Mexico City Metro installs 'for men only' penis seat as part of awareness campaign
Some Mexico City commuters are having an uncomfortable experience after a seat containing a moulded penis was installed in one of the city’s metro cars as part of an awareness campaign to combat sexual harassment and violence.
“It’s uncomfortable to sit here but it doesn’t compare with the sexual violence that women suffer in their everyday lives,” a sign above the seat explains. “Nine out of 10 women in Mexico City have been victims of some form of sexual violence.”
The seat is labelled “for men only” and looks like a normal seat at first glance. The back rest has been molded into a chiseled man’s chest while the seat has the form of a man’s penis and thighs, creating the feeling of sitting on a man’s lap.
The video shows men sitting down on the seat, unaware of any issues, only to be instantly startled and suddenly back on their feet. One man tries to use his jacket to create a cushion between the faux penis and himself. A lot of commuters simply stare down at the seat in horror.
The footage was posted on YouTube on Mar. 24 and has received more than 450,000 views.
The campaign serves as a unique first step toward tackling sexual harassment, which appears to be a prevalent issue in the Mexican capital. AdWeek reports that the campaign was designed after the Mexican government saw reports that 65% of women were sexually assaulted on public transportation.
