Yang

What would Haglar say?
In relationship to the Powerpuff Girls, the female waitresses of Hooters restaurant are more than likely the complete opposite of the Powerpuff Girls. When comparing the two, Hooters involve young adult females whereas the Powerpuff Girls are children.

Lisa Hager noted that, "the Powerpuff Girls occupy a space more closely related to the contested terrain of Riot Girl third-wave feminism because they reclaim and reinvent girlhood by insisting on the simultaneity of femininity and power." When analyzing the female waitresses of Hooters, I believe Hager would argue that the complete opposite is occurring in the Hooters restaurant. For example, female Hooters waitresses aren't necessarily reinventing or contributi ng to any feminist movement. They are, however, contributing to the patriarchal society by exploiting themselves such as how Hager described in her article by, "...using one's sexuality and looks." Also, whereas the Powerpuff Girls attempt to avoid the Barbie doll image by subjecting themselves as adolescents, the waitresses of Hooters are relatively similar to the Barbie appearance in which they are dressed in short shorts and tank tops that exposes their cleavage.



Furthermore, the life-giver and creator of the Powerpuff Girls, Professor Utonium, constructed the "perfect girl" image to fit the Powerpuff Girls in his experiments. Although the ideology behind the Powerpuff Girls was to challenge patriarchy, interestingly still, it was a male who constructed them. The same "constructed" concept can be viewed by analyzing Hooters. For example, Hooters may have constructed the image of a "perfect" women and has perhaps successfully embedded this image of a women serving food and beverage in sexually exposing apparel to men. Where 68% of the customers are males, and waitresses are generally reenacting has the traditional housewife who cooks and prepares food, there's no doubt that the reproduction and reinforcement of patriarchy is occurring.

[[image:hooters300.jpg width="283" height="425"]]
In addition to the physical construction of Hooter's waitresses, Hooters often use the tactic of using sexuality to advertise and market their business. Hager would argue that sex definitely sells. Some of their advertisements and products range from clothing, hats, caps, duffel bags, posters, calenders, and much more. Yet again, Hooters exploit women sexually not just in the restaurant but also on merchandise. Hooters method of hiring attractive women and gearing them up in a sexual manner has not only popularized their business but has also profit their organization through merchandise.

__**References**__
Hager, Lisa. "Saving the World Before Bedtime': The Powerpuff Girls, Citizenship, and the Little Girl Superhero." Children's Literature Association Quarterly (2008): 62-78. Rpt. in Project Muse: Scholarly Journals Online. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Project Muse: Scholarly Journals Online. Web. 29 Apr. 2010.

__Sunday April 04, 2010__
"The Phenomenon of Harry Potter, or Why All the Talk?" Zipe

What would Zipes say?
The first Hooters restaurant opened on the date of October 4, 1983 and has become a nationally-recognized institution all over the United States. Hooters restaurants can be found in 46 states and also, 24 countries outside of the United States operate a Hooters restaurant.

We can ask ourselves, is Hooters considered to be a phenomenon? According to Zipes, a phenomenon "generally refers to some kind of occurrence, change, or fact that is directly percieved; quite often the event is striking." Zipes also adds that in such an event, ordinary things become extraordinary and results in our admiring, worshipping, and idolizing of the phenomenon. I believe that Zipes would categorize Hooters restaurant as a phenomenon. First of all, like many other restaurants, Hooters generally function on the same concepts of delivering customer satisfaction. However, what seperates Hooters from other restaurants is their employment of hiring attractive waitresses to serve in a tank top and short shorts. The waitresses of Hooters can be looked at as ordinary, but the outfits in which they wear transform them into extraordinary figures.

Also, Hooters has indeed become conventional. It is widely recognized not just in the United States but also in 23 other countries. Zipes noted that in order for anything to become phenominal in the U.S. "it must be popularly accepted, praised, or condemned." For Hooters restaurants, it has met all the standard criteria as described by Zipes. Hooters is popularly accepted and to show that, the success of Hooters extend outside of the United States. Also, Hooters is praised by the sums of customers who are the reason why Hooters has expanded within and outside of the U.S. And last of all, Hooters' employment practices has sparked controversy as Hooters has faced lawsuits in the past.

