General Discussion

octothorpe

(962 posts)

257. How many males here would take this job if the roles were reversed?

Sun Apr 14, 2013, 01:51 PM

Apr 2013

Assuming you'd be hired for the same reasons and get the same pay and tips? Would you take it? If so, would you feel demeaned by it?

I'm thinking I would take it if I didn't have other skills or couldn't find anything else (college student). I don't know if I'd feel demeaned though. I'm kind of an ugly bastard now, but back a few years ago I was slightly less ugly and I was in situations where one might say I was objectified (I think?). I didn't find it demeaning or offensive. Although, it might be different for guys since we don't usually get bombarded with such things constantly. Although, I do know if I was able to use my looks to my advantage, I would exploit them as long as I could. I mean, I'd hope I'd also develop other traits/skills/talents, but I wouldn't totally use them as much as I could.

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Hooters of the shoe-shine world--Shine Shoes At New Wall Street Shop [View all] KoKo Apr 2013 OP

I would think they would want them to wear their hair back. Just sayin'. Safetykitten Apr 2013 #1

Not what the men want. :-) WinkyDink Apr 2013 #215

And people say Feminists are outdated and no longer needed. MattBaggins Apr 2013 #2

you cannot relieve the gals of any responsibility Skittles Apr 2013 #7

Degrading? redqueen Apr 2013 #27

I would not do that either Skittles Apr 2013 #36

I would not have thought so... my point is that girls are raised to see this redqueen Apr 2013 #37

I never said otherwise Skittles Apr 2013 #77

I will not criticize the women MattBaggins Apr 2013 #98

Some muslim women like to wear scarves and such The Straight Story Apr 2013 #17

Um, because they don't have to do it to get paid? Starry Messenger Apr 2013 #40

And these ladies had no other choices? The Straight Story Apr 2013 #43

Phil Donahue once asked Gloria Steinem about the stereotype feminists hate sex. Bucky Apr 2013 #49

And that has exactly what to do with head scarves? Starry Messenger Apr 2013 #72

Can men apply for this job? Elderly women? Overweight women? MattBaggins Apr 2013 #99

I don't find it appealing myself and get what folks are saying The Straight Story Apr 2013 #100

Wrong MattBaggins Apr 2013 #103

Yeah, see how well that goes over The Straight Story Apr 2013 #112

Hiring based on looks should be illegal MattBaggins Apr 2013 #114

For movies, magazines, ads, etc? The Straight Story Apr 2013 #118

Hiring based on looks should be illegal MattBaggins Apr 2013 #121

Ok.... The Straight Story Apr 2013 #130

You're still not getting it MattBaggins Apr 2013 #131

In cases where appearance isn't the job, yes. Shivering Jemmy Apr 2013 #183

Incorrect MattBaggins Apr 2013 #184

Apparently not incorrect Shivering Jemmy Apr 2013 #210

Oh I see we are in agreement. MattBaggins Apr 2013 #214

I can't begin to tell you the number of jobs I got because I was juajen Apr 2013 #238

Why? Orrex Apr 2013 #135

Really? MattBaggins Apr 2013 #146

Why not? Orrex Apr 2013 #153

I have some business ideas MattBaggins Apr 2013 #162

excellent post. thank you mattbaggins. nt seabeyond Apr 2013 #163

"Hiring discrimination outside of true entertainment or artistic venues is illegal" Orrex Apr 2013 #166

Explain specifically why 1+1 equals 2 MattBaggins Apr 2013 #169

You're not actually answering the question Orrex Apr 2013 #172

There is a far cry from cleanliness and good hygiene MattBaggins Apr 2013 #175

Nope, try again Orrex Apr 2013 #180

Nope not going to try again MattBaggins Apr 2013 #181

In other words, you can't defend your point. Orrex Apr 2013 #187

I can defend my post and did so MattBaggins Apr 2013 #188

Calling it silly isn't the same as answering it Orrex Apr 2013 #192

You're being absurd and you know it MattBaggins Apr 2013 #193

No, I'm simply trying to identify the boundaries that you will not Orrex Apr 2013 #199

