Bristol feminists declare victory for equality as Hooters goes bust
BRISTOL feminists have declared a victory for equality following news that Hooters has closed.
The Harbourside restaurant, known for its skimpily-dressed waitresses, sparked protests when it opened in October 2010.
But Bristol Feminist Network and Bristol Fawcett groups had campaigned against the opening since its licence application.
They branded the American-styled "breastaurant" a negative step for the city and said they were pleased it had closed.
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Sian Norris, spokeswoman for the Bristol Feminist Network, said: "We believe that Hooters contributed to the normalisation of the sexual objectification of women on our high street.
"We have repeatedly argued and demonstrated that the impact of this objectification culture is very real and far-reaching."
The groups said that research showed treating women as objects negatively affected their self-esteem and mental health. They said that gender inequality was reinforced because women were valued for their sex appeal at the expense of their other attributes and qualities and men were more accepting of sexual harassment and interpersonal violence, rape myths, and sex role stereotypes.
Ms Norris said: "From its sexist and degrading imagery and language to its uniforms, signage and bikini contests, Hooters normalised a culture that values women as sex objects.
"We argued that an establishment that seeks to make profit from sexism in this way had no place in a forward thinking and equal opportunity minded city like Bristol. We are pleased to see that Bristol agreed with us."
Earlier this week Simon Thornton, from liquidators Houghton Stone Business Recovery, said the restaurant gone into liquidation and a creditors meeting will be held later this month. The collapse has been triggered by a lack of trade, mounting debts and a long-running legal dispute with another company.
"The fact that Hooters has now closed shows that its presence was not welcome in our city," Ms Norris added. "Potential patrons of the restaurant voted with their feet."
"We are of course sorry that its closure has resulted in women and men losing their jobs. However we hope that the premises are quickly filled, and new job opportunities created, by a company that doesn't seek to treat women as sex objects.
"We look forward to celebrating the opening of a new Harbourside restaurant soon, one that fits our vision for an equal and forward thinking Bristol."
The closure will not affect other Hooters restaurants but 39 full and part-time staff have been made redundant.
Comments
by brandlogo
Friday, February 10 2012, 4:54PM
“@harry
This posting of mine earlier PROVES that I bear the BFN no spite. I just disagree with them about Hooters.
'@Sian Norris
I just read that the abuse and threats were on the Bristol Feminist website. Even though I don't agree with you about the closure of Hooters, what those neanderthals said was disgusting and no doubt frightening, and you were quite right to call the police.'
Do you understand the difference between disagreement and spite?”
by brandlogo
Friday, February 10 2012, 4:19PM
“@harry
'But the Bristol Feminist Network campaigns constantly on the issue of strip clubs and massage parlours. Why are you lying about this to create spite against them ?'
You have slandered me.
Firstly, to lie is to knowingly utter a falsehood. If - and it's a big 'if' - I have uttered a falsehood, I have not done so knowingly.
Secondly, I have said nothing out of spite. I have said that the BFN should not campaign against Hooters when there are much more pressing issues of women being exploited. There is noting spiteful in my saying this.
If I am wrong, and the BFN campaigns constantly against brothels, then you are at liberty to put me right. However, I must say that the BFN campaign against brothels seems to be rather lowkey compared to their campaign against Hooters.
If you have any integrity, you will acknowledge that you have slandered me in calling me a liar and spiteful.”
by harry12911
Friday, February 10 2012, 3:19PM
“by brandlogo Thursday, February 9 2012, 8:07PM - It's a shame that the Bristol Feminists don't campaign to close down the massage parlours in Stokes Croft. They are all to happy to go for a drink in Hamilton House knowing full well that women are being exploted a few yards away. How's that for hypocrisy.'
But the Bristol Feminist Network campaigns constantly on the issue of strip clubs and massage parlours. Why are you lying about this to create spite against them ?”
by joning
Friday, February 10 2012, 2:31PM
“On Sian Norris' blog:
''Pressure on women and girls to look and behave in certain ways negatively affects their self-esteem and their mental health.''
Yeah so does losing their jobs, trying to find another one in the current climate and having you gloat over their job loss.”
by joning
Friday, February 10 2012, 2:25PM
“@ NickFury
No doubt the Neo-Nazis will be claiming victory for anti-semitism that M&S closed. It's the same twisted logic Sian Norris has used.
The business failed for business reasons not some haughty social ideals.”
by NickFury
Friday, February 10 2012, 2:10PM
“It was almost certainly the same story for the Mark's & Spencers branch that also ended up closing on the same site. Sexist swines.”
by John_Name
Friday, February 10 2012, 10:22AM
“Well said Bristoldj!”
by Rich111
Friday, February 10 2012, 9:10AM
“@bristoldj - if you type Sian Norris into google her blogs are the first few results.”
by Bristoldjsuk
Friday, February 10 2012, 8:21AM
“@brandlogo
I was also unaware of any threats going on. That's a bit hideous. Whilst I donj't agree with their principles on certain issues, I stand by the right to make them! It promotes debate and awareness! Where are these comments to be found? On their website or something? Who on earth would promote violence against a peaceful feminist group?!”
by brandlogo
Friday, February 10 2012, 8:01AM
“@Sian Norris
I just read that the abuse and threats were on the Bristol Feminist website. Even though I don't agree with you about the closure of Hooters, what those neanderthals said was disgusting and no doubt frightening, and you were quite right to call the police.”