What’s the Big Deal About ‘Breastaurants’ Like Hooters?

What's the big deal about 'breastaurants' like Hooters?

There’s a Hooters slated to open in our city soon.

With all the things I desperately wish were imported into Australia from America (Cheerios, drive-through espresso stands, and honest-to-goodness Mexican food), Hooters is somewhere near the bottom of that ever-loving list, right above the broken health care system.

I’m pretty sure that everyone knows what kind of a restaurant Hooters is—they are self-classified as an “adult entertainment” venue—but did you know that they employ girls as young as thirteen years old who are required to sign that they “acknowledge and affirm” the following:

  • My job duties require that I interact with and entertain the customers.
  • The Hooters concept is based on female sex appeal and the work environment is one in which joking and entertaining conversations are commonplace.
  • I do not find my job duties, uniform requirements, or work environment to be offensive, intimidating, hostile, or unwelcome. (Source.)

How in the world they can try to market a restaurant based on sex appeal as a “family friendly” environment (even offering ‘kids eat free’ nights and children’s promotional apparel) is completely beyond me.

When the community voices concern.

A small band of us (as in several hundred) have been petitioning and voicing our concerns about this so-called “family friendly” franchise being permitted to open here.

We spoke up – single people, married people, religious people, non-religious people, people with sons, people with daughters, young women, old women, young men, old men. A whole slew of us spoke up.

And you know what we were called? Here are a few (unedited) examples, taken from only a handful of the 500+ facebook comments that I have no time or interest in reading:

  • get back on ya horse an buggy an go back to ya Armish Community
  • just fat lazy bored housewifes
  • bigots
  • small minded
  • minority group whingers
  • prudes
  • backwards hick rednecks
  • jealous housewives
  • ugmo couch fatties
  • whingy, close-minded do-gooders
  • those bored house wifies need to go to a sex shop or something and loosen up abit
  • How do these degrade women who volunteer for these jobs. If anything it’s the opposite it puts women on a platform. If this is not a platform for u don’t go and get a job there. Your logic and arguments are flawed and if anything is a backwards step for women.
  • People arguing its about equality and objectifying women are just naive. If you want to go down that road you may aswell remove cheerleaders, pit girls at the v8s, female receptionists and the strippers. If you don’t like it… Don’t go. Society has become so sterile in the last 5 years and it’s becoming a joke.

Here’s the thing, I’m not personally offended by these comments at all. I’m not ugly, or lazy, or jealous. I’m not Amish, or bored, or prude. I’m definitely not a redneck and I’m fairly certain that those who know me would never peg me as small-minded. (I’m not sure what’s wrong with being a “do-gooder” so I’ll go ahead and give ‘em that one.)

So even though these comments don’t offend me, they do sadden me. For every “anti” Hooters comment left on that thread there were probably 50 “pro” comments. (Never mind they sounded like they all copy+pasted what the person above them wrote and then threw in the “people wear less at the shopping mall” stellar line of reasoning to drive home their point about the “small minded rednecks living under a rock” who voiced our opposition.) It worries me profoundly that we live in an era where legitimate concerns about the welfare of women are tossed out of the arena and labeled as irrelevant and outdated.

Because here’s what I think is grossly outdated: patriarchal societal norms where women are sexually exploited for the pleasure and entertainment of men… even normalized to the point of women themselves volunteering for it.

This is not about a woman’s right to be employed. This is about putting a halt to the normalization of sexual exploitation around the dinner table.

Desensitization is numbing us to the destructive nature of the sexualization of women.

In another comment a young woman told of how she was shocked when she visited a Hooters in Sydney and then went a second time and realized “how wonderful it all was and that only their arms were exposed”. This kind of a comment demonstrates how desensitized we have all become.

I’m not immune to it and neither are you.

We are all desensitized to a certain degree and I’m not sure how that can be reversed given the prevalence of our sex-saturated media and culture.

What I’m concerned with at this point is how we can slow the desensitizing process for ourselves and our children.

This doesn’t mean living a sheltered existence. This doesn’t mean avoiding beaches, dressing in potato sacks, or throwing out our TVs. (That last one might actually be effective, but I am borderline addicted to Call the Midwife, Modern Family, and Downton Abby so I don’t see it happening in our house any time soon.)

Why anyone thinks places like Hooters are acceptable is beyond me. They perpetuate degrading ideals for women and do no favors for men either.

“What’s the big deal? It’s just one restaurant. If you don’t like it, don’t go.”

Sure, Hooters is just one of a million examples of scantily clad women used as marketing fuel to lure in male clientele and reinforce to women that their worth is sourced from how much sexual arousal they can garner. But if we continue to say it’s “just” one more titillating restaurant, “just” one more semi-pornographic billboard, “just” one more degrading t-shirt, “just” one more inappropriate lingerie display at a 9-year-old’s eye level… where does it stop?

It doesn’t and it won’t.

Hooters is not the enemy here. Hooters is a small little pawn in the global movement of the exploitation of women that has been going on since the beginning of time. What baffles me most is that as some areas of liberty grow for women, it seems others are reverting back to shadows of a male-dominated society that most any forward-thinking person (that is actually thinking) would deem foul, unjust, and degrading.

Let’s not be content at having the vote, having equal employment opportunity (on paper at least), and having a right to education. Let’s also work for a world in which women are valued for more than giving men a reason to salivate.

How about we aim for a world where women aren’t reduced to the size of their breasts?

Is this just another feminist rant?

Let me just put this out there – the inevitable elephant in the room – because I know it will come up in the comments: Yes, I am a feminist. But probably not the kind you’re thinking of. I’m not angry. I don’t hate men. I am happily married and not anti-establishment. I have been a career woman, a stay-at-home mom, and a working mom and I know that none of those positions define me as a woman or make me better or less than another woman. (There’s also the little fact that I like my bra thankyouverymuch.) We have to ditch the old stereotypes of feminism and embrace it for what it really is.

Feminism is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as: “The advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.”

So by definition, yes, I am a feminist and I am of the deep belief that the world needs many, many more men and women who can and will advocate on behalf of girls and women being treated with the dignity and equality they deserve.

The constant sexualization and degradation of women is a feminist issue – it matters that we fight for women’s rights and equality – but this is also an issue of humanity. It matters that we fight for the dignity of all – men, women, and children. A place like Hooters undermines that fight, plain and simple.

Maybe Hooters is one small thing, but it becomes a big thing when we turn our head the other direction and pretend these issues don’t affect us or that they are too insurmountable to be worth working for change.

Each of us can make a difference - one small way at a time.

Dear friends, the Hooters-specific thing aside, how have we become so body obsessed and sexually driven that we can’t even see that this sort of objectification of women is damaging to both women and men on so many levels? Can someone help me understand because it seems so clear to me?

Adriel

image source

 

31 Days of Women Empowering Women at AdrielBooker.com

 

This post is part of a series called 31 Days of Women Empowering Women. See hundreds of incredible #31Days projects here.

About Author

Adriel Booker is an author, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia who believes storytelling, beauty, and the grace of God will change the world. Adriel has become a trusted voice in areas of motherhood and parenting, Christian spirituality, and global women's issues. She's also known for her work with the Love A Mama Collective—serving under-resourced women in developing nations through safe birth initiatives—as well as her years spent as a Bible teacher and leadership coach. Her latest book is Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss and she's made the companion grief journal available for free. Find Adriel across all social media platforms at @adrielbooker or sign up for LoveNotes, Adriel's 'secret posts' that aren't published anywhere else online. ✌️

126 Comments

  • Tiffany
    14 November 2013 at 5:36 am

    Could not agree more, thanks for putting it out there!

