love how these threads go waaaay off topic and now I’m contributing further to the waywardness. Oops.
@ The Skirt
nice idea. Hope you find a nice agency or at least they find you..
User ID not verified.
Nate in a power dressing skirt would be adorable! ^_^
…
…only I thought that? ..oh. *awkward*
User ID not verified.
I’m a chick and I reckon ‘the skirt’ is awesome. Wish I had have thought of the idea when looking for work … well I still technically am… project by project.. and no project at the moment… Inspired by ‘the skirt’ I am now working on my own blog and online CV. Funny discussion though…Nate needs to take a chill pill!!!
….. I agree ‘the skirt’ has made a great use of social media … savvy in strategy, yet the webpage is a bit uninspiring (sorry skirt)… would love to know who you are and what agency you end up hiring;) Good on ya skirt! You rock!
User ID not verified.
Yes Ange, it’s true. My tumblr webpage is bland, and lacking in creative execution. Most planners/strategists know that a good strategy is often let down in execution. I have indeed let myself down. I look forward to working with creatives who can do justice to my awesomeness.
And before Nate goes off, I’m of course kidding.
User ID not verified.
@The Skirt,
Why does everything always come back to you? This was a post about racism and the lack of progress towards sexual equ… oh, wait a minute – what’s that? It IS all about you? Well, carry on then… 😉
Make sure you come back and update all your commenters with your progress. We’re all on this journey together now 😛
User ID not verified.
This stuff gets you a jpb now?
User ID not verified.
@anon,
Yep. So does the ability to use a keyboard. And owning up to your opinions by not posting anonymously. 😛
User ID not verified.
@anon,
Sorry, that sarcasm was probably a bit of overkill. But I happen to think it’s clever – especially when you consider that the role of a PR person is to engage a wide audience.
User ID not verified.
fair call otherandrew
although i’m not sure anyone is really “engaging a wide audience” …
will make sure i pay more attention to my tpying moving forward
User ID not verified.
Ha! Thanks mumbrella – very nice piece of Simpsons placement. “One thing is for certain, there is no stopping her….Carmen Electra will soon be here.”
User ID not verified.
@Nate & @other Andrew… BACK TO WORK!
User ID not verified.
Glad you spotted that, Rex… http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/.....-overlords
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
Dear Skirt,
personally I feel it is quite demeaning putting yourself out there as
“A skirt”.
I would also worry about the motivation behind any man hiring you.
Good luck anyway.
User ID not verified.
Hi non feminist
Definitely understand where you are coming from with your comment. I did have a while to think about the ‘pitch’ and its puns before I launched. I entered this with eyes wide-open, playing on a simple proposition that female agency strategists are often referred to as ‘skirts’ where as males are ‘suits’. I knew the risk, and was careful not to play too much on the female/sexual side.
From all the emails, DMs and tweets I can honestly say I’ve not had one approach or comment that has concerned me from a male or a female. Most agencies/people who have contacted me have genuinely responded to my skill-set with the conversation starter being the ‘campaign’. I think people get it – or at least the people I was targeting. 🙂
User ID not verified.
Oh! Didn’t know it was originally from a Joan Collins movie in 1977. That is even more obscure.
User ID not verified.
It just occurred to me that I have never saeen Nate and the Skirt in the same room at the same time…hmmmm. Take off that skirt the Skirt! I want the truth!
User ID not verified.
*cough* I can assure you, I’m not a man nor am I ‘Nate’.
User ID not verified.
James (and Joely) get the points.. well done!
http://twitpic.com/1fx7fl
User ID not verified.
This discussion is pants. The Skirt can say whatever she wants about herself.
Best of luck with the job hunt.
User ID not verified.
Great thread.
Will certainly be looking up Karalee when we’re in the market for one with ‘The Skirt’s’ skills and personality.
User ID not verified.