I should launch a WTH/WTF series. I was recently at the Melia Hotel in Hanoi for a wedding party. On my way out I noticed a digital advertisement for – wait for it – a “Ministry of Men” lounge. It turns out there are two of these in Vietnam. The original one is in the Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), also known as Saigon. My interior monologue said something like this: “The whole country is a Ministry of Men, still a patriarchal society, thanks to the 1000-year Chinese occupation.” I had a visceral reaction to seeing the digital come-on. I picture foreigners of means and nouveau riche locals hanging out, expensive drinks and Cuban cigars in hand.

Here’s the description from the Saigon counterpart:

Found in Saigon, our drinking establishment is themed to honor prominent men and women from the past

and curated to trigger all your senses. Open from early in the morning, till late at night, come join and experience one of the most extravagant venues on the 3rd floor of Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

Since the MofM presumably also welcomes women, half of the population, on average, why not call it the “Ministry of People”? (You know why.) The next time you find yourself in Hanoi or HCMC with money burning a hole in your pocket and a burning desire to spend quality time in an upscale lounge, please look elsewhere and BOYcott this sexist establishment, pun intended.

Shalom (שלום), MAA