    Reply
    • Adriel
      14 November 2013 at 12:13 pm

      thanks for the encouragement tiffany. cannot believe how much slack i’m getting (we’re getting) for making our opinions known. #mindblowing
      Adriel recently posted..12 Essentials for Your Twenties: Practical advice for 20-somethings (Part 2 of 2)My Profile

      Reply
      • Amanda
        12 April 2019 at 1:48 pm

        Adriel,

        It just baffles me that people defend this. I don’t know if women just don’t understand that their husband gets sexually aroused by looking at women in these outfits, but find it hard to believe that they don’t get it. It’s just bizarre to me.

        Reply
  • Lauren
    14 November 2013 at 7:19 am

    Sooooo well said!! Thanks Chick.

    Reply
  • Sarah
    14 November 2013 at 11:54 am

    I went to a Hooters as a tween (i think…was pretty young) with my family on vacation. I got up and left mid-meal because I thought it was disgusting. I’m pretty sure if 12 year old me knew it was wrong (even though my parents took me there), then it’s not rocket science that it’s not family friendly.

    Thanks for this important post!
    Sarah recently posted..Time for some favorite thingsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Adriel
      14 November 2013 at 12:11 pm

      Wow Sarah, that’s really amazing! Go your 12-year-old self!! I think, sadly, less and less 12-year-olds would bat an eyelash at this sort of thing these days… but that doesn’t mean we should just ignore this stuff and say “what will be, will be!”
      Adriel recently posted..Meet Geena: A young mum shares her breast cancer storyMy Profile

      Reply
    • Beverly Reynolds
      30 December 2016 at 12:05 pm

      Agree!!!!

      Reply
  • Amy
    14 November 2013 at 12:29 pm

    What an amazing blog post, Adriel. Amen and Amen. And thank you so much for saying these words and for saying them SO well.
    Amy recently posted..Thankfulness Project: Day 5My Profile

    Reply
  • Brad
    14 November 2013 at 1:20 pm

    Awesome!

    Reply
  • Brad
    14 November 2013 at 1:32 pm

    You should send this as a letter to the editor of the bulletin.

    Reply
    • Adriel
      14 November 2013 at 3:33 pm

      you know, i didn’t specifically write this to combat our local issue necessarily. it’s just something i’ve been mulling over a lot in general to write about in a broader sense… and then all the ignorant facebook comments just helped me get my butt in gear to actually write something. i wanted to include something on this in my “women empowering women” series that i ran in october… but ran out of time/space/energy to write. so… november it is! 😉
      Adriel recently posted..Every Mother (Really Does) Count | Thoughts on being a know-it-all and changing the worldMy Profile

      Reply
  • Tim
    14 November 2013 at 1:45 pm

    Adriel, it’s sad to contemplate that those restaurants would switch their marketing in a heartbeat if hiring old guys like me to walk around in burlap sacks started pulling in the customers. The owners don’t care about women or men or children. They care about money, plain and simple.

    For those who unfairly criticize your efforts, my advice is non illegitimi carborundum.

    Blessings,
    Tim
    Tim recently posted..Piper and Baucham Mistake Coercion for Obedience (and it’s hurting families)My Profile

    Reply
  • Kate
    14 November 2013 at 9:25 pm

    I am right there with you Adriel! I’ve got no hang ups with the human body. I mean, I’m a surfer and just by default I spend much of my time on the beach in a bikini with two barely dressed (if dressed at all) kids running around, I breastfeed in public on a regular basis and I wear short shorts! But, using the female body to sell things is disgusting and does nothing good for the self image or self worth or protection of any woman. (I’m also a feminist just like you described!)
    Kate recently posted..Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Am I the Most Disorganized Meal Planner of Them All (Help ME!)My Profile

    Reply
    • Bob
      15 November 2013 at 6:42 am

      I wouldn’t want my daughter working at a Hooters any more than I’d want her walking out in public wearing anything that revealing. However, I can’t agree with your stance that it’s okay to go out in public wearing next to nothing, but using it to make money in a controlled environment is wrong. Until women stop applying there and making good money, it’s always going to be around.

      Reply
      • Sheryl
        23 April 2014 at 11:16 am

        I fully agree with you Bob. I wouldn’t want my daughter to work their either or walk out in public like that. Our children see enough with television being half dressed and some nudity on television now. I personally think that if they want to be dressed like that it should be behind closed doors in their own home where everyone in the whole world can’t see them. Not to mention it is very degrading………..

        Reply
        • Jason
          19 July 2014 at 10:08 pm

          Half dressed in shorts and a t-shirt?

          Reply
    • Adriel
      15 November 2013 at 2:43 pm

      thanks for weighing in kate. i definitely think that CONTEXT has to become a part of the discussion.

      surf on, girl. and let those nakey babies have a blast getting covered in sand. x
      Adriel recently posted..Love Yourself – Is that buried within the Greatest Commandment? My Profile

      Reply
  • Sue
    15 November 2013 at 1:24 am

    Absolute truth…. (And, it does make me angry — the women who want to work there and the men who want to go there and the children who have no choice if their parents take them.) … So belittling to women and destructive to family — so sad. This culture values breasts over family?
    How idiotic is that?! Love you, Adriel!

    Reply
    • Adriel
      15 November 2013 at 2:44 pm

      yeah, it’s pretty backwards!

      Reply
  • Nessa
    15 November 2013 at 7:36 am

    Amen.
    Nessa recently posted..an interviewMy Profile

    Reply
  • Tired of feminists
    15 November 2013 at 11:43 am

    Just another feminist, using the same old, ‘I’m not a ( Fill in the blank with appropriate descriptor. ) but….’

    No wonder no one takes feminists seriously, or views them as anything besides the evil little bigots and prudes they are.

    Reply
  • Megan at SortaCrunchy
    15 November 2013 at 2:54 pm

    I don’t have a cogent thought to add to this, but I am cheering and AMENing from Oklahoma. THANK YOU for your powerful words here!
    Megan at SortaCrunchy recently posted..Fit and Festive Challenge!My Profile

    Reply
    • Adriel
      16 November 2013 at 7:58 am

      appreciate the cheerleading megan!! x

      Reply
  • Helen
    15 November 2013 at 10:33 pm

    Thank you for the article and I do totally agree with your points. However, if you are writing to appeal to the Australian public can you use Australian spelling for mum not American.

    By power to you and still the point totally agree. Keep the fight going well done

    Reply
    • Adriel
      17 November 2013 at 12:49 pm

      thanks helen. if i decide to write primarily to a local audience, then yes, i will use australian english. i totally agree!!! for now though, i write as i always do since my readers come from all over the world and know/understand that i’m american living in australia. 🙂 appreciate the constructive feedback very much. x
      Adriel recently posted..A Bazillion Resources and Encouragement for New MomsMy Profile

      Reply
      • Christine
        21 November 2013 at 10:44 pm

        That is a pretty arrogant reply Adriel. You may be American, but in Australia we use Australian English. Not French, German, Italian, nor American English.

        Reply
        • Adriel
          21 November 2013 at 11:14 pm

          I don’t understand Christine. How is writing in my own language arrogant? (This is a genuine question – I’m not trying to be sarcastic.) If I were writing for an Australian publication I would use Australian English, but I’m not. I’m writing on my personal blog so of course am writing in my personal language. (First language, heart language – whatever you’d like to call it.) Not only that but my readers are 70% American and only 8% Australian. I’ve written online on personal blogs for almost a decade in my own language and I can’t see any good reason that I should write as if I’m someone that I’m not.

          From your comment (“we use Australian English here”) I would presume you’d like me to attempt speaking in a fake Australian accent too – while I speak “Australian English”? That would go over well! Ha! I would sound like an absolute train wreck!!! LOL 🙂

          In my previous comment to Helen I told her that she gave constructive feedback that I absolutely agree with (if I am writing to an Australian audience I should use Australian spelling – YES) and I am grateful to her for making the good suggestion. However, I don’t write here to an ‘Australian’ audience. I write to an international audience with a large contingent from the States.
          Adriel recently posted..Are You a Leader or a Manager? | How Leadership Changes Our ParentingMy Profile

          Reply
      • Jason P
        14 July 2014 at 1:43 am

        So you are not even Australian?