Those cases were badly decided MattBaggins Apr 2013 #202

Well, you can see how this will go, can't you? Orrex Apr 2013 #205

They could TRY to declare themselves entertainment MattBaggins Apr 2013 #206

Lots of windmills in your posts Orrex Apr 2013 #207

I have explained it well enough MattBaggins Apr 2013 #212

I'm sure that you believe that Orrex Apr 2013 #221

And you believe you have made a point so more power to you as well. MattBaggins Apr 2013 #225

i have fallen in love with you. nt seabeyond Apr 2013 #102

I worked in a building in which "these" men got their shoes shined by black men... WhaTHellsgoingonhere Apr 2013 #56

yup. i feel the same. nt seabeyond Apr 2013 #62

When I saw this right away I thought about the history of white guys getting their shoes shined by limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #81

exactly. thank you. nt seabeyond Apr 2013 #82

I did too. And in the old days, where the grown men "shoe-shine boys" were a common sight, Squinch Apr 2013 #147

Just an observation... Bay Boy Apr 2013 #156

Why do they? Are the shoes crazy glued to their feet? And a shoe without a foot in it Squinch Apr 2013 #194

LOL well barbers are working on their heads Bay Boy Apr 2013 #195

Tis is the future they are offering our daughters - flirtstitution and worse. grahamhgreen Apr 2013 #3

I'd like to shine those guy's shoes with a sledge hammer . olddots Apr 2013 #4

Um, so you'd fight dehumanization with dehumanization? Bucky Apr 2013 #50

"I'd like to shine those guy's shoes with a sledge hammer ." NoPasaran Apr 2013 #139

She could make a fortune in tips MattBaggins Apr 2013 #177

the pic is kind of degrading Liberal_in_LA Apr 2013 #5

Yet, many women, especially single moms will do it because Cleita Apr 2013 #13

They'll have to wear low cut blouse and flirt to make good tips. degrading. Liberal_in_LA Apr 2013 #16

and then they'll complain about not being taken seriously Skittles Apr 2013 #22

And to think some men even here on DU MattBaggins Apr 2013 #105

Yet that has been the way since I remember. Cleita Apr 2013 #25

When the Soviet Union collapsed, female physicists and other highly-educated women Nay Apr 2013 #32

I heard a story about woman in New York who graduated with a PhD and limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #84

Equal Pay? Riftaxe Apr 2013 #60

Well, they are making more than cashiering at Wal-Mart, I would assume. n/t Cleita Apr 2013 #61

This message was self-deleted by its author MattBaggins Apr 2013 #123

well. that is just disgusting. thank you so much for sharing, nt seabeyond Apr 2013 #6

I hope you weren't snarking at me. It's a reality of KoKo Apr 2013 #58

it is disgustingly demeaning as the men snark, getting their shoes done to objectify the gals seabeyond Apr 2013 #66

Thanks for clarifying...your post to me seemed to say I was posting KoKo Apr 2013 #74

no. they do not gotta do. you wouldnt do. i wouldnt do. nt seabeyond Apr 2013 #80

It would be a Last Resort for Me...but Today's Females are More Diversified KoKo Apr 2013 #83

that is not the whole story, as i have said in my posts. yes, they make their choice seabeyond Apr 2013 #85

I edited my post..don't know if you caught that..will wait to see. KoKo Apr 2013 #87

and again, even with the edit, yes. there would be women that think it fun. seabeyond Apr 2013 #89

Young Women Today are in Competitive Sports, Military, Sailing around the World KoKo Apr 2013 #96

i competed against men for a life time. that is an equalizer. what these women are doing is shiftin seabeyond Apr 2013 #104

lets not be fooled. or play otherwise. the women are shining shoes because of the racial signifcance seabeyond Apr 2013 #93

seabeyond...there is NO ONE making them do that...like a SlaveMaster.. KoKo Apr 2013 #97

You didn't answer my "Young Women Today" post... KoKo Apr 2013 #106

Ugly truths need to be exposed imo. Rex Apr 2013 #65

as i have said about 3 times today. it hits hard when a girl kills herself because of raging male seabeyond Apr 2013 #67

I know which thread you are talking about. Rex Apr 2013 #70

Class warfare and sexism all in one pic... limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #86

The owner just needs to come clean and admit Rex Apr 2013 #136

See? Wall Street = job creators.... deutsey Apr 2013 #8

Lemme see. Little shorts; a little scanty tank top; beer and wine served too. Cleita Apr 2013 #9

