Sunday, November 15, 2009
sexist hair salon?
So I noticed that one of these hair salons is opening in Mansfield Crossing. Its called knockouts and the idea is that its like hooters but for haircuts. I was watching a local news channel and some people were complaining because they thought it was sexist an inappropriate, especially because it is opening next to Friendly's which is a kids/family restaurant. I was really torn about the sexist part. At first I didn't think it was such a big deal because it shouldn't matter what women want to wear while they are cutting a man's hair. But then I thought, well, there probably isn't a hair salon where women can go and get their haircut by men walking around in speedos. I also thought about the fact that most men who go there will most likely go to see their hairdresser walking around in a tight cropped shirt, rather than because she gives a really good haircut. Not only does this play into the whole "sex sells" idea, but it puts looks and sex appeal before skills. I know that giving a haircut might not be the biggest deal in the world, but using sex appeal to sell it sends a really bad message about women's ability to do something besides dress in skimpy clothing and look hot. I think that this idea can connect to many professions and can also show that something that may seem innocent could have a lot of deeper issues behind it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Wow, I was surprised to read this. I've never heard of a hooters-esque hair salon before. I totally agree that this is just another way of objectifying woman and putting their looks before their talent. It reminded me of a Desperate Housewives episode, where on of the housewives who is a VP at an advertising agency is asked by her male boss to wear a low cut dress when they are trying to close a deal. He felt like her boobs could help the clients sign with their company. There are just so many examples in the media and in our communities that are stressing the importance of female appearance over all else and this is setting a poor example for future generations.
ReplyDeleteThe more we desensatize ourselves to restaurants and stores like this, the less of a big deal it'll seem. A kid who grew up next to a hair salon like this will grow up expecting all women to look like that. If this child's a boy, they will perpetuate the need for a "suitable" partner to be unrealistic, fake, and exhaustedly forced. If the child's a girl, the same problem will occur with different ramifications. She will grow up wondering why she doesn't look like that and will develop low self-esteem or will swing the other way and do everything in her power to become one of those girls.
ReplyDeleteEither way, we shouldn't be promoting Hooters girls as the be-all end-all of beauty. No one should aspire to be a pound of makeup THEN a girl.
I recently was driving around in Mansfield Plaza and saw Knockout! I immediately was taken back and was very curious as to what it was! I drove by and looked inside to see three women dressed in booty shorts cutting middle aged men's hair with posters of half naked women surrounding them! I was appalled at what I was seeing and couldn't believe that such a place could be found in small family town like Mansfield! The idea that men are drawn to this place to get their hair cut by young women with barely any clothes on is very telling of our society. I doubt that any female who has respect for herself would find this okay.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first say this my reaction was " You have to be kidding me!" As we continue to notice "sex sells" everything in this country, from cologne to sneakers, haircuts and cars. Women are receiving more attention for working in places wearing provocative clothing and being in sex ads than they are for working long 8 hour shifts in intense jobs and going home to do the "second shift" (taking care of the children and tending to the house.) Where is the attention to these hard working women? I doubt someone would make a day spa for women, where men pampered us hand and foot. And I doubt husbands and boyfriends would appreciate us going. So why men, must you do things you do not approve of? Think logically.
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny that you posted a blog about this because not too long ago I was sitting in Balfour with some friends and three of the guys I was sitting with were talking about Knockouts! Saying things like "oh man yeah we need to go there and get our hair cut" and "yeah get some beers, maybe a number", or even "the greatest invention ever". Are we really such sexual objects? I understand the culture and society we live in and what has been deemed desirable and acceptable, and this is another depressing reinforcement of that. I'm also surprised that it's Mansfield. For some reason I wouldn't expected to be in an area like, that but you never know.
ReplyDeleteAs far as a salon like that for women, I wouldn't really want to see a guy do my hair in a speedo. I love going to get my hair done and talking with women and sometimes men about all types of issues throughout the world, it's relaxing in a sense, comfortable. I truly question how comfortable these women are. I also wonder the kind of comments they get from the men.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy mother has been a hair dresser my entire life and growing up in a salon and having friends that are attending cosmetology school it's easy to see that it's not an easy profession to become skilled at. I think the fact that women would have to stoop to a new low and wear revealing clothes in order to make more money is degrading and inappropriate for their profession. It is just another example of woman being taught that they are more valued for their bodies as commodities rather than their skills.
ReplyDeleteHello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. Hair salon ne portland
ReplyDelete