        I like how Angela gave a link that basically shows how leftist deal with criticism, by playing one of the following:

        Race Card
        Gender Card
        Sexuality Card

        You are really only interested in feedback that supports your stance.

        But anyway Hooters is going ahead despite the 400 complaints, only a handful actually from local residents, the rest loony activists from other parts of the country and world.

        Reply
        • Adriel
          19 July 2014 at 12:41 pm

          My husband is Australian, my children are Australian, and I’ve lived in Australia for nearly 15 years, thanks. At the time of writing this post, I had lived in Townsville for six years. I’d say I have a vested interest in what goes on in the city.

          But if you took the time to read the entire post, you’d see that it’s not one local restaurant I have a problem with. It’s the objectification of women perpetuated by Hooters and other establishments that I have a problem with.
          Adriel recently posted..Among the fields of gold (Losing my baby in Italy)My Profile

          Reply
          • Jason
            19 July 2014 at 10:06 pm

            Again you just decide to make out those who refuse to agree with your position must be uneducated or ill informed or did not read the whole post or have comprehension problems, pretty standard stuff for lefty feminists.

            Hooters got up because it is the right thing, the people have spoken you lost, Burrows lost and Collective Shout lost.

            You don’t have to like it but its reality, perhaps you are understanding the majority do not accept the extreme application of the feminist agenda.

            Accept that men are attracted to women’s bodies and women to men’s, trying to fight that is crazy, natural lust or objectification? Its subjective.

  • eefoley
    15 November 2013 at 10:45 pm

    Couldn’t agree more. Thanks for putting into words what many feel and believe. As someone passionate about seeing sex-slavery end, the hearts of people toward women and their value needs to change. It starts with the little things. =)

    Reply
  • Chad
    16 November 2013 at 5:05 pm

    Thank you Adriel! Excellent, articulate and essential.

    Reply
  • Pick of the Clicks 11/16/13 | bronwyn's corner
    17 November 2013 at 7:51 am

    […] Booker’s piece on how breasturants like Hooters are degrading women was right on the money. And sheesh, it’s amazing how much abuse women get for standing up for […]

    Reply
  • Warren
    17 November 2013 at 10:19 am

    its quite simple really, if you dont like it, dont go there. If you dont like the conditions of the contract, dont work there. Im sure you have never batted your eyes, or used your feminine guile to get your way from a male? Get a grip. Ive been to hooters on the gold coast, for my girlfriends birthday. It was tasteful and fun and nothing like what people like you have made out that the place is like. It was no different than any other middle class restaurant as far as the dress code goes, heck women dress more provocatively just going to the shopping centre or for a night on the town.. Could this article be fabricated out of jealousy??

    Reply
    • Adriel
      17 November 2013 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Warren. First of all, thank you for voicing your pro-Hooters opinion without being rude about it. That’s a scarcity, unfortunately, but it makes for better conversation.

      I think I addressed the “if you don’t like it, just don’t go there” issue in my post as well as I could (without turning this into a lengthy thesis dissertation!), but basically my belief is that it’s not just about choosing not to work there or visit there personally, it’s about what this type of place (along with many others) does to perpetuate the overall idea that women are the sum value of their sex appeal. Sure, I can keep my kids away from a restaurant that I don’t approve of, but that doesn’t address the bigger societal issues I’m getting at here. And to me, those are the issues that need addressing. Hooters is just a part of that.

      As far as being no different from other middle class restaurants like you mentioned, well… that’s a bit far fetched to suggest. It’s pretty rare that a restaurant classifies themselves as a “concept based on sex appeal” (Hooters’ words, not mine) and then turns around to try and play itself off as a “normal” family restaurant.

      And lastly, no, there is not an iota of jealously in me. (But you’re just going to have to take my word on that one because nothing I can do or say will be able to “prove” that.) Jealousy as a motive for writing this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Again, I’m pretty sure I stated my reasons quite bluntly already!

      Thanks again for taking the time to comment and weigh in your opinion on this hot topic!

      Reply
      • Warren
        18 November 2013 at 11:07 am

        What ever happened to the phrase live and let live. If someone else wants to do something that you dont like, what gives you the right to tell them they cant do it, or go to massive lengths to try to stop it, such as writing a blog on a website.
        Unfortunately this world has become a mess due to the pathetic political correctness of people like yourself. Because of the so called do gooders, we cant discipline children in fear of prosecution. A smack on the bum never hurt us when we were growing up and we learned how to have respect for others. that is missing these days, and its all due to “do gooders” voicing their opinion, when they should sometimes just butt out. This restaurant brand is harmless, and seriously has nothing to do with you. If a woman wants to flaunt what she has, why shouldnt she be allowed to and get paid for it. its harmless. Perhaps your time would be much better spent getting on the band wagon of something much more important. You are making a mountain out of a molehill.

        Give it a rest and let people make their own choices, and stop ramming your so called “do gooder” opinion down everyones throat.
        We have the right to make our own choices, what makes you the one to make our choices for us? we already have dictaors in our parliment, we dont need your opinion rammed down our throats.

        Reply
        • Adriel
          21 November 2013 at 11:19 pm

          Warren, ramming? Down your throat?? I’m speechless. But probably not for the reasons you’re thinking. LOL.

          I do find it amusing that you think writing a post on my personal blog is “going to massive lengths”. I thought perhaps it a very small offering and actually wondered if I should be doing more. 🙂
          Adriel recently posted..Are You a Leader or a Manager? | How Leadership Changes Our ParentingMy Profile

          Reply
    • Christine
      21 November 2013 at 10:53 pm

      No, Warren, it is more the far right religions pushing their agenda. They want us to go back to the early 1900’s. I agree with you, don’t go to Hooters, nor work there if you think it’s offensive. People can only be exploited if they LET themselves be exploited. Personally I think that the new churches (like the AOG) are exploiting their congregation by forcing them to pay 10% of their income, regardless if they can afford to do so or not!

      Reply
      • Adriel
        21 November 2013 at 11:23 pm

        This is what you have to contribute Christine? –> “People can only be exploited if they LET themselves be exploited.”

        ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

        I guess then African-American slaves let themselves be exploited, and indigenous Australians, and Native Americans, and sweat shop workers, children trafficked into the sex trade, and….. need I go on??
        Adriel recently posted..Are You a Leader or a Manager? | How Leadership Changes Our ParentingMy Profile

        Reply
        • Jason P
          14 July 2014 at 1:49 am

          I bet you think all prostitution is sex slavery and trafficking too, no woman could ever willingly enter prostitution right?

          That despite the fact that most actually do, and the majority of trafficking is for manual labour not sex work.

          Feminists like to link normal prostitution to trafficking and child prostitution in order to get a more emotional response.

          They lie about the facts just as sure as Somaly Mam did, as she has been exposed as fake, yet feminists will just say the end justifies the means and its ok that she lied.

          Reply
  • Liz Mallory
    18 November 2013 at 7:44 am

    Love this. Thank you thank you thank you!

    “Let’s also work for a world in which women are valued for more than giving men a reason to salivate.”

    It puts it all into context when you realize that humanitarian aid organizations have realized that the woman is the one to help in order to help a family and a community. The model of humanitarian organizations these days is centered around this idea: that if you feed a woman, you feed her children; if you educate her, you educate her children; if you give her a loan, she will use it to build a sustainable business so she can better care for her children. Women are central to impacting the third world…why do we think the first world will be different?
    Liz Mallory recently posted..Real Stories, Part IMy Profile

    Reply
    • Adriel
      19 November 2013 at 8:41 pm

      EXACTLY Liz. Exactly.
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      Reply
    • Jason P
      14 July 2014 at 1:52 am

      The main purpose of this is to hurt men, its bias, and its dangerous, if you fail to aid the men and give it all to the women then that will encourage men to take it off the women by violence if necessary. This is exactly what feminism wants, as it can then demonize men.