In conclusion, there are people who may consider Hooters to be extraordinary and there are opposers who would consider Hooters to be degrading. But no matter how people look at it, Hooters has become a phenomenon.



__References__
http://www.originalhooters.com/saga/the-beginning-1983/

__Sunday April 04, 2010__
"From Sexist to (sort-of) Feminist Representatives of Gendered in the Harry Potter Series"

Elizabeth E. Heilman and Trevor Donaldson

What would Heilman and Donaldson say?
Hooters restaurant has long established a successful business since 1983. Although Hooters is very successful both in the United States and in other countries, Hooters continues to be viewed as controversial. Hooters is controversial in the aspect in which women who serve as waitresses are viewed as sexually exposing. They are sexually exposed in the manner in which they show a lot of skin and cleavage. In addition, the waitresses are generally attractive. In my opinion, I assume that an overwhelming population of females find the image of Hooters' waitresses degrading. Whereas, the general male population enjoy what they see and find the waitresses of Hooters as eye candy, pleasurable and comforting.

I believe that Heilman and Donaldson would say that the comfort in which males would enjoy the sexual exposures of Hooters' waitresses reinforces the traditional housewife. The housewife who cooks and cleans and serves her male partner food. As the authors had noted on the term //plasir//, dealing with cultural familiarity, men continue to view even today's modern women the same as they had in the past. In terms of comparing the ratio of both male and female workers in Hooters, 30% or 450 female associates hold management positions. Heilman and Donaldson would argue that there is a gender gap, especially when 70% of males hold these management positions. However, interestingly, the waitresses are the feature and show at Hooters. They are the main-attraction.

Also, the authors discussed the body and physical appearance and the obsession women have with their physical appearance. Heilman and Donaldson would say that one's beauty as a waitress employed in Hooters would contribute to typical male expectations of how women should look like. But of course, all the waitresses of Hooters are in top-notch shape as they are also attractive. But, are Hooters' waitresses just labeling themselves as sexual objects to fulfill every man's fantasy dream girl? I believe Heilman and Donaldson would say that the waitresses of Hooters are sexually labeling themselves and would continue to contribute to the patriarchal system. Where men are traditionally expected to be looked upon as masculine and strong, women continue to be viewed for their beauty to live up to man's expectations and satisfaction.



__Reference__
Heilman, Elizabeth E., and Trevor Donaldson. "From Sexist to (sort-of) Feminist: Representations of Gender in the Harry Potter Series." Unknown. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 139-61. Print. http://www.hooters.com/didyouknow.aspx

__Sunday April 11, 2010__
"Challenging Notions of Gendered Game Play: Teenagers playing The Sims"

Catherine Beavis and Claire Charles

What would Beavis and Charles say?
Before I begin, a friend of mine and myself were discussing video games that had sexy female characters. We had discussed many video games such as Dead or Alive Beach Volleyball, Tekken, Street Fighter, and much more. Then, I began to wonder if there were any video games or applications that would have or display Hooters girls. And what do you know?! I found one through google.com in which I will provide a link at the end of this article.



So, what would Beavis and Charles say about Hooters? It is quite obvious that males are the dominant consumers of video game interaction just as they are also the majority of customers who enter a Hooters restaurant. According to Hooters.com, 68% of customers are males aged 25-54. It remains no mystery that there would be more male customers when the attraction at Hooters restaurant are attractive women dressed in outfits that would make any man wish his girlfriend or significant other would possess similar qualities. Furthermore, Beavis and Claire stated that, "The ways in which young people experience and engage with media culture is powerfully influenced by the context in which that engagement occurs." I feel that this statement is important because it doesn't just have to be through the media that people learn from but also from being there and observing the people and environment that surrounds a person. Both males and females can learn new behavior and gendering ideas. Take Hooters for example, when a family goes to Hooters, a young girl may see a Hooter's waitress and admire her for appearing beautiful. So, as a result the young girl may imitate the Hooter's waitress. Another example, a young boy can be having lunch or dinner with his father and his father may be flirting or directing to the waitress as if he is superior to them. Through this interaction, the boy could imitate his father when he becomes older and thus, the cycle of patriarchy resumes.