This message was self-deleted by its author devilgrrl Apr 2013 #10

SCHEDULING DEVILGAL FOR ASS KICKING Skittles Apr 2013 #11

That costs extra. n/t Cleita Apr 2013 #14

That's the spit-shine, and it's pretty expensive. nt Nay Apr 2013 #33

I cannot express what feelings that picture -- Hell Hath No Fury Apr 2013 #12

How so tragic for the women to legally and legitimately earn money this way. zappaman Apr 2013 #15

Oh, you are SO cool and contrarian on these matters! RadiationTherapy Apr 2013 #18

Thanks! zappaman Apr 2013 #20

You're welcome; I tried to use the adjectives it seemed you were seeking the most. RadiationTherapy Apr 2013 #23

And you're all like "hey, I just want to post something about you instead of the OP" zappaman Apr 2013 #24

I love giving attention where it is most sought. RadiationTherapy Apr 2013 #26

Yes, god forbid someone have a different opinion. zappaman Apr 2013 #28

What different opinion? Yours seems to be the same opinion as the wall street guys getting shined. RadiationTherapy Apr 2013 #29

Nononono, you've got it all wrong... redqueen Apr 2013 #47

We are all prudes MattBaggins Apr 2013 #108

. Squinch Apr 2013 #88

Adjectives fail me. HughBeaumont Apr 2013 #19

I see the term 'class' means something different Rex Apr 2013 #21

THIS. Fawke Em Apr 2013 #30

I really wish there were a non-gendered word in the geek tragedy Apr 2013 #31

Hopefully there will be guards to protect from attacks by... L0oniX Apr 2013 #34

this picture boils my blood as much as pictures of cops clubbing civil rights demonstrators in the olddots Apr 2013 #35

Enough of this "degradation" indignation. BlueStreak Apr 2013 #38

'shoe shine boys' Rex Apr 2013 #39

I don't know if black kids felt degraded doing that. And nobody here knows if the women BlueStreak Apr 2013 #44

Speaking of degradation, a friend told me a bit of "reality from the hood" last evening BlueStreak Apr 2013 #46

Wow. Rex Apr 2013 #51

Um, yes, from about a month ago: muriel_volestrangler Apr 2013 #57

Do you beleive what you type ? olddots Apr 2013 #63

Do you think that was a good thing, that the work was expected to be done by grown Squinch Apr 2013 #92

If these girls were referred to as "shoe shine sluts", you would have a point BlueStreak Apr 2013 #128

Oy. Where to begin? You equate the terms "shoe-shine boy" and "shoe-shine slut?" Squinch Apr 2013 #138

Sure, it was acceptable, if it wasn't done in a subjugating way BlueStreak Apr 2013 #141

How does one call a grown man a "shoe-shine boy" without doing it in a subjugating way? Squinch Apr 2013 #144

In a serious defense of blue streak MattBaggins Apr 2013 #186

I don't know about this. Even allowing for ignorance of the demeaning racial history, Squinch Apr 2013 #196

You won't find any argument from me MattBaggins Apr 2013 #198

. Squinch Apr 2013 #201

You did not ask me about the term "boy". You asked me if the JOB BlueStreak Apr 2013 #220

As I responded to your previous "call out," re-read the question and your answer. If you meant Squinch Apr 2013 #224

It should be opbvious to any reader that my response pertained to the job BlueStreak Apr 2013 #235

Nothing of the sort. He misquoted me, and you followed suit. BlueStreak Apr 2013 #219

You misquoted me. That is disingenuous at best. You asked BlueStreak Apr 2013 #218

Here is what I asked: Squinch Apr 2013 #223

I am waiting to see the response to your 'disingenuous' words... Whisp Apr 2013 #253

Yes. Squinch Apr 2013 #258

black shoeshine boys needed to titillate customers for tips? Skittles Apr 2013 #227

Those assholes getting their shoes shined are not paying enough taxes. hunter Apr 2013 #41

They should located around the corner, on Beaver Street badtoworse Apr 2013 #42

Really in poor taste dballance Apr 2013 #52

You're right. Sometimes, I just can't help myself badtoworse Apr 2013 #226

And this, kids, passes as wit among a certain segment of our culture. Hard to believe, I know. Squinch Apr 2013 #142

