Mommy, What is Hooters?
Yesterday, I loaded up my kids and my dog and headed to the University of Illinois to visit my sister, Ericka. We picked her and her dog, Shep up and went back to the main strip to find a place to eat. Picture four people, a pug and a German Shepherd in a gray mini-van. (That has nothing to do with this post. I just wanted you to get the mental image.) As we drove along tossing out restaurant ideas, Katie pipes up from the back and says “Mommy, what is Hooters?”
After much hysterical laughing, Ericka looks over at me and says “I’m gonna let YOU field that one.” Arg. I’m one of those parents that will just tell it like it is, so I said “Hooters is a restaurant that hires only attractive women with big boobs to serve the food.” I couldn’t see Katie’s face because Shep was in the way, but I’m guessing she was confused at the concept. Then suddenly she said “Oh. Daddy would probably like that.” 
Great, my 10-year-old knows what guys like to see on a woman.
We tried to explain to Katie that we would never eat there and support a place like that and that it was wrong to hire women based on how they look. Katie is very bright, so I am hoping she “gets” what we were trying to teach her. The best thing I can possibly do is to educate her about what it is and explain why it is wrong.
After reading Kelli’s post about self-image, I started thinking about that incident and I started wondering why a place like Hooters is still in existence. It is a reminder that we still have so far to go in educating both men and women. You would think that women would be smart enough to avoid working in a place like that, but I’ve never seen a help wanted sign in the window of a Hooters. And you would think that men these days might have gained a little more respect for women, but the Hooters merchandise has expanded from T-shirts to calendars, hats, golf accessories, playing cards, a DVD and a members only club.
I realize this could start a heated debate over whether Hooters is “okay” or not because I do know that there are women who do eat at Hooters and people who will take their families there for a meal, but I don’t care. To me, a Hooters restaurant is an outrage. No, I haven’t ever stepped foot into a Hooters, but I have seen enough media coverage and commercials to understand the concept. If you need any convincing at all, just Google “Hooters” and start clicking. Some of their MANY, MANY sites are borderline porn.
I’m not blind to the true concept behind “Hooters” and I am sick and tired of having to explain these atrocities to my kids. I’m now paranoid that my developing daughter is going to have a complex over how her “hooters” look and whether she would ever be “good enough” to work at a place like that. She’s already commenting about her weight and agonizing over the occasional pimple. Hooters does nothing but destroy self-image and feed the porn industry. I seriously think we need to start a boycott or something to shut these places down. Who’s with me?
Actually, a boycott probably wouldn’t be effective because people like us who don’t approve are already boycotting Hooters. What needs to happen is educating young men and women to respect themselves and have the sense enough to not support places like these. Spread the word.
Comments
210 Responses to “Mommy, What is Hooters?”
Okay, just a quick pop-in to say…I agree with you about Hooters. It exploits women, no doubt…and some women foolishly support it because they look at it as a “powerful thing” to be able to strut their “stuff” before men. I guess maybe sexual power for them is better than none.
And I also get concerned that girls are so young and worrying about their appearances. My daughter is 7 (you already know that, duh!) and a couple weeks ago she said, “Mom, my legs are fat.”
I was like, “Are you insane? Have you SEEN your wee little toothpick legs lately?” 
I have no clue where that came from, because I have determined in my life to NOT be like my own mother, who constantly commented on how “fat” she was. I have never, and WILL never, say that in front of my kids, so my daughter’s comments shocked me.
All we can do, I guess, is make sure we are lifting up the positive attributes of women that do NOT have to do with outward appearances.
Down with Hooters!! (BTW, what would they call a male equivalent of such a place? do they have one? Enquiring minds wanna know.
)
Last year they opened a Hooter here in the OBX… the way everyone carried on you would have thought we were getting a Disneyland here.
I read a few articles recently that show women entering science and technology fields are in serious decline. I think these images of what a woman is ’supposed’ to be are far more damaging than we probably even know. In our attempt to not overreact, we’ve become numb.
I think my own daughter tries the “super woman” approach to be a hot, intelligent, informed young woman. Is that any better?
It is good to be healthy and attractive. It is good to be intelligent and goal oriented. It is good to have your own ideas and concepts about what is right and wrong. But, how can you do it all?
Tough world.
Guess if you don’t like Hooters you have the right to STAY OUT OF IT! My wife and I have enjoyed eating there for years. Sounds to me like we have a lot women not secure with themselves. There is no reason to feel that way. ALL of us look good to someone!!
J.C.–was it your wife’s idea to eat there in the first place…or yours?
They’re everywhere! A few years back I was walking down the street in Vienna, Austria and there it was…Hooters. There’s also one in Arnold’s (as in Terminator) home town of Graz. Check it out
here. Just scroll down the page til you see the stuff about Vienna.
What makes eating there even worse than having to look at mostly over-done boob jobs, is eating their over-done, badly prepared food.
