"When Sexism Claims are a Real Hoot"

I found this article under a search for sexism in the news, as Hooters is a hot target for sexism blames.

Stossel, John. "When Sexism Claims are a Real Hoot." Real Clear Politics 28 Jul 2006 29 Sep 2007 .

“When Sexism Claims are a Real Hoot” brings up one of the common debates on sexism in the work force. The article includes background information on the well-known restaurant Hooters, known for their wings, beer, and female waitresses wearing skimpy uniforms while serving the customers. The writer explains how most of the job opportunities at Hooters are for women and only a few open for men to occupy. While the company is beginning to open up more jobs such as for cleaning, bussing, and managing, the women still outnumber the men in the business. While many complain that there are not many jobs at Hooters for men, the writer has a point when he explains that not many people would like men replacing the Hooters job of women, as they would also be dressed in the skimpy outfits.

The obvious relation between this article and the class material is that of sexism and the unfair treatment of a particular sex. In this case, both genders are treated unfairly. On the female side of the situation, they have to deal with sexist men hitting on them and making crude comments while they are trying to do their job. However, not much can be said for the women in this situation because after all, they are the ones who applied for the job in the first place and should expect this kind of treatment. However, men on the other hand, are not allowed to occupy such a position at Hooters as it is. If they want to work there, they have to manage, bus, or cook, without the option of serving, which is clearly discrimination. The first example of sexism in “When Sexism Claims are a Real Hoot” relates to an article read for class, “Capitalism, Class, and the Matrix of Domination,” in that women are “culturally devalued” as they are often treated merely as sex objects, especially in situations like working at Hooters. On the other hand, the writer of this article almost disagrees with “What it All Has to Do with Us,” as it is stated that male managers are often quick to hire other men who are “more qualified” to get the job done. Clearly, it is the men being turned away at this occupation. This is an odd case, however, because of the fact that the women are expected to hold such a sexist position.

I think that this article brings up an interesting way of looking at sexism. We often are more likely to think of the oppression of women when someone mentions the word sexism. However, the article forces us to look at sexism from the other point of view. Women are not the only ones that are turned away from jobs; men are now beginning to feel the rejection as well as they cannot occupy particular positions either. Also, it brings up a good question of whether or not to look at women that are involved in a job like Hooters as being victims of crude sexism by the treatment from their customers, as they are putting themselves in the situation.