Sounds like a good business idea to me. MrSlayer Apr 2013 #45

Stand for something or fall for anything olddots Apr 2013 #64

Choose your battles wisely. MrSlayer Apr 2013 #79

This message was self-deleted by its author olddots Apr 2013 #134

If a 300 pound man wanted to apply for this job and was turned away MattBaggins Apr 2013 #109

It would be discrimination. Laelth Apr 2013 #254

Not fully correct MattBaggins Apr 2013 #256

And they are all college students siligut Apr 2013 #48

OMFG redqueen Apr 2013 #53

I know siligut Apr 2013 #54

Waaaaiiiiittt a minute!!! Squinch Apr 2013 #234

can someone please lock this thread before it gets worse dballance Apr 2013 #55

What's bothering you about this thread? Replies are to News Article. KoKo Apr 2013 #91

Post removed Post removed Apr 2013 #59

OMG wtf? limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #90

And that's the third one in this thread. nt redqueen Apr 2013 #208

They're infantile, creepy, AND stunningly unoriginal! I wonder if that takes effort. Squinch Apr 2013 #236

Some people need to lighten up cpwm17 Apr 2013 #68

This message was self-deleted by its author devilgrrl Apr 2013 #69

I have no daughter cpwm17 Apr 2013 #75

This message was self-deleted by its author devilgrrl Apr 2013 #78

do you not understand Skittles Apr 2013 #107

I understand where you're coming from cpwm17 Apr 2013 #116

we MUST take advantage? Skittles Apr 2013 #117

I meant CAN (with slightly different wording) cpwm17 Apr 2013 #119

Yes it does make the world worse MattBaggins Apr 2013 #110

ugh. look at the look on those faces. Whisp Apr 2013 #71

So why can't they wear jeans and a t-shirt to do this job. with hair in a ponytail undeterred Apr 2013 #73

You think those guys would go get their shoe polished by folks in Jeans? KoKo Apr 2013 #76

Or why can't boys be hired for the job? treestar Apr 2013 #113

Because wall street males think they deserve a hard on during a shoe shine. undeterred Apr 2013 #115

For folks saying these women chose to do it... limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #94

Well said. I think everyone knows this deep down. Those who insist: Squinch Apr 2013 #127

yeah. pretending to love the job is part of the job. limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #174

Ever hear of Suzy Favor Hamilton? WinniSkipper Apr 2013 #190

I never ran into more aggressive, more pervasive, more entitled sexism than in the Squinch Apr 2013 #95

You are not alone...Many Business Blogs have addressed this... KoKo Apr 2013 #125

they are probably the worst i have seen, they think they own the place and can have their JI7 Apr 2013 #137

And the feeling is so pervasive that they think it's OK that they went out and did Squinch Apr 2013 #140

Be a shame if that shoeshine stand caught fire some night. mwrguy Apr 2013 #101

I shined shoes as a youth, Denis 11 Apr 2013 #120

The customers are pigs MattBaggins Apr 2013 #122

Guess it's better than pole dancing treestar Apr 2013 #111

And another thing... Only a fuckwad needs someone else to shine their shoes MattBaggins Apr 2013 #124

Message auto-removed Name removed Apr 2013 #126

Really? Do we really need upscale shoe shining? Initech Apr 2013 #129

Hooters of the shoe-shine world expands to France . . . can't find any employees. pa28 Apr 2013 #132

Or is it because the French aren't such prudes about sexuality? BlueStreak Apr 2013 #143

How does that follow from a report of a lack of women willing to take a demeaning job? Squinch Apr 2013 #145

The French probably aren't titillated so much by that. Ergo, it is just a crap job BlueStreak Apr 2013 #217

At one time when I was in college, I got a very well paying job as a cocktail waitress in a place Squinch Apr 2013 #232

I understand all of that. I'm simply saying it is free will BlueStreak Apr 2013 #245

bogus argument. no one is "letting" them or not, do the job. that is not the discussion or the issue seabeyond Apr 2013 #246

Demeaning and below one's aspirations are worlds apart. Which makes me pretty sure that Squinch Apr 2013 #249