“HR’s 1999 World Tour” - Wow! HarryB!
So Harry is admitting he was there at Hooters? Harry!
I am right there with you. I am very secure with myself, I just like good food. I am wondering the same thing as Kel1. What would a male version be like and would it be as popular?
Oh, don’t forget about the Hooters Airline.
Um, no! I just thought Harry visited an impressive number of cool places that year. Plus, he swung by Kansas City, it appears.
Honestly, I think Hooters is only slightly silly. If you are raising young women, it’s worth reminding them that they are more important than their *fleeting* beauty. But, there will always be a “Hooters.” The body of a woman is beautiful thing, indeed.
As far as a “male version”…well…I can’t imagine wanting to be served fast food by fit, young men in hot pants and skimpy shirts, but, hey! to each his own, I guess!
it is demeaning to owls, too!!!!
I worked in a preschool last year and a single dad brought in his two-year-old daughter wearing a Hooters tank top. Yech! What does that say to her?
If we ban Hooters, we must also ban beautiful baby contests, Little Miss pageants, Miss USA contests, etc.
They are all the same thing. Look at me. Am I not gorgeous? This mindset is why Nicole Smith died alone in a hotel rather than being treated in a hospital.
Tell your daughter the truth and explain how she deserves so much more. I do not think a ban would work with the people that eat at Hooters or go to t-bars.
Here from BC carnival.
Wow - some great comments here. Cybercelt - I am all for banning those kinds of events. To me they are absolutely pointless.
Slow down there, cowgirl!
We can’t be legislating our own morality on the rest of the world!
I realize you are an INTJ and that is your natural leaning; but, as an ENFP, I insist we allow the democratic process to be our guide. Instead, let us continue to influence those who have not been so enlightened to see things our way. But, we must stop short of a ban! Or, a book burning, or even an organized protest!
New t-shirt idea: A reformed Hooter Girl. Now - get busy!
Yeah yeah yeah - you touchy-feely types wouldn’t want me to do that, would you? I guess for me those pageant competitions are the equivalent of small-talk.
I’d rather read a book on brain types or intuition than sit through one of those. 
I suppose I’ll let you keep your entertainment. Now how do you propose I design an ex-hooters girl?
I agree! Well, I do think we ought to arrest the father Gem was referring to who dressed his preschool daughter in a Hooters t-shirt. Clearly, we can legislate that degree of morality! Or, better yet, a vigilante mob of other fathers could take him out back and *clears throat* have a talk with him.
Now, regarding the t-shirt…can’t help there. I am only the idea person, I lack any artistic ability!
First, you’re gonna have to help me find the “other fathers”. So far I have yet to find a guy who thinks Hooters is a bad thing. My own husband is like “what’s wrong with Hooters?”
However, he wouldn’t want his own daughters working there. (And for the record he has never been to one.) It’s that good old double standard of “it’s ok as long as it’s no one I know”. 
Still stumped on the shirt design. I guess I’ll go finish the astronaut and the pirate which has suddenly become a popular request.
Gretchen - this is why an INTJ and an ENFP make good partners (in crime.) An ENFP is “The Inspirer”, not the “World Dominator” - but we are after the same things.
We do not have to sell Hooters “as a bad thing” to these fathers. We only need to start a “whisper campaign” that Father A (shall we call him) outfitted his presumably younger than five-year old daughter in a Hooters t-shirt and sent the little darling off to pre-school.
Then, jump back!
Yes, just add the ex-Hooters girl to the list. I agree it falls somewhere behind a Pirate on the priority list.
[…] Dove Commercial that shows the evolution of a “Supermodel”. In light of the recent Hooters and Trophy Wife threads, it’s fabulous to take such an eye-opening look at how […]
Amy - great advice - but I don’t know how to whisper.
I was never good at doing things quietly. That’s probably why I became a drummer. 
And how did you end up being a P instead of a J? Are you sure you’re not a J? Oh wait - because if you were an ENFJ you would be an “Artisan” and you just said you were not the creative type.
Nevermind - figured that one out for myself. 
I thought Hooters would be a tackier place until I actually ate at one. Then I didn’t see what the big deal was. I see girls walking around with less clothes on at one of the college campuses in town.
I agree, Jennifer, I had the same reaction when I ate there. Big deal! Truthfully, your comment is most effective for reducing the impact of a Hooters because it reduces the appeal.
Now, if that message really starts to sweep the nation, who knows? Maybe they’d be inclined to reduce the wardrobe further?
But, it is just not something that is going to go away. Since the beginning of time (yes, Gretchen, I *was* there), men (by and large) have enjoyed looking at attractive women. That is a good thing!
In a capitalistic society, we are going to have some of that for sale. No big deal, IMO. I just want my daughter to understand her options and find and utilize her gifts to build a happy and fulfilling life for herself.
I would concede to that, Amy. There is nothing wrong with looking good and men enjoying that just much as we women enjoy looking at a good-looking guy.
