The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are attempting to reach out to women in a positive way with a new “RED” women’s movement that is supposed to change “the way football is enjoyed by women.”
The new program was announced on the team’s official website.
“RED is a groundbreaking women’s movement designed to recognize and celebrate our female fan base,” said Glazer Family Foundation Co-President Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. “Through exclusive offerings and experiences, our female fans will have the opportunity to not only add to their knowledge of the game they love, but also to help create a community through RED and own the way they enjoy football.”
It’s a year-round program that is designed to help female fans better understand the game, among other things, including:
“…how to maximize their gameday experience; how to blend personal Buccaneer pride with the latest NFL fashions; as well as tips on sharing their experiences and ideas via social media platforms such as Pinterest.”
This may just be me talking here, but I’m betting many of the female Bucs fans could teach the team’s media staff a thing or two about social media and blending “personal Bucaneer pride with the latest NFL fashions.
Twitter seems to agree. And, after seeing some of the reactions coming from that platform, the Buccaneers may need to rethink this entire strategy.
Next up for RED and Tampa Bay Buccaneers a presentation on how to repurpose the penalty flag as a pocket square for your man.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) August 6, 2015
@SI_DougFarrar @mikefreemanNFL It's offensive. I don't need makeup and pedicure tips from my pro football team. I'd like respect, though.
— Julie Brannagh (@julieinduvall) August 6, 2015
Next on the RED channel: how to make your man happy on game day. (Soft music plays in the background.)
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) August 6, 2015
The fact that most men on my feed are mocking Red as much as women just proves why it's unnecessary.
— Melissa Jacobs 💙 (@thefootballgirl) August 6, 2015
The way RED is being presented is a bit condescending to women, many of whom know the game of football better than their male counterparts.
On a personal note, my wife, who knows plenty about the game, learned everything she knows from her mother, who is also quite knowledgable about the game of football, and how to celebrate it.
Back to the drawing board, Bucs.
Photo Credit: SiKids.com