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Gloria Steinem wants us to boycott The Playboy Club
By Danielle GibsonAugust 10th, 2011, 1:00 pmComments (58)
Gloria Steinem, regulation hottie and hero to young women the world over, is a boss. We know this. So when Steinem suggests a boycott of the previously somewhat appealing The Playboy Club on NBC, we must listen. When asked about the realistic qualities of the show, Steinem said, "clearly 'The Playboy Club' is not going to be accurate. It was the tackiest place on earth. It was not glamorous at all."
Steinem is speaking from experience, of course, from her infamous undercover stint as a Playboy Bunny whilst writing an article for Show magazine. The article also opens Steinem's book Outrageous Acts and Every Day Rebellions, and goes through the audition process for being a Bunny, the brutal hours, conditions and pay. Totally worth the read, as are all of Steinem's essays, but even without putting in the literary time it's not difficult to imagine that anything involving Playboy isn't as swell as it seems. In fact, what with The Girls Next Door and various exposes written from past Playmates, any mystique that it might have once said has been shattered. Now everything Playboy really has that overwhelming octogenarian editor-in-chief stench. In the immortal words of Billy Bush, it's gross.
Then again, it's just a TV show trying to cop some of Mad Men's swinging '60s ratings. And it's an hour-length drama on NBC, of course it's going to be ridiculous. This is the network that greenlit The Event. Is a fancy, Amber Heard-starring glossed-over version of the original Playboy club really going to be all that dangerous? Will you boycott with Steinem or give the show a chance?
Commentarium (58 Comments)
Her book is actually titled "Outragous Acts and Everyday Rebellions"...
Fixed, thank you!
I was already gonna not watch the show, and now I get to feel better about myself because of it. Gloria Steinem is awesome!
Exactly what I thought!
I don't watch TV, but if I did, I would watch the show and form my own opinion on whether or not it entertained me.
fuck this fucking bitch a million times over and then some. this old hag needs to keep her fucking mouth shut, stay out of other peoples buisness, and be put someplace far and away where she can't be seen or heard. Why is this dried up old cunt even still considered relevant in any way,shape or form? Seriously, if you go along with or actually listen to her, you are just another zombie/tool.
Wow, dude. NEVER GET LAID, MUCH?
LIKE!!!
Why is how much I do or don't get laid an issue to you? I'm quite happy with my sex/love life as is. Answer me this, why is it when someone says dissenting against whatever popular opinion/tripe and shit, it's automatically assumed that said dissenter isn't gettting laid much? I just can't stand and despise this bitch. Seriously. She needs to shut the fuck up and mind her own goddamned buisness. Instead she's going around playing feminazi police, which is why people such as me despise her.
The reason it was suggested that you don't get laid is because you are so obviously an angry white man. Gloria Steinem is not a cunt--she speaks her mind calmly and intelligently, advocates for global human rights issues (for men, women, the gay/lesbian community), she has a sense of humor, and adds something positive to the world. You don't seem to do the same, so why don't you 'shut the fuck up'?
Wow, you automatically assume I'm white? You've never even met me and I am some anonymous poster. So how arrogantly assumptious of you, but I'm sure you don't care either way. Steinem is a cunt, I can disagree with her shit all I want and you or anyone else can't tell me otherwise. I won't shut the fuck up. Why don't you shut the fuck up? Go suck on grandma Glorias wrinkly old tits some more. See if you can get that dried up pussy of hers wet again.
I hate to tell you, but you DO have issues. You deny it in a comment below, but all of your comments are 'sexual degradation' territory. Think about it. And why do you think other people should "shut the fuck up", but you shouldn't. It's very safe to assume with you that: you are a white man, you have never volunteered/contributed your time for the greater good, or spoken out against injustice in an intelligent way. You are all about throwing your rage around. You have rage.