As long as women aren’t putting all of their eggs in the beauty basket. Beauty is only skin deep. Real beauty is found in the soul - that’s why we have to look deep inside to find it. 
Agreed! (We will save the women looking at a good looking man for another discussion since we tend to be turned on by different things. Oh, the human species!)
LOVED this, Gretchen, thanks so much for providing this wonderful avenue for women to discuss women’s issues! Thanks to all for your thought-provoking comments!
Thanks for yours, too.
I think Judge Judy said it best with, “Beauty fades. Dumb is forever!”
I hadn’t heard that one before…
you are pathetic! if a girl wants to work in hooters, then that is upto her. Im sure she knows exactly what she’s doing. Plus if you’re attrtactive, make the most of it. It’s the ugly people who are jealous that make these sorts of comments. How is it explitation if a lady chooses to work somewhere like this. Yes it’s sad that people have complexes about the way they look, but why not blame the stick thin celebrities who young girls idolise? For years ladies have been making the most of their looks and there assets, and quite frankly, I dont think that it hurts anyone. If you don’t like it then dont go there to eat!simple!
“It’s the ugly people who are jealous that make these sorts of comments.”
I beg to differ. I am not ugly at all. I don’t say that arrogantly either. My point in writing this article is that we have a warped sense of self-image. Young girls are easily swayed by what they see in the media and the world around them. And frankly, that world is telling them to be extremely thin, have big boobs, the perfect smile, flawless skin, great hair, etc. We have lost sight of being real and being ourselves. Most of what we see in the media is airbrushed and computerized, making that “perfect image” even more unattainable. For proof of this, check out these two articles:
Nichole Nordeman Comes Clean
No Wonder Our Perception of Beauty is so Distorted
I don’t think jealousy plays a very big role here, either. I am not jealous of anyone who works at Hooters. If they choose to do that, then it is their business. If I wanted to work at Hooters, I have no doubt I could land a job there. But the thought of going to work where the men are undressing you in their minds while you take their order makes me sick. men are already thinking that anyway, so why wave the goods in their face and knowingly tease them?
What I don’t like is explaining to my kids that men go there to eat because they want to ogle other women. That to me is stupid. If the roles were reversed and it were women going to a restaraunt to see some young, sculpted males, I would still have a problem with that. I would feel uncomfortable with that. To me it is like cheating on your spouse even if you are “only looking”. You are just putting thoughts into your head that don’t need to be there.
I am NOT saying that admiring the human body is wrong in any way. But places like Hooters exploit that with all of their other propaganda like calendars and videos. Guys aren’t watching those videos because they want to see pictures of the Hot Wings.
To me, it all boils down to this: What do you want to be remembered for? Your looks or what you contributed to the world. I think you know my answer.
Im not saying that you are jealous of the particular girls that work in Hooters, but maybe the fact that you’re banging on about this so much suggests that you have insecurities on some level.
At the end of the day, you cannot stop a man, or even a woman’s eyes from roaming; whether it is in somewhere like Hooters, in a club, or just on the street. A good looking person will attract attention and admirers where ever they are and however they’re dressed.
If my boyfriend wanted to go out to Hooters or even to a strip club, then I do not have a problem with it. I am secure enough in myself and our relationship to know that he thinks nothing of the girls and that he will always be coming home to me.
If hooters want to produce calendars etc then so what? dont buy one! or you concerned your partner will? plus, is it worth ranting about the stuff hooters produce when you can just as easily access hard core porn.
And if you’re concerned about explaining it to your children then dont be. there are worse things to worry about and they should know that this world is not a nice place anyway. but at the end of that day, girls go into these jobs with their eyes open and know exactly what to expect.
I agree that this whole concept of beauty has been distorted, and I blame the celebrity culture which today’s society has become so obsessed with. But if a lady wants to accentuate what she’s got then whats wrong with it? A push up bra, little dental surgery, or even the odd facial never did anyone any harm. Plus, I have found that people tend to warm to more attractive people. I read an article a while ago concerning employment and it revealed that people who were thinner and made an effort with their appearance got further: ugly and overweight people are often perceived as lazy and lacking in motivation.
Yes, it would always be nice to be remembered for what you contributed to the world, but what’s wrong for being attractive too? Not wanting to be arogant either, but I am not ugly, and I do attract a fair amount of male attention, but that is not because of the way I dress or act. I am also at law school, training to be a solicitor. I also volunteer at an advice centre which provides free legal advice to those who cannot afford it. So there you go, I can make my impact and look good while doing it. So what impact have you made?
…the fact that you’re banging on about this so much suggests that you have insecurities on some level.
Don’t feed the trolls.
Darn it Amy, don’t spoil my fun.
If we are all honest here, we would agree that no woman wants to be treated as a sex object.
Any woman who DOES want to be treated as a sex object is obviously the one with insecurities.
