It's a tight line to walk, this exploitation-of-women and freedom-of-choice topic. Arguments can be made either way, but at the end of the day it comes down to legality, and what is right for you personally. This article in the Portland Press Herald today, called attention to the rumblings of discontent from the more easily bruised members of the community. Ok, maybe that isn't how the story is written, but that's what I got out of it.
I believe that political correctness has gone too far, at least, when it comes to the sheer number of topics that are now essentially taboo. In so much as even the slightest mention of any one of a thousand subjects is likely to send at least one person into a highly defensive stance. Certainly, there are some sensitve issues that are best handled with more tact than sarcasm. The problem is we don't seem to know where to draw the line. Why is okay to joke about one thing but not about another? I'd say the best answer is that it isn't that one is less important, or sensitive than another, just that we all have a different view and degree of tolerance for dark humor and sarcasm depending on the subject matter.
I'd stop quite short of calling myself a feminist. I believe in equal rights between the sexes - actually, for anyone regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation or sexual preference. Far too many people have forgotten their sensibilities it seems. Common sense has flown out the window, and we neglect to realize that if we don't like what we are seeing or hearing, our first line of defense should be to simply walk or turn away.
Social media is a perfect example. There are far too many sitting behind their keyboards, staring into their screens becoming more and more incensed or insulted based on something someone else posted. Unless it's explicitly something that goes against the laws on illegal or indecent types of posts, each and every one of us has a scroll feature at our IMMEDIATE disposal. For crying out loud, use it! If you become so upset by the things that someone else comments or shares, you also have the option to unfollow them. To that end, there are also things like unfriending and even blocking someone.
Why allow another person, or something like the attire of the staff in a THEMED restaurant offend you? It is NOT a personal attack on our sense of morality - if it offends us, it is simply because we do not agree. We've mistaken this political correct climate we live in for somehow elevating us to such incredible levels of self-importance that we can no longer be satisfied by simply muttering our disapprovals to ourselves and going about our business, leaving the rest of the world to do as they choose.
As far as the latest chain restaurant opening its doors for business, I say 'yay' for more dining options! Maybe it's sexist to have women parade around in revealing outfits that make the server role seem almost 'subserviant', but strip clubs and strip shows exploit sexual fantasy in much the same way. Maybe though, it isn't exploitation as much as it is expression. Expression of a theme, an idea for entertainment and enjoyment. If you don't enjoy it, don't participate, but don't spoil the fun for the rest of us.
People can and will come up with a host of reasons they believe a restaurant that uses a little visually suggestive titalation shouldn't be allowed to operate. Their employees are well aware of the nature of their job, as well as the attire that accompanies the position they have accepted. People who choose to patronize such establishments do so understanding it is the theme/entire premise intended by the founders/owners. The rest of the general public just needs to accept that they cannot impose their ideals on everyone simply because they may not agree with the business model.
I see the Tilted Kilt being a fun change from some of the other popular chain eateries, and can't wait to experience it. I prefer to live on the lighter side, not letting myself be so affected. After all, I am intelligent enough to know that sex sells, and it doesn't correlate into increased crime or deviant behavior. Those are issues that have far more deep-seeded roots. So, eat, drink and be merry, if you choose to do so in South Portland at The Tilted Kilt, fabulous. If that's not your thing, there are more than enough other dining options between South Portland and Portland, something should fit into your oh-so-proper lifestyle.
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