I have issues? Really? Well who the fuck are you? Psychologist? With a real degree and not what your own political agenda is? I fucking doubt that. You just only want to hear what your pc self wants to hear, and can't handle it when someone sees something different from you. I don't like Steinem or what she represents, and if that bothers you, not my fucking problem. Sexual Degradation territory? Well, no. Some chicks are bitches/cunts, and any guy needs to learn what to look out for, just as I'm sure you've sat around and bitched about how guys are such assholes, after you've sucked 50 dicks in a row and get surprised why they then don't call back. Again, you instantly assume my race without even knowing, and you call me arrogant? What if I was asian,hispanic,black? Then what? You'd agree with me? I've volunteered plenty and done plenty for the "greater good", and what to you is the "greater good"? What the pc police tell you it is? I'll decide what greater goods I do and don't want to support. I have no rage, I'm just engaging in debate, and you clearly can't seem to handle it when someone disagrees with you.
Ok, I will say it: I do have issues. But, what's better? Me coming onto a place like here and venting/letting it out and busting some balls? I do mean what I say though, or going out and doing something stupid or destructive like getting stupid drunk, like I used too, or beating someone up,etc?
Neither are better--you just need to integrate rationalism and compassion into your life. If anyone comes away thinking Gloria is nazi-like in this interview, I would question their sanity. This is basically how she is in every interview--calm, cool, collected and smart.
http://jezebel.com/5830416/gloria-steinem-wont-take-the-youth+bashing-bait
So I don't agree with the bitch, and now I have no sanity? RRRRRIIIIGGGGHHHHTTTTT, that's not nazi like at all. I mean nazi/feminazi as a figure of speech. She be calm,cool,collected all she wants, if I don't agree or like it, I don't have to agree or like it. This is still a free county yes? Ok then. I'm a very compassionate person actually. I'm not what you might think I am. I just despise Steinem and what she is/represents.
How sad you don't believe in equality for men and women and people of color...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2011%2F08%2F15...
When did I ever say I don't believe in equality for men,women,those who are poor? And I don't see color, so that's racist for you to even say that. People of color? Pretty racist. What does color have to do with anything? People are people. I just despise and can't stand Steinem, and you seem to take that a bit personal. Not my problem.
She stands for equality for men, women, and people of color (link above outlines this) and you keeps saying that you are against what she stands for. Therefore, you are against equality...
I am for equality, but against feminism/Steinem.
I'm confused by that statement. Are you for gender equality and racial equality? Because if you are, that is what feminism is about.
Thanks for summing it up, Moe.
@NuckingFutz, when you're calmer, read over your own remarks. You swing from wanting Steinem to shut up, to shrieking that you yourself won't shut up (though no one was telling you to). Yes, you have issues, and you'll be happier if you see someone about them. And live longer, too; harboring this much helpless rage is really bad for one's health.
Gloria made up her own mind rather than just do what she was told. But I guess the rest of us can't figure it out for ourselves. Glad she's here to save us from ourselves. I feel bad for whomever tries to bed that chick.
bed that chick? awesome.
Hey, she can make up her own goddamned mind all she wants for all I care, just when she starts trying to tell other people what to do is what gets me pissed.
You should move to Afghanistan. You'd fit right in.
Me? Move to Afghanistan? Why?
So if you're listening to someone else who is 'trying to save us from ourselves," doesn't that make you a follower? Or a brainless dimwit? Make your own decisions. It's a fucking television show, for goodness' sakes.
I'm not listening to anyone.
Consider it done, Ms. Steinem.
She happens to be right on this one. The reality of that whole Playboy scene was tawdry and dimwitted. I'm actually stunned that someone is putting this on the air and marketing it as a "mystery."
No one really, myself included, really fucking cares about playboy anymore. It's a joke and former shell of it's self, and Hugh Hefner just seems like, well, not the same anymore. Yeah, props to him for the success he achieved, but in this day and age, is playboy still seen as it used to be? Is it still "a leading men's lifestlye magazine", or just more eye candy with pretty/sexy ladies naked? Tawdry and Dimwitted is one way to put it. I mean, again, who really cares and why should this be an issue? My beef is this bitch trying to tell me or anyone else what to think or to be for,against etc.
