Australians have reacted with outrage to a Navy tweet promoting gender equality and diversity in the workplace.
Royal Australian Navy personnel painted their fingernails to support Women and Leadership Australia’s ‘100 days for change campaign’.
In a Twitter post, Defence Australia posted an image of a man wearing pink nail polish.
Royal Australian Navy personnel painted their fingernails to support Women and Leadership Australia’s ‘100 days for change campaign’
Social media users reacted with anger to the post. ‘Shouldn’t they be more focused on protecting Australia rather than getting a manicure?’ one person said
‘To encourage gender equality and diversity in the workplace, personnel in Sydney painted their pinky fingernails pink as a visual indication of support,’ the post said.
But people were quick to respond with anger to the post, suggesting Navy workers should be focused on keeping the country safe.
‘Shouldn’t they be more focused on protecting Australia rather than getting a manicure?’ one person posted.
Another person said: ‘This is truly a sad day for Australia. Farewell, Aussie men.’
Actor Chris Hemsworth used the same eye-catching move to promote a social campaign in 2016 when he donned nail polish in support for Polished Man
Actor Chris Hemsworth used the same eye-catching move to promote a social campaign in 2016 when he donned nail polish in support for Polished Man.
The Australian actor joined the campaign to end violence against children by painting a fingernail pink.
NSW RSL president James Brown told The Australian he was concerned the Navy was politicising the defence force.
‘Navy has made great progress in making sure women aren’t unfairly treated,’ he said.
‘But ordering uniformed personnel to join social-activism campaigns is a step too far and risks politicising the defence force.’
NSW RSL president James Brown was concerned the Navy was politicising the defence force. Sailors are seen as HMAS Warramunga arrives at Garden Island in Syndey, Sunday, July 8, 2018
Meanwhile Mark Latham said on Twitter: ‘This will scare the enemy.’
Social media users shared similar views, with many people expressing concern the enemy would be frightened.
‘What’s next? Waving rainbow flags at the enemy when they attack?’ one person said.
‘Because nothing tells your enemies that you’ll do whatever it takes to destroy them live a good mani/pedi,’ another person posted.