      You may think you know what feminism is about but its not equality, its is Marxist Lesbian dogma, and it’s objective is destruction of heterosexual norms and the destruction of the hetero family unit. Pure and simple, hetero women who buy into it are just useful idiots to the real agenda.

      Reply
      • Samantha
        19 July 2014 at 1:35 pm

        Hi Jason,

        Something that you said caught my attention, and wanted to address it (whether your read this eventually or not is out of my hands)

        For you to say that “the main purpose of this is to hurt men” is preposterous. I think Adriel’s heart behind this entire article is to show value to men AND women. I would never support a restaurant where men need to sign contracts such as this, nor exploit their bodies and pretend to be ok with it, which is why I don’t support a restaurant that does the same for women.

        If you read more of Adriel’s writing, rather than *part* of this article, you’ll realize that she sees extreme value in men AND women, and doesn’t want one elevated above the other, rather for us to see each other as equal (since when did this become such an evil idea?)

        Perhaps you’ve been offended or hurt by a women who subscribes to that sort of feminism before, and if that’s the case I’m truly sorry. But I can guarantee you that Adriel does not line up with the type of person you’re describing. Hopefully you can take some time to read a bit more before you make a judgement like that again.

        And also- I’m not a useful idiot 🙂

        Reply
        • Adriel
          19 July 2014 at 6:45 pm

          *slow clapping* over here Samantha. 🙂
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          Reply
        • Jason
          19 July 2014 at 9:52 pm

          Indeed a useful idiot is what you are, the idea of giving ONLY women aid is sexist, biased and dangerous as I stated.

          I suggest you try actually seeing how these NGO’s and UN programs work on the group in the real world as I have.

          Now, typical of a feminist mantra you look for a convenient answer to dismiss my opinion because I have been burnt by a feminist or western female. This is quite impossible as I would not and have not ever been involved with a western or white female, they have become toxic due to feminism. my wife is a non white non feminist so you are drawing on a dry well there.

          Also the response that people are uniformed or uneducated because they fail to support your concept is also another leftist feminist response, and is just venting on your behalf.

          Feminism is not about equality, it is a great time to be a non-feminist now as the world is waking up and men and lots of women are now pushing back against feminism, its a dying dogma and is not about equality at all now but rather female supremacy.

          Cheers

          Reply
      • Adriel
        19 July 2014 at 6:53 pm

        Yes, yes you’re right. The whole point of this post is to “hurt men.” What a cleverly masked piece I’ve written here – who cares about the women that I spent most of my time focusing on! my real objective is to “demonize men,” OBVIOUSLY. Thank you for taking the time to read my words with such care, humility, and thoughtfulness.

        Reply
        • Jason
          19 July 2014 at 9:56 pm

          Sarcasm is the lowest form of whit. The point was about the UN/Feminist agenda to aid only women, the sexism in this and the concept that a woman will care for her family better than a male is palpable.

          If we reversed the genders in any of this feminist propaganda there would be an outrage, just look at Saveourboys hastag or the “Don’t be that girl” campaign against false rape accusers, this hypocritical position shows why the dogma of feminism is a false equality.

          Reply
          • Adriel
            19 July 2014 at 10:13 pm

            Jason, I find it amazing (seriously) that you would call the initiatives to empower girls and women coming out of the UN and other aid agencies sexist, and that you would challenge the notion that women statistically take better care of their families. The evidence is there (overwhelmingly!!!) and I’m not sure how you think it can be that slanted that it’s misrepresenting.

            For the record, I personally don’t believe that empowering women should be at odds with treating men with the care they deserve equally as humans. My belief is that when we are acting in ways honoring to people, no one is left out. It should never be one at the expense of another, but sadly, women throughout history have been on the wrong side of the equation. Thankfully the world is now waking up to these injustices and working to bring change so that ALL people are treated with the kindness, care, and opportunity they deserve.
            Adriel recently posted..It’s time we do away with the “clueless dad” stereotypeMy Profile

          • Jason
            19 July 2014 at 11:00 pm

            You want to talk statistics? 70% of Divorces are initiated by women, 70% of domestic violence is initiated by women.

            Just ask Erin Pizzey.

          • Angela
            20 July 2014 at 1:58 am

            Jason – I am sorry you have been hurt by a woman – unless there is another reason why you are so bitter and hate other women so much. I am also accepting (but very surprised) that your current wife is ok with you looking at other women’s breasts. But not everyone agrees with your views nor should we have to. And other people have a different analysis of Domestic Violence which you constantly make comment about!!!

            The legislation specifically states that someone has to be scared of another’s actions for actions to be considered violence and it also states that there has to be significant harm or risk of significant harm – it is a fact that women are more likely to be scared of men and that men are more likely to cause significant harm!!! I work in a DV service and I assist men to increase their safety too. BUT the majority of men I speak with when asked the question “were you scared of her?” will answer with NO.

            Respect our rights to have a different opinion to you and we will respect your rights to be bitter and twisted and nasty for the rest of your life.

          • Jason
            20 July 2014 at 5:33 am

            Sorry ladies but I have not been hurt by any woman, STOP looking for convenient excuses to dismiss opinion that is in opposition to your own.

            Angela your response was just pathetic, claiming fear is a common tactic used by feminist to make it seem that the man is always the threat, it matters not, the game is up, the whole lie of feminism is going to come crashing down. The truth about how feminism hijacked the Domestic violence (industry) is common knowledge, i.e. Erin Pizzey (google her).

            Stop the lies and there may be hope for you, stop thinking others are bitter. Women like the ones on here will not have much to worry about, only 19% of women are feminists nowadays, and its rapidly declining, look up Women Against Feminism on Facebook 🙂 And men are refusing to marry feminists, so marriage rates are rapidly falling in the West.

            Not sure about the comment about my wife, but if she did stop me from looking at breast that would be OPPRESSION of my sexuality, you do realise that just because you marry a man DOES NOT mean you OWN him, that works both was.

            Enjoy your sad like as feminists, a footnote in history.

        • Jason
          19 July 2014 at 10:58 pm

          Yes it is sexist, how dare you say one gender is better than another, men take care of their families, work, fight and die to protect them.

          Absolute hypocrite.

          The world is changing, people are rejecting all this politically correctness, minority groups, activists for any agenda, false equality issues (yeah men must sit to pee, feminist activism at work).

          Be feminist if you want but you cannot make people especially men buy into it wholesale, the more feminism looks for crazy agenda to promote, as real issues have run out, the more you turn people against you.

          Men simple will refuse to:

          1. Marry western/white or feminist females.
          2. Stay single or marry foreign women not infected with 2nd and 3rd wave false feminism.
          3. Work less hours if single and therefore pay less taxes to support the “independent” women who now leech of their new father/husband that is the state.

          We will just not support it, we will destroy the system, why? Because you refuse to understand the hypocrisy of feminism.

          When women are doing bad at school its “patriarchy” but when men and boys do bad at school or refuse to man up and marry some feminist harpy its because we are lazy or misogynists or irresponsible.

          Sorry but exposing feminism for what it has become is all to easy thanks to its own lies and hypocrisy.

          Thankfully women are turning away from it in droves.

          Reply
          • Angela
            20 July 2014 at 2:11 am

            Hey Jason – why would an educated woman who does not want to be treated like an object want to marry someone like you anyway! Your post here is pointless!

          • Tim
            20 July 2014 at 7:48 am

            “Yes it is sexist, how dare you say one gender is better than another”

            Jason, where did someone say one gender is better than the other, here? I must have missed that.
            Tim recently posted..Sunday School – One is all you needMy Profile

        • Jason
          20 July 2014 at 5:39 am

          Angela said:

          “Hey Jason – why would an educated woman who does not want to be treated like an object want to marry someone like you anyway! Your post here is pointless!”