What exactly *is* a sex object, BTW? Just a vessel to use for sexual gratification? Because, if that’s the definition, there are very few women *or* men interested in that. Silliness!
Carry on, then, I’ll step aside.
Wait - one more question - how can a little dental surgery make me more attractive?
One more question, then I promise to hush. Who *doesn’t* have insecurities?
OK. Now. Get on after it!
sex object - a person viewed as being of little interest or merit beyond the potential for providing sexual gratification.
Yea, no one wants that. Even the really sexy people.
1. the dental surgery comment was in response to gretchen’s comment about having a perfect smile. In my opinion, people who have a bad smile and poor dental hygeine are vile, and I think it says a lot about them.
2. I dont see how working in hooters makes you a sex object. are you confused with prostitutes? they are what I would call sex objects.
3. To work somewhere like hooters takes a lot a bravery and self confidence as you are put in a position where you are judged on your appearance. Thus any insecurities they do have cannot relate to their appearance. It is the people who ARE insecure about the way that they look who criticise these girls. The way i see it is that, people who criticise and bitch do it either out of hatred or jealousy. Now how can you hate someone you dont know? so now ask yourself: are you jealous?
Sometimes, I am jealous.
Well, I think it’s great that you can admit that. But you dont have to settle for it. Make the most of what you got, think positive and then you wont ever have to be jealous. Everyone has the potential to be a stunner!
Well, I’m not always jealous!
Wow, oh, wow…where to begin? First of all, I am just sitting here laughing at the pathetic psychoanalysis going on here. I mean, to end each post with a “poke you in the eye” sort of comment says to me that somebody has nothing better to do with their time than to try and hack people off.
Or am I now making psychoanalytic judgements upon YOU? Hmmm…well, then maybe I have evened up the score a little.
So far, no one has been insulting the women who work at Hooters as much as we have insulted the culture which approves of such things. Women shouldn’t be made to feel like they NEED to parade around in tiny shorts and a too-tight top serving hot wings to make them feel like they are of value. Every day, women demean themselves without even knowing it.
The problem is, folks, if beauty fades, then what you make of your life should not be based on your looks. Even Anna Nicole Smith should be a real eye-opener for us by showing how the pursuit of having the perfect smile and perfect breasts and perfect EVERYTHING will NOT make you fulfilled or happy with yourself. When are we going to wake up??
Lulu is correct, however, when she says that we can oogle people ANYWHERE. However, does that make it a “good” thing?
And do we really believe that it is a “good” thing for our husbands or partners to go out and lust after other women? Is that what we really WANT or do we accept it because we don’t expect anything BETTER from them? There are men who can be faithful. There are men who are trying to be faithful. If these men want to go into Hooters or strip clubs or the local grocery store and oogle women, then that’s their choice. But to ENCOURAGE it??
I don’t think so.
Hi Kel. Hows tricks? hehehe… couldn’t resist.
K - just wanted to throw in here that I have perfect teeth. My dad was a dentist!
Now, I’m jealous.
Shall we compare a filling count, G?
Let’s not go the way of dental records. 
(But I’ll just say I’ve only got one. 
) Never needed braces, either. *cough*
And if ANYONE starts comparing chest sizes and talking about who could get hired at Hooters, I am SO out of here.
No braces here either.
Uh yeah… no bra size comparisons. TMI.
No age comparisons, either. Or measures of raw intellect. While we are at it, let’s just avoid comparisons.
How about this - let’s do a group hug. Come on, Lulu, get in here and get some of this, too!
All the best,
Amy
Hi Amy!
Uh oh…you’re one of those “group hug” types of people, huh?
A little bit of banter never hurt anyone. I don’t hug trolls.
Have a nice day, everyone!
In resonse to Kel1: not all women feel like they need to parade round half naked to get approval. They do it to exploit the sex crazed society we live in. Lets face it, sex sells and you can see it in the majority of advertisements you see. Girls are just using the opportunity to make a little extra money with their looks. I do not believe that in any way they are seeking men’s approval.
And, I agree with you that men can be faithful. I have been with my boyfriend for 4 years and I know he would not even look at another woman in that way. My parents have been together for over 30 years and are as in love as ever.
At the end of the day, if a man wants to cheat, then he will, and places like hooters and strip clubs do not ncessarily add to the temptation nor encourage it. In my opinion, they’re just places where people can go and have a laugh with their friends - thats men and women.
Lulu, I see your point regarding exploitation as well as your point regarding “adding to temptation.”
However, I think we will have to just respectfully disagree. I could say more, but nothing I can say will change your view any more than your opinion will change mine.
It’s been a good discussion, though.
I actually don’t think that Hooters girls work at Hooters because they want attention from men. I think that they do it for the simple fact of money. If they know that they have the type of body that men like, that equals more tips. Working at a normal restaurant on a Saturday night can bring you about $100- $200, so working at Hooters probablly brings in more. I would even consider doing it, I’m a college student, and money is kind of tight. I couldn’t do it because I would hate knowing that strange men were staring at me. So I look at it more like, the Hooters girls are using the men for their money.
precious, you are the first person on this website that is making any sense.
