TPP’s Ko accused of objectifying women after controversial performance
Ko Wen-je, the Taiwan People’s Party’s presidential candidate, is under fire for objectifying women. The accusations come after dancers appeared in skimpy flight attendant costumes, during a campaign event for Ko. Taoyuan’s flight attendants union denounced the outfits, saying they were disrespectful to the profession and to women at large. Ko’s campaign team says there was no intention to objectify women, and that it will be more careful with future events.
Performers dressed as flight attendants take to the stage, dancing to the K-pop hit “Flower” in miniskirts and crop tops. This performance was organized by a new women’s political group backing presidential candidate Ko Wen-je. It’s drawn sharp criticism from flight attendants.
Chou Sheng-kai
Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union
Flight attendants are not happy about this, especially because of the outfits. They’ve made it all about sex appeal. The Taiwan People’s Party should have better awareness about gender equality. They should offer an apology to flight attendants, and show respect for the profession. It’s not about being sexy.
The Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union blasted the performance, demanding an apology from Ko. DPP lawmakers also weighed in.
Fan Yun
DPP lawmaker
I find it unacceptable. Misogyny is not just Ko Wen-je’s problem. It’s rampant within the Taiwan People’s Party.
Hung Sun-han
DPP lawmaker
They wanted to whitewash Ko’s reputation for sexism. They form a political coalition of women, yet this is what happens.
Critics say that the attempt to repair Ko’s image had backfired. One internet user said the outfits looked like they had been bought at an online sex shop, saying the show reflected the vulgarity of Ko’s party. The controversial dance was meant as a nod to former pilot and TPP Taipei Councilor Chang Chih-hao, whose wife used to be a flight attendant. Chang, who attended the event with his wife, found himself the target of outrage.
Chang Chih-hao
Taipei councilor (TPP)
I actually didn’t know that was going to be part of the show until I was there. As I mentioned just now, I was just there to give Ko a boarding pass to the Presidential Office with my wife and all the other women there. That’s all it was. Over the past 20-something years, I worked on planes, and my colleagues were flight attendants. I only have respect for them. Respect and gratitude.
Chen Chih-han
Ko Wen-je campaign spokesperson
The professional dance team would like to say that the song featured airplanes or related themes, so they designed such a performance. With regard to any constructive criticism, I will remind the team to be more careful in the future.
Ko’s spokesperson moved to put out the fire, in hopes of bringing the controversy to an end.
2023-08-07