          A man like me? One who opposes the hypocrisy of feminism, true feminism that you actually seem to know only a fraction about or you are denying the anti-male hatred in feminism as just “radicals”.

          Don’t come the uneducated personal rant or claim women don’t want me, I have lots of western women telling me how angry they are that they cannot get a man, and men like me are marrying foreign women.

          Opposing feminism does not mean you oppose women.

          Not all women are feminists and not all feminists are women 🙂

          The average western female is not that good compared to others available, so its hardly a case of men not being able to get these western women, far from it, rather we don’t want you, and foreign men don’t want you either, hence the plethora of single women and single mothers in the west.

          Western women are easy to get if you have low standards and enjoy a woman who thinks being nasty is being empowered 🙂

          Reply
        • Jason
          20 July 2014 at 5:45 am

          Angela this comment shows you are actually the bitter one.

          “Respect our rights to have a different opinion to you and we will respect your rights to be bitter and twisted and nasty for the rest of your life.”

          I don’t hate any women, not even feminist western/white women, but that does not mean I will stop showing men why they should not ever be with these women, you try shaming men that to reject feminism is some sort of new age SIN or a form of hatred, its not, feminism is an ideology not a biology.

          Reply
        • Jason
          20 July 2014 at 5:51 am

          “The legislation specifically states that someone has to be scared of another’s actions for actions to be considered violence and it also states that there has to be significant harm or risk of significant harm – it is a fact that women are more likely to be scared of men and that men are more likely to cause significant harm!!! I work in a DV service and I assist men to increase their safety too. BUT the majority of men I speak with when asked the question “were you scared of her?” will answer with NO.”

          Complete rubbish, violence is violence, funny how feminists have infiltrated the system and tried writing such rubbish into legislation, specifically to be against men, feminism is 100% biased against men, it just makes it easier to turn people against feminism 🙂

          Infact women are far more likely to use weapons and do lethal harm.

          But you believe whatever you like, the world is turning against feminism, its gone to far but just cannot stop itself, problem is they never banked on men having a choice, complete rejection of feminism and the women born into its system in the West. You cannot make men marry or support you or support feminism, and the fact is the vast majority of men and women DO NOT support it.

          Feminism is just a sort of loner loser cult now.

          Reply
        • Jason
          20 July 2014 at 11:09 am

          “Jason, where did someone say one gender is better than the other, here? I must have missed that.”

          Tim read back through Adriel’s comments, she stated women take better care of a family than men, yet if we were to point out men are the better leaders of families and society, it would be deemed sexist.

          Reply
          • Tim
            20 July 2014 at 1:11 pm

            Jason, I went through the comments looking for such statements but didn’t find any. Can you point me to a specific comment, please?
            Tim recently posted..Sunday School – One is all you needMy Profile

          • Jason
            5 May 2015 at 12:12 am

            “Jason, I find it amazing (seriously) that you would call the initiatives to empower girls and women coming out of the UN and other aid agencies sexist, and that you would challenge the notion that women statistically take better care of their families. The evidence is there (overwhelmingly!!!) and I’m not sure how you think it can be that slanted that it’s misrepresenting.”

            WOMEN STATISTICALLY TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES.

            learn to read Tim.

  • Lisa @bitesforbabies
    18 November 2013 at 11:04 am

    Well said…I really don’t think there’s anymore that you can add to this post!!! You’re right, our society has become way too desensitized!!

    Reply
  • Kathryn
    19 November 2013 at 3:55 am

    Adriel, thank you for writing this. A few years ago, my then 9yo asked me, “Mom, why don’t we eat at Hooters.” A fabulous conversation ensued. As much as I don’t want my girls to be objectified by places like Hooters, I want my boys to see women as human beings and not just an object to lust after. There should be equal respect on both sides and establishments like Hooters do nothing except further exploit the beauty of womanhood in the worst of ways. The fact that we’ve become more and more desensitized to that reality really bothers me, too.

    Reply
    • Adriel
      19 November 2013 at 8:37 pm

      I think it’s great that you don’t just hide this stuff from your kids. Obviously we want exposure limited for All The Reasons 🙂 but when it does come up (as it will!) I hope I will be able to gracefully guide my boys through similar discussions like you’ve done.

      Reply
  • Nina
    21 November 2013 at 12:03 am

    Thank you! Look, I’m not a prude. I’m all about people getting their thing on, doing whatever works in the bedroom. I get dressed up and sexy. But Hooters? Not a fan. I hate how it’s so one-sided. How it’s okay to bring KIDS to these places as if it’s okay. That we’re idealizing one type of physique and exploiting it. That women go there thinking they’re different from other women because they’re okay with it; that they’re “one of the guys” (please).
    Nina recently posted..7 children’s books about ThanksgivingMy Profile

    Reply
  • Heather
    24 November 2013 at 12:24 pm

    (Big Chuckle) So, I am an Ex-Hooters girl. I normally do not have an opportunity to chat about it. I was 18, very curvy, blonde, a size 6, DD and full of personality. I was considered ( at a size 6 ) to be on the heavier side. I remember when the manager and I went over my application and he asked me what size shorts I needed, my response was “large”. I laugh today at the response as I was not large. He told me that if I needed a size large I was should not be applying. GULP. My ever so grand confidence shrank. Now, this is only my experience at one Hooters. I was one of about 16 fatherless women working there. Some of us had a dad, but more like the…. see ya never, divorced from the mom kind. A few had a step dad that was their same age. The majority just plane had sad stories of their home life growing up. A few girls, the older ones that were in their late 20’s ran the place and the chance that I was EVER going to talk to them was zero. These were the career Hooters gals. I was fresh meet and over 10 years younger and was considered competition. I met my husband during this season of my life, at a different bar. He thought it was cool to bring his friends in for wings…..for about 5 minutes that is. I soon after convinced that guy to put a ring on my finger and so I quit Hooters and found Christ..became a missionary (YWAM) and live a life for JC now. But, I am going to chalange the few of you that read this. Jesus ministered to a (famous to us today) prostitute. Back in my Hooters days I was desperate to know that I mattered. I was an American kid that grew up never hearing the gospel. Never being invited to church, the forgotten middle as I call us. The kids out there that have barely scraping by economically challenged homes. The ones that don’t need a hand out, but DESPERATELY need someone to show them the love of Jesus. I had a lot of ‘love’ but none of it was of Jesus. Fight like a warrior to keep sin out of your homes, cities and relationships, and when a Hooters pops up in your hood, I dare you to pray around it. Go inside of it and drink a beer and pray over the girls and men that are working in there. I needed prayer, I needed someone to stand in the gap for me. I needed you to share your story with me about how Christ changed your life. Share you story with a Hooters girl today! Much love out there to my bros and sisters in Christ and more love to those who have never heard of the man that changed my heritage, and re-created me. Jesus.

    Reply
    • Addy
      4 December 2013 at 1:13 am

      I like your perspective Heather. Adriel, you have done a great job of advocating against Hooters. You have brought up many good points, I do hope though that Heather has challenged you to be the feminist you claim to be and keep advocating for the women who will work there if the restaurant does go through. I don’t know how committed you are to the endeavor; unlike your friend Warren I don’t think writing a blog post is an extreme effort and you mentioned yourself that you wondered if you should do more. If Heather gives us an accurate representation of the women who will work there, which from my own life experience I would say she does, then those women need your help and effort and advocacy more than anyone else. Of course they may want it the least of anyone. So this could be an undertaking that requires far more tact and love than anything else. I want to wish you well and I hope we will be seeing much more about this on your blog but from more of a W.W.J.D. (You must remember those little bracelets we all wore…) Perspective.

      Reply
    • Adriel
      18 December 2013 at 10:08 pm

      Heather, I LOVED hearing from you so much!! Thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m super blessed, and know others reading will be as well.

