Story here. It somewhat creepily notes:”The nightclubs said the prices charged to men aren’t so burdensome that they amount to denying them entry and male customers actually might benefit from ladies’ nights because so many women attend.”
For an uncomfortable thought exercise, decide how you feel about all this, and then contemplate how your views of this situation might (or might not) change if the admissions or drink price differential was linked to race rather than gender.
–Ann Bartow
I’m confused. Gender (or race) based admissions and drink prices are wrong. But in this case, can the nightclubs be seen as trying to increase diversity and increase the participation of a traditionally under-represented group (women in bars)? Or are they simply compensating women for the presence of their bodies (and presumably conversation) for the purpose of advertising their establishment? Are men being discriminated against? Is the discrimination harmful? Are they being prevented from participating in the public discourse? Is this a sexist form of Jim Crow for alcoholics? Are women being exploited? The guy bringing the lawsuit rails against feminism yet he claims to be advocating equality among the sexes–is he really a feminist who doesn’t know he’s a feminist? Is it the right of private establishments to discriminate based on sex (okay, I think the answer is “yes” with the exception of hiring practices)? Ditto for race?
While “Ladies Nights” are certainly creepy in their allure to men looking for swarms of inebriated females, are they harmful to either sex or do they represent a perfect balance? As a woman I could see the opportunity to hang out with a group of my women friends at a discount as a benefit, provided I don’t mind sharing the space with a bunch of drunk men with misconceptions about my level of interest (i.e. none) in them. Are there large numbers of lesbians who take advantage of ladies night?
About the only thing I’m clear on is the judge’s decision to excuse the state as a party to this.
This proves the double standard set by our culture. I agree with the Judge for claiming that the clubs are not representatives of the State, but if blacks were charged for alcohol and whites were given free drinks or vis-versa, would surely backfire. This decision has much to do with our attitude toward gender equality. This proves preferential treatment for women.
Racial discrimination of this nature would cause bad publicity and cost the clubs money. They would be considered racist in the court of public opinion and Judges would (as members of the public) have to be careful.
Double standards exist. Women are treated as objects by businesses for profit. And the kind of men who go to these clubs would expect women to be objects as they pay to get in, pay for alcohol etc. Businesses need to treat women like adults and equals and expect them to pay. It won’t reduce the amount of women going to clubs. The old sexist attitude exists because women allow it.