Sometimes, I make sense.
I am sense personified. LOL
Okay, so…the girls who are strippers don’t do it for attention from men, either…they do it for the money.
Gretchen, apparently these ladies like Lulu here think you should be making shirts with Hooters girls and strippers on them. Girl power????!!
Am I in the friggin’ twilight zone here?
its funny you should say that. I only found this website looking for a Hooters tshirt!
lol, Lulu! Well, WordPress’s SEO techniques are unparalleled. Your comment certainly helps prove that! All the best, Lulu…Amy
OMG!!
Ok - so Kel and I went up to Champaign last night to check out a recording studio for our band. Afterwards, we went looking for a place to eat and I suggested Hooters. Kel said “Are you crazy?”
Hey, I tried.
If you have *not* been there, then you *should* go! Otherwise, it’s really difficult to have much of an opinion on this. I found it perfectly benign. Kel - go. Give it a try. Then, you guys report back!
Since I already know what they’re about, I don’t believe I need to go. I believe my argument with Gretchen was, “So this means I can’t say that I think cocaine is bad unless I’ve TRIED it?”
You mean I can’t think prostitution is bad unless I’ve TRIED it?? Or several nights of casual…you get my point.
Gee, lemme just run right out and try those things so I can “have an opinion” about them.
Eek. Bad comparisons, girls! Cocaine and prostitution are against the law. Wearing a tank top and short shorts - like *most* girls that age wear - is not.
Prostitution’s not against the law in Vegas, baby.
Casual sex is also legal. However, it is rarely beneficial.
I just don’t think Hooters is beneficial at all. Can you honestly tell me that people would go there if the girls dressed like every other waitress? It’s a marketing ploy…so people will be curious and want to go and “see” what the girls look like in their hot pants and tight shirts.
I’m guessing it’s the hot pants that gets them there more than the hot wings.
Just to clarify, I don’t think casual sex is beneficial either. I should have said it is NOT beneficial.
Just wanted to note that when I checked my statistics this morning I found that someone landed on this page by searching for “amy hooters”.
For a second there, I thought you said “army hooters.”
LOL
“Amy Hooters?” lol!
Girls - this summer, I want the two of you to eat lunch at Hooters. Or, Gretchen, when you come to Nebraska, we will do that together. When you go, you will see it’s not nearly as bad as you think.
Hmm…
“Gretchen Goes to Nebraska” Wasn’t that the title of a King’s X album? 
Why, yes, it was.
I think I actually own that album.
I’m not spending my money at that restaurant. Nor will I go there if someone else pays my way. I even spoke to my aunt about this today (who has some rather different views from mine most of the time, just so you know) and she said she’ll never step foot in a Hooters because of how they objectify women.
For me to even GO to that place, knowing how I disagree with what they are doing, would be a betrayal of my own values.
Frankly, I’m starting to feel like one of those women who is continually pressured to booze it up, too, just because everyone says she should at least TRY it and see if she likes it. I don’t really get it, never have. Why do I have to try something I already know I disagree with? Sorry, but I’m a little tired of the pressure. I’m sure you have the best of intentions, Amy, but it’s starting to bother me a bit.
I work at Hooters and I love it. I work here because the money is great and it’s paying my way through college. Some girls don’t have rich parents to pay their way through school so they have to WORK. It seems all the jobs outside of Hooters only offered me between $6-$10 per hour since I don’t have a degree yet. I have made up to $300 per night (on game nights) working at Hooters. To be honest, I don’t have very large breasts and I’ve shown more skin on a beach than I do in my Hooters uniform. This is not where I plan to stay the rest of my life. I need the money plain and simple and if the men that dine there are willing to tip me because they think I look good then all the better for me, right? There’s a lot worse places I could be working.
Just my opinion
~Jen
Jen - thank you for your comments. I just want to clarify at this point in the thread that I am not opposed to any girl that works there nor do I look down on them. I think it’s great that you are getting paid well and that you are using that money to further your education. My main beef is that we women can’t seem to make a decent living by doing productive things and being valued for the skills and talents we possess. There is nothing wrong with being paid because you look good (where’s MY check?
) or for being a waitress, but I am willing to bet that if you are a college student then you have a lot more to offer than waiting tables. Where are the jobs that pay you for your true talents and why are the women who find those types of jobs being paid less than men? 
First, a story…I was driving home with my 11 y.o. daughter from my parents house, and was looking for a place to stop for lunch. I saw a sign for Hooters, and mentioned that’s where we should eat lunch. My 11 y.o. daughter says matter of factly “We can’t eat there, Mom wouldn’t like it”.
The fact is…my wife has eaten at Hooters on several occasions, but it was always my suggestion to eat there.