      THIS sums it up: “Back in my Hooters days I was desperate to know that I mattered.” YES YES YES, I hear you loud and clear and I agree that young women are crying out to know this. I pray that I will have open eyes to see how I can love others well – definitely including Hooters girls! 🙂

      Thanks again for taking the time to write out your story. It’s so powerful and inspiring! xo
      Adriel recently posted..Are You a Leader or a Manager? | How Leadership Changes Our ParentingMy Profile

      Reply
  • Gabby
    26 November 2013 at 8:40 am

    Well said my dear! As a very heterosexual female, I don’t appreciate having to view half naked women just as a heterosexual guy would not like having to view other half naked men. Don’t go there you say…OK…but then I am viewed as a prude. Not fair! I just returned from Vegas where now almost every casino has a “party pit” where your female dealer wears a skimpy outfit and others dance around you. Seriously now a girl can’t even play 3 card without T & A in your face! No way a straight dude would watch other dudes dance while he was trying to gamble. Why are women subjected to this? And why do we accept it? I won’t and wish if you feel the same way I do, please don’t join in like it is ok. As for my boyfriend…could care less if he checks out other women…he is his own person. Seriously! I am all about fun, but this is not fun if you are straight!

    Reply
  • Venitta
    1 December 2013 at 10:21 pm

    loved your article and i totally agree with you.

    Reply
  • Reena
    18 December 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Thank you for pointing this matter out. I agree with you. It is a sad situation. It is our duty as women to point this matters out for the next generation to learn and not to think that this restaurants are ok.

    Reply
  • Morag
    19 February 2014 at 9:41 pm

    I am one of the group that are fighting to keep Hooters out of Townsville and particularly out of an area where 84% of all Townsville assaults occur. Sometimes I feel as if the decision has already been made and there is no use fighting, but thank you for the encouragement to continue in the struggle. The Hooters owner came to our meeting and chanted the ‘family friendly’ mantra. How sad that photos of big ‘hootered’ women bending down to serve your family their fries and healthy salads are classed as ‘Family friendly’. More importantly, how sad that these girls find their value only in the lustful desires of men. Our Townsville women are worth more than that…. So I guess I will write another letter to the licensing board and maybe we can chip away at the Hooters resolve! Thanks Adriel

    Reply
  • Katie
    24 February 2014 at 3:23 pm

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS!!! It sickens me, that I’m growing up in a world that would be willing to condone this kind of BS. Thank you so much for standing up to this and YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!

    Reply
  • Alana
    26 March 2014 at 2:59 am

    Completely agreed with everything that you said, but can I add one thing…the food is unpalatable. After eating there, (only because I was starving while shopping and other places had long waits) I will never go back!

    Reply
  • Chris
    13 April 2014 at 9:31 am

    What a fabulous article. I have been feeling this way since I was a young girl. I am a huge advocate for women and I hate seeing women be accepted in society because they fit some image that is pleasant for shallow men. Thanks for sharing such a profound article.

    Reply
  • Barbara Jacobsen
    28 May 2014 at 10:54 pm

    It is not just Hooters….it is Twin Peaks and Tilted Kilt and Redneck Heaven and Bikini’s and Sugars and the other 100’s new breastaurants popping up daily….soon there will be no restaurants to go to unless they have near naked women. And with each one that opens up they are wearing less than the one before. I do not understand the mentality of women being ok with their boyfriends, husbands, etc. going there and oogling the young girls…..seriously…..why are you ok with this? Guys used to get turned on when their wives or girlfriends would dress up in lingerie for them, now it is no big deal because he can walk in one of these places and see 20 women in lingerie waiting on them, serving them beer and flirting. Why do men even need girlfriends…..oh wait, they don’t. What are these girls going to do when they turn 30, want to get married and have families but all the guys are still panting after the forever 20 years olds that will always be there, waiting for them with a beer.

    Reply
    • Jason P
      14 July 2014 at 2:03 am

      So its the competition you fear?

      Reply
      • Kayla
        11 April 2019 at 1:53 pm

        Jason, I’ve been reading what you said (four later), and, AS A WOMAN, CHRISTIAN, AND CURRENT HOOTERS GIRL, I agree 100%. Women are free to do whatever they want with their bodies however they please. If they didn’t want to be ogled by men, who are really just admiring them which I view as a compliment, they don’t have to work there. If you want want yourself or kids to see our gorgeous bods that are most like 100 times better than yours (sparking the jealousy…), DON’T GO THERE. It’s quite simple, really. You act like you’re a perfect angel, looking out for the women who don’t want the sex life, but think about it–if they didn’t want it, would they work there? If you live somewhere big enough for a Hooters, it’s big enough for plenty of other work options too. Apply somewhere else for Christ’s sale! No one is forcing you to dress in their cute tank/crop tops, nor is anyone asking you to style your hair and wear ass-flaunting shorts. Oh wait, unless YOU decide to work there. Adriel, you’re advocating as a feminist, as am I. Women should have equal rights as men, and Hooters does just that. If men can work at a strip club, why can’t women work at Hooters? It’s as simple as that–they can! This is a choice, and if someone wants to live their life being constantly lifted up and praised by men (something you’ll never be), who are you to judge or tell them otherwise. People won’t, nor should they change based on YOUR beliefs, but maybe they’ll switch sides to the more open belief–the belief that everyone (at least in America) has the right to FREEDOM, including freedom of dress, freedom of speech, freedom of work, and the the freedom to have sex with any customer who walks through the doors. Also, you seem to like to attack people from behind a screen when they oppose their opinion, but that’s exactly what a blog is–an opinion. Don’t attempt to reprimand people for commenting on your post when they’re doing the same stuff as you, stating their opinions. If you truly cared, you would step out from behind your screen separating you from the real world and actually try to make a difference, but you can’t seem to do that. Jason, Warren, Brian, and others, thank YOU for sharing your opinion (just like Adriel over here). Even if some people don’t value it, I certainly do 😉

        Reply
  • brian
    13 July 2014 at 7:24 pm

    its a mans world, get use to it. you old prune

    Reply
  • brian
    13 July 2014 at 7:56 pm

    guys like going there not just to look but to talk to the beautiful women. my poor brother dosent ever talk to women cause of his social issues but he talks to hooters girls cause they sit at your table to have a nice chat with you. there not just servers/entertainers but relationship builders.and thats why men like to go there. to feel good about themselfs. the girls get good tips working there. alot better tips then working at a chilles or olive garden. hey if women wanna have a restaurant with hot guys wearing man thongs being waiters, then by all means go for it. i wouldnt go there but i wouldnt care about having one in town

    Reply
  • Greg Canning
    14 July 2014 at 7:46 am

    The dictionary definition of “feminism” does not reflect reality. Feminism is a political movement whose simple aim is increase women’s power regardless of the consequences. in many circumstances and places this is a reasonable objective, but the objective does not end with equality ( however you care to define it).

    It is feminism that promoted and promotes promiscuity, freedom of sexual expression (often condemning those who argue for modesty (slut walks for example) , and one of the stated aims of feminism ,still preached in women’s studies and social science courses is the destruction of the family unit ( as the key patriarchal oppressive institution).

    It is women who expose themselves, competing with other women, influenced by the women who profit from exposing themselves in the media, music etc. now largely controlled by women editors producers ,

    women could stop this is they wanted but they appear not to want to, they even spend billions on plastic surgically enhanced sexuality.

    Fortunately the younger generation of men are starting to understand the fraud of feminism , and eventuality it will be replaced with a true movement toward human equity that celebrates individuals and their diversity.

    check this out

    Reply
    • Adriel
      19 July 2014 at 10:26 pm

      Greg, I think this young guy has some good thoughts, but his basic premise is one I disagree with – that feminism is a political belief – so I can’t really get into what he’s saying. (I only watched the first few minutes, so not sure what he says later on.) I understand why he (and you?) would think that you can apply that sort of presumption on feminism as a whole – I really do. But there are many MANY feminists out there (myself included) that view feminism as advocating for women and girls in regards to injustices that have hindered for generations upon generations of women.

