Uber Promotes Rides from "Hot Chicks"

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As the ride-sharing service Uber tries to make inroads into France, BuzzFeed criticized one of its promotions. Through an app called "Avions de Chasse," Uber promised a free, 20-minute ride with a model. The promotion is explained on the Avions de Chasse website:

"Avions de chasse" is the French term for "fighter jets," but also the colloquial term to designate an incredibly hot chick. Lucky you! the world's most beautiful "Avions" are waiting for you on this app. Seat back, relax and let them take you on cloud 9!

The website also shows provocative photos of women. 

Uber Lyon has withdrawn the promotion and announced the decision on Twitter.

Uber France The company also sent a statement to Huffington Post:

"We have decided to cancel the operation immediately, not having clearly assessed the situation, we sincerely apologize to the people who might have been offended."

Discussion Starters:

  • Assess Uber's apology. What works well, and what could be improved?
  • One website accusses BuzzFeed of "harassing" Uber about the campaign. First, what is "harassment," and is this an appropriate term in this situation? Second, what's your view: Is it appropriate to criticize the campaign or not?