Referring back to the Hooters application game I had found, the game is called "Hooters Girl Crazy Eights." To no surprise, the game is geared towards males as each individual card displays a Hooter's girl dressed in a bikini. This game is a clear indication of what Beavis and Charles would refer to as a "masculine" culture. The Hooters game is an application made for an Iphone. However, what female who owns an I-phone is going to download the Hooters Crazy Eight game? In all, Castell and Jenson noted in the Beavis and Charles article, "games are not just played, they are talked about, "cheated," fantasized about, altered and become models for every day life and for the formation of subjectivity and intersubjectivity. There is a politics, an economy, a history, social structure and function, and an everyday lived experience of the game." Through people's experiences in Hooters, social behavior can continue to be learned by the interactions of both males in females in the patriarchal society we live in.



__References__
Beavis, Catherine, and Claire Charles. "Challenging Notions of Gendered Game Play: Teenagers playing The Sims." Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education 26.3: 355-67. Print. http://www.hooters.com/About.aspx

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2783246/hooters_girls_crazy_eights_iphone_card_game_preview/

__Sunday April 25th, 2010__
"It's a Girl Thing": Tough Female Action Figures in the Toy Store

Sherrie A. Inness

The very introduction of Iness' female action figure article opened up describing the traditional image of action figures targeted towards young children (males). These action figures had very manly qualities that primarily rested upon being muscular and macho. In contrast with Inness' introduction, Hooters may actually challenge a male-based industry. How so? First of all, Hooter's attraction rely on their waitresses whom, instead of looking muscular and macho, look enticing and womanly. They are the complete opposite of male action figures. Inness stated in her article, "the few female figures that exist...are largely outnumbered by the hordes of males..." Such as in the case in perhaps any Hooters restaurant where the majority of customers are male, the women of Hooters have a chance to challenge the traditional male-power/centered aspect and thus, be the center of attention. In their own way, the waitresses can posses that power and outlook. Although controversial, the women of Hooters basically challenge this notion by relying on their sexuality. Furthermore, Inness added that "...the superhero universe includes some disturbing messages about gender roles." What if a Hooter's waitress was a superhero who delivered food faster than the speed of light? How would she look and what would she wear to disguise herself as? Regardless, she'd probably be dressed similar in her current apparel. As noted by Inness, does the idea that in order for females to be super heroes, must they always be dressed sexually?



Another important passage noted by Inness was when she noted, "girls also learn about the importance of social relationships between men and women and the significance of males." Relating this passage to the waitresses of Hooters, we could ask ourselves; are the Hooters' girls just here to serve or to look pretty and fulfill their traditional gender roles? I believe Inness would argue that they would do both. Inness claimed that, "barbie always seems to be preparing for a dream date or dream wedding." Basically, women are still made to fit the barbie image and their male counter-parts are learning to "protect the world.

Last of all, considering that many cultural aspects are so dominated and focused on males, what if there existed a similar restaurant like Hooters but geared toward men? By means, what if that restaurant only hired male waiters who only wore shorts and a tank top? And to add to that, these men had to be fit. They had to be muscular and attractive. What would the restaurant be called? I'd personally name it "The Total Package" in response to the name "Hooter's." Both names of these restaurants have sexual meanings in them and both could be considered controversial by men and women. Inness had mentioned several times in her article that boys are taught that problems can be solved by aggression. I begin to wonder, what if this restaurant really did exist and male waiters were in constant competition amongst each other? Would these male waiters take the same approach of solving problems with each other through the means of violence?

= =

**__References__**
Inness, Sherrie A. "Chapter 3: 'It's a Girl Thing': Tough Female Action Figures in the Toy Store." Unknown. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 75-94. Print.

