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People are trashing their razors to protest Gillette's controversial ad about toxic masculinity

Gillette
Gillette is facing a lot of backlash over its new ad. YouTube/Gillette
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Gillette is facing a lot of backlash over its new ad. 

The Procter & Gamble-owned brand released a new commercial called "We Believe" on Monday.

The ad is meant to confront American culture, showing men and boys bullying each other and engaging in sexual harassment. Narration then encourages them to "say the right thing" and "act the right way."

Read more: Gillette chastises men in a new commercial highlighting the #MeToo movement — and some are furious

It continues over scenes of men changing their actions:

"We can't hide from it. It has been going on far too long. We can't laugh it off. Making the same old excuses. But something finally changed. And there will be no going back. Because we ... We believe in the best in men. To say the right thing. To act the right way. Some already are, in ways big and small. But some is not enough. Because the boys watching today will be the men of tomorrow."

While some have praised the ad, it has caused an uproar among others. Some have taken to social media to say they are now boycotting the brand and have posted photos and videos of themselves discarding Gillette razors in protest:

In a statement to the press, Gary Coombe, the president of Procter & Gamble's global grooming business, said: "Gillette believes in the best in men — that by holding each other accountable, eliminating excuses for bad behavior, and supporting a new generation working toward their personal 'best,' we can deliver positive change that will matter for years to come."

Watch the full commercial here:

 

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Mary Hanbury
Mary was an editor on the business news team, where she worked with reporters and editors to cover sectors including technology, finance, transportation, retail, careers, and real estate.Previously, Mary was a senior retail reporter based in New York and London, covering apparel, luxury, fitness, big-box, and grocery companies. She has reported on major brands including Victoria’s Secret, Lululemon, LVMH, Costco, Dollar General, and Peloton, providing in-depth analysis of trends shaping the industry.Mary earned a master’s degree in Business Journalism from CUNY Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. She has appeared on several TV and radio outlets, including BBC Business, Cheddar, and Good Morning America, and has taken part in industry panels and conferences about trends shaping the retail world.