By Sharanya Gopinathan
Historian Jane Peyton recently uncovered that beer, for some reason considered a manly drink and an essential part of all male sports-viewing events, was actually invented by women, and in many societies, like Sumeria and Mesopotamia, only women were allowed to brew, process and handle it, because it was considered a gift from the goddess.
Which is why it’s extra weird that not only has beer somehow become a “man’s drink” that’s typically marketed to men, but a Prague-based company has now also created a new “woman’s beer”. Aurosa come in a slim, pink marbled bottle, and it’s website mysteriously says that it has a “unique, unmistakably strong taste that is adapted to the elegance of women”, which really obscures more than it clarifies.
As The Pool points out, 330 ml of Aurosa costs €10 (which is Rs 750), and it’s not surprising: The Pool says products that are unnecessarily marketed towards women tend to be 21 percent more expensive on average, while other reports say they can be up to 75 percent more expensive. In fact, in the case of some cosmetic products, the products aimed at women are both more expensive and much less effective than the corresponding “male” version.
The ridiculousness of it all is best reflected in the new Cards Against Humanity for women: exactly the same as the regular Cards Against Humanity, but it’s $5 more expensive and comes in a pink pack. The game’s description hilariously reads, “Everyone hates it when the men retire to the parlor to discuss the economy and the various issues of the day. What are us ladies supposed to do? Now there’s an answer. Cards Against Humanity for Her. It’s exactly the same as the original Cards Against Humanity game, but the box is pink and it costs $5 more.”
The game goes on to hilariously explain, “It’s adorable. It’s cute. Self-care. Take time for yourself. Chia bowl. Perfect on your coffee table or bookshelf. Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Brunch. Cheat day. Nasty women. Yaaaaaaaas queen! Good vibes only. Activated charcoal. Gender Reveal Party. Avocado face peels. You’re such a Miranda. Paleo.”