**__Sunday May 09, 2010__**
Pretty in Pink: What Girls Wear

Lamb & Brown

**What Would Lamb and Brown Say?**
The article by Lamb and Brown, in relation to Hooters, focused on the clothing and apparel culture for girls and women significantly. According to Lamb and Brown, "girls need to feel their bodies as strong, active subjects moving out to meet the world's risks." The cultural phenomena of Hooters may actually give insight to teenage girls on what it means to be beautiful and attractive, but more importantly, to transform one's self into a more mature woman. Young girls in general often idolize and imitate what they see in the media as attractive, cute, or just tasteful. From the television screen to fashion magazines, the media displays what //is// beautiful. Hooters would also be an ideal place to consider and observe on what it takes to be "beautiful." Also, for the women who are already employed by Hooter's Restaurant, the power to feel sexy and strong could be inhabited or in the works by these waitresses already. Hooter's waitresses are primarily attractive women with large breasts and on top of that, they wear tight outfits to suit the company's image. It's one thing to think you are well-dressed, to impress others. And when the general public acknowledges your appearance, it can lead to confidence, feeling good about one's self image. But when a women is dressed in a sexual manner despite feeling good about themselves', the situation itself can contribute and reinforce patriarchy. Women continue to live up to men's expectation of what and how to look beautiful and sexy.

Furthermore, Lamb and Brown discussed the primary color that girls often wore, pink and red. However, this is not the case for Hooter's waitresses at all. In fact, there isn't a single trace of either pink or red that can be found on the uniform the waitresses wear. Although bright colors are often associated with girls apparel, the only bright color on a Hooter's uniform is found on the shorts and on the t-shirt in which "Hooters" is written across. More interestingly, the two "o" written on the shirt are suppose to be eyes of an owl depicted on the shirt. But in my perception, they are more like breasts than eyes. In all, it's always interesting to see slogans and designs that depict sexuality for young girls and women as well.



__**Monday May 10, 2010**__
Ella Evolving: Cinderella Stories and the Construction of Gender Appropriate Behavior

Linda T. Parsons

**What Would Parsons Say?**
There are several important aspects that the Parson's reading touched on in terms of fairytales in our culture and the basis of gender construction. In our class, often we had discussed how many women in our class were raised with the idea of becoming a princess. According to the Parson's reading, "Fairytales contribute to the formation of the boundaries of agency, subjectivity, and anticipated rewards. They are powerful cultural agents that tell us how to be." From Disney films such as Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin and many more, the princess identity have played a vital role in the lives of young girls. In contrast with my cultural artifact, how many girls grew up wanting to be a waitress at Hooters? I can only assume that young girls may have been restricted to being exposed to such sexuality as presented by Hooter's waitresses. But as young girls mature into their teenage years and into young adults, the behavior to conform to the appearance of a Hooter's waitress is a possibility. Hooters itself, is a cultural agent in our society that has been debated in the field of controversy. Many have claimed that the women employed are being exploited and that their work is degrading and demeaning. But on the contrary, the Hooter's website had refuted those claims and noted, "Claims that Hooters exploits attractive women are as ridiculous as saying the NFL exploits men who are big and fast." To add to that, the website also noted, "Hooters girls have the same right to use their natural female sex appeal to earn a living as do supermodels' Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell." I believe Parsons would argue that since women have choices, it is on their behalf to choose what they want to do. But since a patriarchal system has already been long established, it would only seem natural to criticize Hooters for exploiting.

Furthermore, the Parson's article added that in our patriarchal society, young girls affirm to the ideology of gender construction which lead and prepare them for romance and "heterosexual practices." This is true in which many Disney films have already depicted. Also, Parson noted that, "Girls come to know that their value lies in men's desire for them..." However, in reference with Hooters, I see two sides that could support and challenge Parson's points. First of all, a Hooter's waitress can use her sexuality to attract men for the purpose of romance or whatever she chooses. But on the contrary, her sexuality can be conserved for the purpose of her job. Simply, by feeling sexy and good about herself as she doesn't place herself in the stereotypical position that every women needs to rely on a man, she could be seen as strong and independent. It is thus, a message that can challenge patriarchy and establish the status that women are more than capable of handling their own lives.