      This is not a political belief of mine – it is primarily a moral belief, a faith-based belief, and a humanitarian belief. Obviously politics factor into the legislation of HOW we will treat women in regards to issues of injustice. But my beliefs are convictions of conscience first and foremost. I feel like the angry, man-bashing feminism you’re describing is still out there, but it doesn’t represent the majority of those of us who feel strongly that women and girls need advocates and working to create a platform for them and for change. And I said this in another comment above, but it bears repeating:

      “I personally don’t believe that empowering women should be at odds with treating men with the care they deserve equally as humans. My belief is that when we are acting in ways honoring to people, no one is left out. It should never be one at the expense of another, but sadly, women throughout history have been on the wrong side of the equation. Thankfully the world is now waking up to these injustices and working to bring change so that ALL people are treated with the kindness, care, and opportunity they deserve.”

      I think by and large most modern feminists would agree with me. There is no man-hating, no trying to one-up men, and no trying to overpower men. What today’s feminists want is for girls and women to have the opportunity to thrive and succeed in life, just as they were created to do.
      Adriel recently posted..Why I share about the hard stuff (And the power of story)My Profile

      Reply
  • caroline
    19 July 2014 at 5:46 pm

    Sending thanks and solidarity, Adriel and Morag and others, for your efforts in Townsville. Please keep up the fight and don’t be put off by Canning and the other apes. Campaigns like yours are valuable blueprints for the rest of us when breasturants come to our areas. Would love to read updates on the campaign as you progress.

    Reply
    • Greg Canning
      19 July 2014 at 7:40 pm

      Well done “Caroline” when you have no counter argument good old name calling will do hey?

      Reply
  • Adriel
    20 July 2014 at 9:36 pm

    PLEASE NOTE:

    You are free to write opposing comments, but please know I’m under no obligation to keep your comments published. I will delete any comments that I wish to and will not hesitate to “block user” here on my PERSONAL sight if I want to.
    Adriel recently posted..It’s time we do away with the “clueless dad” stereotypeMy Profile

    Reply
  • jesse cage
    17 August 2014 at 8:10 am

    As a former Hooters girl I had to roll my eyes only a few sentences into your inane rant. First, we’re not self classified as an adult entertainment venue. Second, you have to be at least 18 years old to work there. After that I stopped reading because I knew what lay ahead. Another feminist rant from an undersexed prude who’s ashamed of their body and embarrassed at the fact that they have breasts.

    Reply
    • Tim
      18 August 2014 at 4:29 pm

      Jesse, if you had read the rest of the post you’d have seen that your assumptions don’t pan out.

      Reply
    • Credibility Check
      24 March 2015 at 10:06 pm

      Ms. Cage is correct to question the statements made by the blog’s author, Adriel, as fact. Basic fact checking would reveal that Hooters Corporation does NOT classify itself as an adult entertainment venue. The label was suggested by an organization opposing the Hooter’s chain, but was struck down by an elected municipal judge. The second quote from the FORMER spokesperson Raechel Holtgrave is particular suspect. Her tenure with Hooter’s ended an entire month before she is quoted by the media source as an official spokesperson. (This fact checking took less than five minutes and was conducted by reviewing openly available resources to ALL INTERNET users, including the neglectful author.

      Before Jesse Cage shared her personal assumptions, she validly conveyed the point that to be an effective persuaded of opinion, one must be CREDIBLE. Parroting / sloppily interpreting incorrect popular press sources as a basis for a logical argument, without cross checking FACTS, simply lacks the rigor that should be demanded prior to publication.

      Reply
      • Adriel Booker
        12 April 2015 at 7:53 pm

        I did fact check before I published the post, thanks.

        Reply
  • Paul
    6 November 2014 at 9:43 pm

    I’m still missing exactly what is wrong.

    Women are dressed scantily at Hooters to show off their bodies. This objectifies women. And it makes the world understand that they are only important for their bodies, is this correct?

    Is this any different than NFL players? They are only prized for what their bodies can do. The world understands that they are only important for their bodies. Are you against NFL players? All sports?

    Or are you saying that it is different for women – who have, in the past, been considered to be property – only valued for their bodies – and so the Hooters costumes perpetuate that stereotype?

    And so that perpetuated stereotype will lead to… what, exactly?

    Are you saying that the way Hooters women dress leads to more rape? Lower wages for women? Women not being taken seriously as scientists? Women not being taken seriously as CEOs?

    Are not bodies beautiful? Should they never be displayed in public? Should women’s bodies be completely covered up in public – like the Hijab?

    Is it the problem that capitalism exploits beautiful bodies? Like movies and TV? Like all advertising? Is it only a problem when women’s bodies are exploited by capitalism and not men’s bodies? Because it perpetuates a stereotype which leads to objectification of women which means… fewer women CEOs? Fewer women computer programers? Fewer women managers?

    My Mom (now 85) was a feminist during the days of the ERA. She fought for equal wages, breaking the glass ceiling, and respect. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. My aunt died of alcoholism from being forced by society to give up her business career to start a family.

    Are you saying that Hooter’s girls wearing scanty outfits takes the world back to those times?

    My sister (now 62) fought her way up the ladder. She is now CFO of large charity. She wore only male-style tailored suits and straight hair so that she would be taken seriously.

    Should all women wear male-style tailored suits all the time? Should Hooters waitresses wear male-style tailored suits? Does Erin Brokovitch need to wear male-style tailored suits?

    What do I see when I see a Hooters waitress? I see a woman with a beautiful body working as a waitress.

    Are you saying that because she is dressed that way that I will assume that she’s dumb? That she should be my property? That she should be treated (because of the way she is dressed) as deserving of less respect? Because, oh gosh, I certainly don’t think that way.

    In an ideal world, shouldn’t people have the freedom to wear what they want, do what they want, work for whoever they want to work for? Shouldn’t Erin Brokovitch be allowed to dress in sexy outfits as a lawyer if she wants to?

    Or are you saying that Hooters is forcing women to under-dress? That these women can’t get jobs elsewhere, and their pitiable place in society is being used by Hooters to sell product? Is that any different than anyone working a shit job because they need the money? Is that any different than an NFL player throwing themselves out there because they need the money?

    Reply
  • Sherri
    27 December 2014 at 4:26 pm

    Thank-you, Ariel. I am writing from America and I whole-heartily agree with you. Sorry Jason, I do not see the same way with your thoughts, I think their is a beauty to women that is deeper that perhaps you haven’t thought of or seen yet. I think women as a whole have a tendency to see it easier, because we are the ones at risk to be seen as value sexually instead of being seen as value of the whole person God created us as women to be. There is much more to us than the sexual appeal, there is true friendship, true companionship, to be a true team member to help our husbands in the day-to-day challenges life brings all our ways, to distribute good to our husbands, and to others. To be an emotional safe and secure place long-term that our husbands can count on us being there for them. A place for them to know a deep and steadfast love and real caring. I understand where Heather is coming from, and I appreciate her post, however, as I told someone else, I do not think there needs to be a Hooter’s or like Hooter’s restaurant to share Jesus with them, these people already live in our towns, shop with us at our stores, etc. We can already be aware to look for people who can use our caring, and share the great hope of Jesus to them, and pray for these people to cross our paths if we might miss seeing them ourselves.

    Reply
    • Erik
      3 March 2016 at 1:59 pm

      Thanks Paul. I 100% agree.

      Reply
  • Nobody
    22 January 2015 at 7:42 pm

    Obnoxious self-entitled cunts like you are what is wrong with modern women.

