A new billboard in NC that is currently standing between West Bound Business I-40 headed into Winston-Salem from Kernersville is causing some controversy. The billboard reads, "Real men provide. Real women appreciate it." A Facebook group was created to organize those who want to stand up against the meaning behind this sign and who are willing to stand together on Sunday underneath the billboard. The group says they are protesting patriarchy and sexism and the implication that women be silent and appreciative.
Their Facebook group states, "We are NOT protesting that the sign is capable of existing, or the people who put it up, or the ad agency, or the right to put it up. 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."
According to Triad City Beat, the billboard belongs to Whiteheart Outdoor Advertising. President Bill Whiteheart said his company is not sponsoring the message. He said "The Message is a paid message, We understand very well, I'm sure as you do, the Constitution of the United States, and it is a 'freedom of speech' type message where the parties that have paid for that advertising are conveying a heartfelt message to the public"