__**Reference**__
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1689098/posts

__**Monday May 10, 2010**__
"Where Are We?"

Allan Johnson

**What Would Johnson Say?**
American life has long been a patriarchal society. The traditional male dominated society has shaped the social environment and the lives of all people. It has shaped a broad spectrum of institutions ranging from the work force, government offices, and even in our homes. Patriarchy has also transpired into the structure of gendering. The gender roles of men and women have been constructed by a patriarchal society and as a result, reinforced the ideas that men and women have traditional and stereotypical gender roles. Patriarchy consists of four key elements that shape our patriarchal society. They are male dominance, male identified, male centered, and the obsession with male control.

An example of how patriarchy has structured social institutions is by analyzing Hooters Restaurant. Hooters is known for more than just their food. They have built a reputation of having beautiful women in tight apparel serve as waitresses.

Also, Hooters is dominantly ran by men. According to Hooters.com, males make up 70% of management positions. Most Hooters restaurants are owned and operated under the control and management of men. The women who are employed to work as waitresses serve under the content of their male manager. Also, the issue of male dominance leads to the idea of gender roles. Since most women work as servers at Hooters, they can be viewed as the traditional housewives who work to make the men food. Most customers are without a doubt, men. Also, we can see that Hooters is using sex appeal in a patriarchal society to sell. Having women in skimpy outfits to serve food and beverages is clearly a means to label women as sexual objects.

Although Hooters is not specifically male identified, we can still relate Hooter's practice of hiring only women to the element of male identification. As Allan Johnson had described in his article, male identification is associated in the way society views men and masculinity. For example, a man may feel more masculine if he came to a Hooters restaurant because all the servers were women. The natural belief for men to feel more superior to a women can stress the ideology of masculinity. Allan Johnson would suggest that such power over many female workers, such as in Hooters, could make a man feel more powerful and more masculine. All of which, are the stereotypical qualities to possess, as a man.

Lastly, the final elements of patriarchy consists of male control and obsession. As mentioned earlier, Hooters is primarily managed by men. Through the authority of control, men maintain their privilege at Hooters and continue to dominate the female employees. Throught the process of male control, the more men who begin to participate and contribute to this process, the more they will become obsess with that power. The obsession with male control will continue to reinforce a patriarchal society.



__**Reference**__
http://www.hooters.com/About.aspx

__**Monday May 10, 2010**__
The Princess and the Magic Kingdom: Beyond Nostalgia, the Function of the Disney Princess

Rebecca-Anne C. Do Rozario

**What Would Rozario Say?**
The revelation of Hooters continues to grow today. What man in the patriarchal society does not enjoy the pleasures of seeing an attractive women serving them food and beverage while only wearing short shorts and a tight tank top? Although the women who work as waitresses aren't necessarily princesses, they do possess assets that would make almost any man fall head over heels and rescue them from any danger. Rozario noted in her article that, "She (the princess) has remained a relevant anarchronis over centuries...some have sought to reveal her beauty as stereotyped, her good-nature as submissive, but she still prevails." Similarly, Hooter's waitresses may serve no other purpose than that of the traditional housewife. The housewife who keeps the house clean, cooks and prepares food for her significant male-partner. And when she isn't performing her stereotyped gender role in the kitchen or any where in the house, she is completely submissive to her mate. Men continue to dominate society in almost all aspects ranging from the work force, government positions, and even in everyday homes. Time and time again, there is little recognition towards the role that women have contributed to in an everyday patriarchal society. Much like in the Disney film noted by Rozario, Sleeping Beauty, the prince actually gets support from the elderly fairies (female characteristics) who perform pivotal roles and do the actual rescuing of the princess in order for the prince to prevail. In all, women have contributed significantly to society but continue to be under-appreciated in the roles that they play. They continue to only be viewed as supporting acts, much like in films and in story books.



__**References**__

Do Rozario, Rebecca-Anne C. "The Princess and the Magic Kingdom: Beyond Nostalgia, the Function of the Disney Princess." Women's Studies in Communication 27.1: 34-59. Print.