Personally…I like the food, the constant sports on the TV monitors…and to occassionally watch a pretty girl walk across the store. True, the original creators of Hooters Resturants…all men…had the idea of watching sports, drinking beer, and being served by pretty women. Most guys 18-25 years of age idea of utopia. These businessmen are obviously millionaires now since the inception of the business in 1971. (The first stores didn’t open until 1983.)
Hooters has in recent years tried to clean up their act. But boycotting Hooters is like trying to shutdown Playboy Enterprises. Hugh…like the Hooters business men knew the simple fact that men like to oogle at pretty women…and have become rich based on this premise. The fact that women don’t get paid as well as men based on the same work is a whole different can of worms.
Would I want my daughters to work at a Hooters? Sure. Would their mother? Sure. We both know that there’s a lot worse ways to make a living.
One final note…they don’t hire only pretty women…they hire ONLY women as waitresses. There are NO positions for Male waiters. Any male that works in a Hooters is not waiting the tables. Also…you are required to be a 36DD to work there.
Oops, are NOT required to be 36DD.
Another thought in this process. The original purpose for women to be cheerleaders was not for team spirit. It was to distract the other team’s players…thus the short skirts and tight fitting clothes. Are we to ban cheerleading as well???
Mike - interesting information. Don’t get me started on cheerleading. I am not opposed to it, but I think there needs to be some higher standards. Cheerleading, in my opinion, has lost it’s edge. There is a lot of skill involved from cheerleaders that actually engage in competition - and that’s great. I have a problem when the girls are there for show and don’t show any athletic skill whatsoever outside of shaking their pomp poms…and other things.
Just a thought…the tight clothes that the “Hooters Girl” wears is no more exploiting to women than cheerleading outfits. The original concept of cheerleading was NOT for team spirit, but a form of distraction for the visiting team’s players. If you can get the other team’s boys to look at your girls…then obviously they cannot play effectively. Should we boycott cheerleading as well? The fact that you have to explain anything to your girls is the whole concept of parenting. I have 3 girls…18, 14, and 11. I’ve explained the same misceptions to them that you’ve instilled in your girls. Hooter’s is not the problem. The problem is that most men like to look at a pretty woman. Let’s boycott society!
[…] Mommy, What is Hooters? […]
Wow. It is hard to believe that so many people are still debating a restaurant concept that has over 450 units throughout the world and has been open for almost a quarter of a century! Gretchen: shame on you for being so untruthful to your young daughter. Having a child does not give one the right to “brainwash”them into their way of thinking and attempt to mold them into their own little clones. God forbid if she ever grows up and does something that YOU don’t approve of….No, Hooters does not only hire “…attractive women with big boobs…” how you could say such a thing without ever setting foot into one of these restaurants shows your narrow minded approach to issues and your lack of study and preperation before offering such an ridiculous opinion. Like it or not, the restaurant concept is thriving and many, many women choose to patronize the restaurants with or without males counterparts. Sorry, that you don’t like that, but the is just the way life goes. Most humans don’t agree with your opinion and it won’t be long before your young daughter grows up and does things that you don’t agree with…Here is a little suggestion…try to be more open minded and less judgemental….your opinions may then be a little more respected
“Wow. It is hard to believe that so many people are still debating a restaurant concept that has over 450 units throughout the world and has been open for almost a quarter of a century!”
Well, golly gee, it’s hard to believe that legalized abortion and gambling and smoking (and the list goes on) are still being debated after being legal for SO many years! But they are.
“Having a child does not give one the right to “brainwash”them into their way of thinking and attempt to mold them into their own little clones.”
Hmm…no, I guess that would be more the job of the federal government and the public school system, then. Right?
“Like it or not, the restaurant concept is thriving and many, many women choose to patronize the restaurants with or without males counterparts. Sorry, that you don’t like that, but the is just the way life goes.”
And I’m sure that you accept all things you don’t agree with without a second thought. Those who object to this restaurant have just as much a right to their opinions as you have to yours.
“Most humans don’t agree with your opinion”
Really? Wow, thanks for saving us the trouble of surveying “most humans” on this subject!
“and it won’t be long before your young daughter grows up and does things that you don’t agree with…”
I’m sure she will, as all children do. It’s part of being your own person. But we all have a right to teach our children our values. Whether they choose to accept or reject those values is a decision they will have to make for themselves when they are mature enough to do so.
“Here is a little suggestion…try to be more open minded and less judgemental….your opinions may then be a little more respected”
Funny how that works. 
Don’t ya just LOVE how people with their own opposing opinions seem to think that THEY are the only ones who are open minded?