This message was self-deleted by its author Apophis Apr 2013 #133

I see nothing wrong with this. pintobean Apr 2013 #148

This message was self-deleted by its author Upton Apr 2013 #149

Um..are these women being forced to do this? Upton Apr 2013 #150

Just your all american red blooded man sufrommich Apr 2013 #151

We need a choice on the alert page MattBaggins Apr 2013 #157

Right next to the pintobean Apr 2013 #161

There is no specific wording in the ToS, mission statement and community standards MattBaggins Apr 2013 #164

The idea that women should make their own choices pintobean Apr 2013 #165

Legal Hiring Discrimination MattBaggins Apr 2013 #167

Then, alert on my post and check the TOS box pintobean Apr 2013 #168

Sense of importance? MattBaggins Apr 2013 #170

In other words pintobean Apr 2013 #171

How the hell did I make this about you MattBaggins Apr 2013 #173

I can say whatever I want pintobean Apr 2013 #182

+100 n/t zappaman Apr 2013 #185

Agreed. If I wanted a morality lecture, I'd go to a church LittleBlue Apr 2013 #231

Given the right opportunities and connections the roles could easily be reversed. DCBob Apr 2013 #152

I just don't get it. I'm a heterosexual man, but I would feel TheManInTheMac Apr 2013 #154

ya. i think maybe it is all that. seabeyond Apr 2013 #160

Thank you for seeing women as people, and not decorations. redqueen Apr 2013 #176

You are a man among men, Mac. Would that there were more of you in the world. nt Nay Apr 2013 #242

there are tons of these men, hence why there is not one of these or hooters on every corner. seabeyond Apr 2013 #244

hugs to you MacMan Whisp Apr 2013 #251

THIS whisp. this is all the difference. in a daughter choosing a husband. the gift that keeps on seabeyond Apr 2013 #252

wish this post was an OP so I could DU Rec it. thank you. Tuesday Afternoon Apr 2013 #255

This was actually a really good idea for a business quinnox Apr 2013 #155

Here's Another Place I'd Avoid... KharmaTrain Apr 2013 #158

Sure, it's his boss he's worried about NoGOPZone Apr 2013 #159

Places who employ scantily clad women are seldom 'classy' or 'upscale'. Sheldon Cooper Apr 2013 #178

30 years ago the word "classy" MattBaggins Apr 2013 #179

This message was self-deleted by its author tammywammy Apr 2013 #197

Anything that shows more than this... zappaman Apr 2013 #200

Sorry, I self deleted since I didn't want to get in a back and forth over it. tammywammy Apr 2013 #203

Well, I certainly don't want to get into any "back and forth" either. Sheldon Cooper Apr 2013 #216

Great way to discriminate against workers. athenasatanjesus Apr 2013 #189

Totally demeaning. I just hope they are receiving some really big tips. n/t RebelOne Apr 2013 #191

Good grief. Does Everything have to be sexed up? Ilsa Apr 2013 #204

Yes, hot-n-sexxxy men served up as decorations for the gals is a solid business model. redqueen Apr 2013 #209

"What's next? Speedo-clad butchers in the meat market for the gals?" edbermac Apr 2013 #211

Oh, I'm sure it's a "Gentlemen's Shoeshine." Why aren't the roles reversed? WinkyDink Apr 2013 #213

Do a lot of women have their shoes shined? Orrex Apr 2013 #222

we do it ourselves Skittles Apr 2013 #228

Interesting badtoworse Apr 2013 #229

Ditto on both WinniSkipper Apr 2013 #250

Who cares? This has been going on at Hooters for decades. LittleBlue Apr 2013 #230

i care olddots Apr 2013 #237

when women are passed over for other jobs and these are the only options JI7 Apr 2013 #239

What are the alternatives? LittleBlue Apr 2013 #241

your argument sounds like what i hear about people that work all day for two bucks a day. seabeyond Apr 2013 #243

Ah yes....the men sit there and fantasize the women are giving them bjs. Avalux Apr 2013 #233

yuck. HiPointDem Apr 2013 #240

If the 1%ers want some 99%er T&As to look... 99Forever Apr 2013 #247

Gross. Iggo Apr 2013 #248

How many males here would take this job if the roles were reversed? octothorpe Apr 2013 #257