    Reply
  • Dad is a dirty old man
    24 February 2015 at 5:15 am

    My dad loves to visit these establishments, and invited along my brother and husband. I’ve always disagreed with them, and it makes me sick to even try to “live and let live”. I don’t care so much about my brother and father, but it really makes a woman feel unloved, less beautiful, and less important, even though as wives we should feel the opposite, right? Saying, I don’t care what my dad and brother do really is untrue also, it really makes me hurt that they value women at such a degrading level.

    Can anyone give me the reverse opinion on what it would feel like to someone else if I visited a scantily dressed man restaurant? It’s so ridicioulous obsurd that it’s hard to reverse the situation. I realize there are places for women to go, but few and far between because most women aren’t comfortable with that and have no desire to participate in something like that. How embarassing to be caught in such a place!

    Reply
    • Adriel Booker
      16 December 2015 at 4:42 pm

      I’m so sorry, I would feel humiliated too. I hope you find a way to broach the subject with your husband (and perhaps your father and brother if you’re able) and tell them how you feel. If you do, I suggest telling them why it makes YOU uncomfortable, rather pointing the conversation toward them. All the best to you as you navigate this sensitive subject.
      Adriel Booker recently posted..Welcome to our shoresMy Profile

      Reply
    • Erik
      3 March 2016 at 2:05 pm

      You believe in the delusion that just because someone like seeing someone beautiful wearing few cloths, it makes them value them less. I mean, how does that even make sense? You have to be very shallow. Also no one with some sense in their head would mind you going to a scantily dressed man restaurant, unless they would be your husband or boyfriend.

      Reply
  • Amber Gardner
    19 November 2015 at 7:35 pm

    Dang Adriel, are you a lefty or a righty? I can’t figure these people out. I’m neither, personally.

    I live in an area where a Hooters is placed right down the road from the college and nestled between the major hotels. It’s perfectly viewable as you drive by on the bypass. Quite an eyesore. I have to listen to the men at work discussing “Hooters” because I guess talking about women’s breasts in the form of a “restaurant” isn’t considered inappropriate, impolite, or inconsiderate at work anymore. Or illegal at that. Listening to men at work inviting other men, men who have just had a baby with much younger woman while simultaneously whining that their company doesn’t care for them, to Hooters.

    Reply
    • Adriel Booker
      16 December 2015 at 4:44 pm

      A lefty or a righty? Ha! Well, I don’t think this is a left/right issue to be honest. I don’t think it’s political at all.

      Your work situation sounds really uncomfortable. Have you been able to lodge a complaint with your boss?
      Adriel Booker recently posted..Listen upMy Profile

      Reply
  • rp
    24 February 2016 at 3:43 am

    Great article. I think the problem that many people fail to understand is that women’s bodies are being limited to sexualizing environments. I believe that bodies are beautiful and natural and should be admired. I’m an painter and sculpter and bodies are amazing works of art. However, it is considered inappropriate to be naked in non-sexual environments. Society is afraid of nudity because it is somehow inherently sexual? By limiting female “nakedness” in public spaces to businesses where woman are serving men, it puts forth the notion that we are sex objects to be used and consumed. It’s like the debate surrounding breastfeeding in public. I find it extremely frustrating trying to explain the difference between nakedness and sexualization. It seems like a no brainer.

    Reply
  • Kim
    24 December 2016 at 2:38 am

    Hi Adriel! This was a wonderful article and I’m glad that you brought up the points that you did. Hooters is definitely not family friendly and I’m upset that kids are exposed to that sort of thing. However, I feel like you failed to consider some really important points about the issue.

    I hate to sound like a broken record, but if people don’t want to be a part of the Hooters culture, then they shouldn’t go/apply there! Society has numerous sub-cultures and you cannot just expect them to conform to your sense of morality, especially considering everyone’s moral beliefs are different. Condemning Hooters is akin to condemning Islam, gay marriage, or other such issues because of the fear that its influence will spread outside of its cultural sphere and into the mainstream. The issue should always consider how things affect people INSIDE the culture before considering the residual effects on people outside of it (barring, of course, residual effects that bring about a significant degree of physical or mental harm, such as terrorist groups).

    Does Hooters have an influence on the mainstream sexualization of women? Yes. Am I happy about it? No. Do I think the servers that agree that they aren’t upset by the company’s method of marketing should be able to participate in that culture? YES.

    I think that, instead of focusing on how “wrong” Hooters is, us feminists should focus on finding ways to limit the company’s influence on mainstream culture. Perhaps advocating for more modest ads or a stop to Hooter’s insistence that the restaurant is child friendly?

    Thank you for having an open mind and have a happy holidays! 🙂

    Reply
    • Adriel Booker
      2 January 2017 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks for your note, Kim, and for your thoughtful response. You make some really good points. Appreciate your feedback.

      Happy New Year! x

      Reply
  • No Name
    30 March 2017 at 9:51 am

    What im getting out of this is that you wish guys would respect women (sorry if that is misspelled) more. Is that not part of what you are trying to say?

    Reply
  • Todd Gnarly
    13 December 2017 at 2:39 pm

    When women stop judging us on the size of our wallets, maybe we’ll stop judging women on the size of their hooters. Women come to work for Hooters because the tips are good, so who’s objectifying who?

    Reply
  • Kayla
    11 April 2019 at 1:44 pm

    Jason, I’ve been reading what you said (four years later), and, AS A WOMAN, CHRISTIAN, AND CURRENT HOOTERS GIRL, I agree 100%. Women are free to do whatever they want with their bodies however they please. If they didn’t want to be ogled by men, who are really just admiring them which I view as a compliment, they don’t have to work there. If you want want yourself or kids to see our gorgeous bods that are most like 100 times better than yours (sparking the jealousy…), DON’T GO THERE. It’s quite simple, really. You act like you’re a perfect angel, looking out for the women who don’t want the sex life, but think about it–if they didn’t want it, would they work there? If you live somewhere big enough for a Hooters, it’s big enough for plenty of other work options too. Apply somewhere else for Christ’s sale! No one is forcing you to dress in their cute tank/crop tops, nor is anyone asking you to style your hair and wear ass-flaunting shorts. Oh wait, unless YOU decide to work there. Adriel, you’re advocating as a feminist, as am I. Women should have equal rights as men, and Hooters does just that. If men can work at a strip club, why can’t women work at Hooters? It’s as simple as that–they can! This is a choice, and if someone wants to live their life being constantly lifted up and praised by men (something you’ll never be), who are you to judge or tell them otherwise. Also, you seem to like to attack people from behind a screen when they oppose their opinion, but that’s exactly what a blog is–an opinion. Don’t attempt to reprimand people for commenting on your post when they’re doing the same stuff as you, stating their opinions. If you truly cared, you would step out from behind your screen separating you from the real world and actually try to make a difference, but you can’t seem to do that. Jason, Warren, Brian, and others,thank YOU for sharing your opinion (just like Adriel over here). Even if some people don’t value it, I certainly do 😉

    Reply
  • Cas
    18 October 2021 at 10:07 pm

    Please update to a mobile friendly website – I had to scroll forever to get to this comment box.

    I just wanted to say thank you for writing this piece. It’s so refreshing to hear. Those restaurants are for overweight, hopeless, pathetic angry men who want to leer at teenage girls cleavage but want a ‘cover’ instead of attending a strip club or red light district.

    Also that Jason guy in the comments seems like a men’s rights activist who just logs onto the web to source out feminists to hassle because his wife dared to refuse his psychological abuse. I could go on about his likely background but why bother? The Jason’s backstories are all pretty boring and pretty much the same.

    Anyway, keep fighting the good fight 🙂

    Reply
  • Concerned Christian
    19 October 2021 at 12:15 pm

    A true Christian wouldn’t use the Lord’s name in vain in a post. Let’s leave that description out of your future posts please, you clearly don’t know what it means to be one.

    Reply

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