Gretchen; i certainly hit a soft spot. Yes debate on many subjects continues and that is why we live in a wonderful country. We don’t have to agree with each other to respect each other. I was first pointing out the absurdity of your incorect comments to your young, and i am sure, impressionable daughter. If u were ever in one of these places, you would know that not all female employees have (as you say)”big boobs” Simply not true. Certainly, we, as parents, all have a responsibility to teach our children many things about life and society. i just don’t think we should “force feed” our own slanted opinions. Obviously, i agree we shouldn’t leave it to the government, but i do think children are to learn in schools…hopefully, in an objective way. Like it or not, most children do learn something in schools. Those who are home schooled, are generally sheltered from society and often(not always) struggle adjusting to society in adulthood. I agree 100% with your comment that “whether they choose to accept or reject those values is a decision they will have to make for themselves when they are mature enough to do so.” I am not the only one that is open minded. It just seemed that you weren’t on this subject as u were stating things to your daughter that were incorrect factually as a result of never having been in one of those restaurants. As intelligent as you seem, it seems inconsistent to have such feelings on a place that you have never been inside and thus your improper characterization of a place. surely you are smart enough to gain more knowledge on a place or situation before expressing such strong opinions?
Neil, it wasn’t Gretchen who answered you…it was me.
).
All one has to do to see what Hooters is like is to go to their website. And we’ve already had this argument with others previous to your posting (some of which were guys saying they of course “like to look at pretty girls”, so I guess we know they aren’t just going for the Hot Wings
We do not have to “experience” something in order to say we disagree with it. If that were the case, there are a lot of things I would have to “experience” in order to speak out against. I don’t have to participate in those activities in order to know that I do not agree with the principles (or lack thereof) on which they are founded.
And I am well aware that there are good public schools in this society…a dying breed, unfortunately. I have a BA in elementary education, and I do know what is taught in schools and the methods by which they are taught, as I spent years of my life learning those methods (and disagreeing with many). I am now a homeschooling mom. And you have made the very incorrect assumption that homeschooled children are sheltered from society and struggle to adjust to adulthood. This is utterly and completely false. You can read many articles like this one: http://school.familyeducation.com/home-schooling/educational-testing/41081.html and know that homeschoolers are doing a great job at educating their children. They go to college, they have outside jobs, they volunteer in their communities…on the whole, they become very productive citizens.
I will say, however, that if a parent is a POOR homeschooler, not sticking to their commitment to a daily education and not enrolling his/her child in other outside activities and opportunities, then that child is at a disadvantage.
This, however, is certainly NOT the majority. All sorts of parents from all religious and nonreligious backgrounds choose to homeschool for various reasons.
The bottom line is, I am my child’s parent. I have the right to decide how my child is educated about the world and about society. I refuse to leave it to society to rear my own children, as they were entrusted to me. The problem we find in many public schools (and private, as well) is that many parents are not involved. Therefore, the key to a child’s proper and beneficial education (be it public, private, or homeschool) is PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT.
Gretchen, by speaking openly to her daughter about this particular issue, is being an involved mom. And she has every right to pass on her own values and judgements to her children. No child is a carbon copy of his/her parent, nor are they “brainwashed” by their parents. It’s our JOB to teach our children our values and to help make them into respectable young men and women.
I don’t feel that Gretchen has taught anything “absurd” to her daughter by expressing her opinion about the restaurant and the reason why they’re so popular.
And btw, I am not closed-minded. I simply know my beliefs and opinions and I’m not afraid to express them.
Kel 1 : Thanks for correcting me regarding who was responding to my prior posts. I, too, have an undergraduate degree in education, teaching in both public and private schools, before attending law school. My “absurdity” comment to Gretchen was more directed at the statement she made where she stated all female employees “..have big boobs”. Simply false, therefore, i thought it was absurd that she would make such an untrue comment to her young, impressionable daughter. My mistake, i can tell that the two of you have established your opinions (which you certainly have the right to do, as we all do)irrespective of whether they are based on facts. Nevertheless, i respect your right to free thinking, even if i believe it is flawed thinking. Trust me, i am not trying to change your minds (clearly an impossible feat)just trying to encourage you both to be more open-minded. I am neither a Hooters lover or hater. i see Hooters for what it is. It is one of the largest restaurant chains in the country that didn’t even serve hard liquor for the first 23 years of it’s existence. So, clearly, due to it’s longevity and massive customer base, it is here to stay. We all have better things to debate and attempt to change in our society that would do more good for this country, particularly the children. Good comments on home schooling…i agree with many. I stand by my comment that “..home schooled children are GENERALLY sheltered from society…” Obviously, can’t speak for the entire population of home schooled children. Your child, or children, are (i assume) still young…so, the jury is still out, so to speak, on how they will adjust to society, as adults. I can tell you, that after 27 years of working in the criminal justice system, i am encountering many more juveniles and young adults who have serious adjustment issues.More than non-home school children? no, because there aren’t as many home schoolers. Nevertheless, i have seen the number of home schoolers, with serious issues,increasing substantialy over the years. Not enough statistical data to correlate the two…but time will tell. Hopefully, my assumptions, thru observations, are wrong. At least i am willing to acknowledge the possibility that i might be wrong! Certainly, as a former educator and a parent of sucessful, adult children, i concur that parents should “be involved” in their child’s education. However,I have seen many well-meaning parents become over-involved and have really not allowed the child to develop into their own person. I wish you nothing but the best with your life and your children’s education. Having different opinions on subjects is not such a bad thing. I enjoyed the friendly debate. Good luck and God Bless you
Neil - thanks for the comments. You make it sound as if Hooters is just a restaurant that happens to have an all-female wait staff. So the name “Hooters” means nothing other than the original owners just liked owls? Let’s be real here.
