Bar Attire: On Dehumanizing Women

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of an unhealthy trend that I have observed in Long Beach bars and establishments. The trend is for the barmaids to be forced to wear costumes that are extremely revealing and exploitative. Male bartenders are never forced to wear such revealing attire; this points out a double standard between the sexes.

There is considerable empirical evidence in the psychological literature that indicates when women are dehumanized and viewed more as an object than as a person with feelings, needs, and desires there is a greater potential for violence against women by men. Thus, women come to be viewed as less human and as objects for male pleasure.

I can’t help but think that this trend reinforces negative societal values about attitudes and beliefs about women and sexuality. I do not believe that this is productive or healthy for men, women and children. If our society is to eradicate violence against women, we need to address these issues. Having worked at a battered women’s shelter for over six years I can tell you that violence against women is epidemic.

I encourage other men and women to boycott establishments where barmaids are forced to wear revealing costumes. Both sexes should be accorded the same amount of dignity and respect.

ANN DE JARNETT

Long Beach