An incident involving a car rental company has sparked outrage and prompted a concerned mother to speak out against their slogan. Nicole Van Dijken and her 7-year-old son were shocked when they saw a car with the phrase “no birds” written across the side, deeming it a sexist remark.
Bayswater Car Rental, a well-known company founded in Perth, Australia in 1958, had been using this slogan for seventy-five years without any concerns. However, times have changed, and society has become more conscious about inclusive language that respects everyone. Back in the day, this company didn’t hire women drivers, and the phrase “no birds” referred to the absence of female drivers. Instead, customers were expected to pick up their own cars, making them the drivers themselves.
When Van Dijken’s son asked about the meaning behind the slogan, she struggled to find the right words to explain it to him. She expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s a sexist slur, and I’m now in a position where I need to explain that to my son. Which I did do.” She firmly believes that such outdated language has no place in our modern times and should be consigned to the shameful past of the 1950s and 1960s.
Van Dijken is not alone in her disapproval. Many people share her sentiments and are calling for a change in the company’s slogan. Some have expressed disappointment with the continued use of the offensive phrase in today’s world, while others have recalled opposition they witnessed during their younger years and are surprised that the company has not made any changes.
In response to the criticism, Bayswater Car Rental has chosen not to change its slogan but instead directs customers to their website for an explanation. According to their website, “These days having hire cars delivered may seem excessive. But when Bayswater Car Rental started, having ‘delivery girls’ was a standard extra service in Australia.”
While it is important to respect everyone’s opinion, it is equally important to acknowledge that language evolves, and what may have been acceptable in the past may now be considered offensive. Businesses need to adapt and embrace inclusivity to meet the needs and expectations of their customers.