I want to clarify that you have one thing right and one thing wrong in your assessment of me. You are right that I am highly intelligent but you are wrong in saying I am not open-minded. I am incredibly open-minded and I have no problems changing my stance on an issue if you can give me a good reason to change it. I am a very logical thinker and I can push past emotion and think with my brain, but so far no one has given me a good reason to give Hooters a thumbs up.
And while I do believe in giving my kids freedom to make their own choices, I believe that education and values start at home. “Experiencing” activities is not a prerequisite. I do not need to experience drugs, rape or murder to form an opinion that these activities are wrong.
If I let society raise my children, then my daughter would probably be anorexic by now and wondering why she doesn’t look like Barbie. She is only 10 and we are already starting in with the self-esteem issues brought on by the media. Places like Hooters only contribute to the problem. Hooters projects an image of the way society thinks women *should* look. Young girls will hold that image up as a standard and older women will look at that image and try desperately to hang on to it.
I have no problems with being healthy and having a vibrant image - I strive for that myself. I work out and do my best to stay in shape and be an example of a “healthy image” to my kids.
I have a problem with teaching young girls to attain a sexual image and telling them that they are to be looked at in a sexual way while serving meals to customers. Girls will get that kind of attention anyway, so why support a restaurant that blatantly promotes it?
I am guessing that you do not have daughters. I say that only because I never really cared about places like Hooters until I had two girls and started dealing with these questions. Women’s self-esteem is a never-ending battle. I don’t expect the men to understand it because they struggle less with self-esteem issues than the women do, however, I know a lot of men who feel the same way I do about Hooters and will not support them.
I don’t think I am in anyway being “absurd” in raising a daughter with healthy self-esteem who doesn’t feel the need to project herself sexually in order to feel good about her image.
“If I let society raise my children, then my daughter would probably be anorexic by now and wondering why she doesn’t look like Barbie. She is only 10 and we are already starting in with the self-esteem issues brought on by the media. Places like Hooters only contribute to the problem. Hooters projects an image of the way society thinks women *should* look. Young girls will hold that image up as a standard and older women will look at that image and try desperately to hang on to it.”
Brilliant.
As usual.
“Hooters projects an image of the way society thinks women *should* look. Young girls will hold that image up as a standard and older women will look at that image and try desperately to hang on to it.” Just turn on the television…sexual images are everywhere. Not only how the girls should look, but how they should behave, how they should dance, what they should wear in school, etc. (By the way, whoever invented uniforms in school should receive a medal of honor!)
Hooters requirements for job hire are above all - personality & image. Most of the job hires that I’m aware of are from young women patrons, approached by the other waitresses. I don’t think the other waitresses are necessarily looking at their bra size. Perhaps if a girl feels comfortable enough to eat at Hooters, then they might feel comfortable enough to work in one.
Also, Hooters as a corporation restricts the displaying of body piercings and tatoos. All in all, they require high standards for the women they hire.
My biggest question to Gretchen and Kel is this:
If the name of the joint wasn’t slang for a portion of a woman’s anatomy, would the opinions be the same?
A final note to an earlier post: In Florida some years ago, someone started a resturant with all men wait staff. They called it “Abs”. The men were basically the Chipendale dancer look-a-likes. They wore tight spandex shorts and no shirt. The company didn’t last a year…primarily because most women like men based on more than just looks, and they went out of business.
Gretchen: I do have 2 daughters. My oldest, now age 25, worked at a Hooters in Brandon, Florida for 3 years while attending college. She has just graduated from Medical school(May 2007) and has started her residency in gastroenterology at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. By the way, she does not (as you refered to your 10 year old) “big boobs”. Nor does she appear to have any “self esteem” issues, but, then again, i am not a psychologist. i just think you are taking the whole Hooters thing a tad bit too serious; but,that is certainly your perogative. We can’t all keep blaming society for all type of individual problems….Life is about personal accountability and choices we each have to make. It really is irrelevant as to whether you support the restaurant…it is already hugely sucessful and has been around for almost a quarter of a century. Our discussion started because i believed you made a false statement to your young daughter….i knew it was false, due to my daughter’s personal experience…that is all…i repsect your right to your thoughts and choices,I just thought i would enlighten you on the facts, since you have admitedly never been to one of the chain’s restaurants and probably never talked to anyone who ever worked there. Good Luck and God Bless.