

One bound forward for feminism. A brand new, dazzling pink parking space has appeared at a shopping centre in downtown Dalian, Liaoning province, that’s had people nationwide positively gushing, “Dalian people are so romantic!”

The idea was copied from the South Korean capital Seoul, where the municipal government spent US$100 million on female-friendly initiatives such as the new parking spaces. Like its Korean inspiration, the Dalian parking spot is outlined in the brightest of bright pink, but instead of a skirted pink silhouette like in Seoul the Chinese version simply reads “Ladies Only”.

However, not quite everyone is ready to swoon over the gesture. It has also sparked accusations of sexism and discrimination. Some believe the conspicuous space, which is markedly larger than a regular one, is condescending to women, assuming they lack the motoring know-how necessary to squeeze their car into a normal-sized slot.

However, those responsible insist this is simply for their own safety and not a reflection of their reversing skills. The general manager of the mall also pointed out that the neon pink paint job will help keep ladies from forgetting which car is theirs or where they parked it, silly things. Bless.

By Ryan Kilpatrick





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