The popular argument against establishments such as Hooters includes the provocative nature of the required uniforms. The women working at the franchise agree to wear revealing clothing. The issue is not the uniforms, but the objectification and purpose of the restaurant in general. Through the selection of food, all female wait staff, and uniform choice, it is obvious the restaurant targets men. The purpose is to offer quality food and entertainment, for men.
Young women in revealing uniforms serving men beer and chicken wings. Some will argue that sexism is based on a person's opinion, but explain how the illustrated image is not objectifying. Individuals that argue there is nothing degrading about women waiting on men dressed in a hooters uniform are naive enough to believe the patrons of this franchise are not fawning over their waitresses. The entire encounter is completely normalized as customers frequent this establishment and somehow justify bringing their families.
The issue of objectification is not based on what a person is wearing, but the dehumanization that occurs when an individual is treated as a sexual object. Recall the purpose of restaurants such as Hooters, serve food and offer adult entertainment. The young women working the restaurant are considered entertainment for patrons, and the purpose of their uniforms is to attract customers. To deny that women are being sexualized through the Hooters establishment is to normalize men ogling over women while they serve them food in an attempt to use their appearance to earn money. A common modern feminist view supports women wearing clothing of their choice in order to avoid sexualization by normalizing risque apparel, but the Hooters environment is doing the exact opposite; the objectification of women as sexual objects is deemed acceptable as the franchise uses women as a marketing tactic to lure cliental into the restaurant. While some claim the establishment empowers women to choose their apparel in a judgement free environment, the underlying issue consists of the entertainment purpose, marketing motives, and the emphasis on provocatively displaying the female body to increase revenue.
By sexualizing women through a brand that offers a service to predominately men in an attempt to earn money is incredibly degrading. Women should be glorified for their intelligence, determination, as opposed to basing a women's purpose on appearance and sexual appeal.
To all individuals that "go there for the wings" and support the franchise, please avoid using "clean fun" and "it is not a big deal" as an attempt to justify treating women as sexual objects.