It's not about Playboy annoying 'feminazis'--it was about SHITTY working conditions for the women who worked there. They were required to get STD tests in order to be employed there, had to pay from their own pockets for training and uniforms and, I'm sorry, given the whole 'entertainment for men' credo, you know there was rape and sexual harassment. Who is the 'nazi' in the whole situation? It's Hef (and you), you fucking raging moron.
Hey, they chose to work there, they gotta deal with it. Not my problem. If SteinemCunt wants to get a hair across her crusty old ass, that's her issue. And if she brings it to me, I'll shit it back on her. Rape? Really? And you have proof of that? That's a hefty charge, and one people like you like to throw out to make someone you don't like look bad. I'm no superfan of Hef or anything, but I doubt he'd condone or have anything to do with something like that. No. This bitch is the feminazi trying to tell people what to watch.
So if a work place has bad working conditions, people have to deal with it, you are saying. Say, if a factory has really bad safety standards and workers are forced to work in locked rooms (this does happen) and there's a fire, they deserved to die because they chose to work there? Google 'lessons of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory" and you'll see how laws were changed to protect workers. Gloria Steinem's expose helped change bad working conditions, yet there's something 'nazi' about it, according to you. You seem like a smart, decent person. *
*You don't seem like a smart, decent person.
No, I'm not saying if there are bad or life threatening working conditions people need to deal with it, but this seemingly "Oh my I'm surprised!" attitude coming from those who seem to be a bit shocked that yeah, maybe the playboy clubs were a little sexist, it's like A: No shit, B:Get With The Program and C:Worst thing ever? Hardly.
When did I ever say anything about people who work in a place deserve to die if there's a fire there cause they were there? I never did. You're putting words in my mouth and only hearing what you want to here. I think my A,B,C points above make my point better. There's nothing nazi about trying to protect people from poor working conditions, when did I say that? But when it comes to the playboy club thing, her being a former bunny herself, pictures of which I couldn't jerk it too or get a hard on over haha,and this bitch clearly has an axe to grind cause she can't get over the fact that some early 60's rich guy may have been more than a little condescending towards her, slapped her ass, and said "Hey toots,how about another gin/scotch/vodka tonic?, then we head to where the magic happens?" Cry me a fucking river. And yeah, her boycotting it, and trying to lure other people into it as well,over a place she elft years ago and on her own, isn't that her whole schtick?, is pretty nazi like.
Wow, like a few others I don't watch tv. If I did, I probably wouldn't watch it. Just doesn't appeal to me. Also, if you feel like someone is trying to "tell you what to do"- you do have the option to not pay attention to anything involving that person..it would save you a lot of time and energy. silliness.
When I feel someone is trying to tell me what to do in a non-diplomatic, non-communative dictorial way, I do what any sane/smart/reasonable person should or would do, tell them to go fuck themselves. Not always so bluntly like that, but when the time callse for it. Don't like it? Well, don't be an asshole. I don't watch tv much either, unless you count tv on dvd, well that I like. Yeah, not paying attention is one thing, I find the go fuck yourself method both more fun and liberating. Let's just I don't like bosses or boss types. Well, certain kinds.
You so have issues. What is 'dictorial' about how she talks about this show?
No. I don't have issues. Steinem control freak feminazi does. Seriously, who cares what anyone does or doesn't watch?
Nah, NF, this one's on you. She makes her points and invites people to join her in the language of a rational adult. She's not freaking out.
You, on the other hand...
And obviously you, and I, and Steinem ALL care what people watch, because she's out there talking about it, and we're in here talking about it.
As a woman, I deplore the assumption that Steinem is a "...hero to young women the world over...." In my own opinion, Steinem has caused women more harm than good. Who teaches women that it's wrong to take pride in something as precious as our own bodies? Who teaches that a woman who makes a conscious CHOICE to become a Bunny or what-have-you is being put down by men? I feel that she teaches women that MEN are the enemy, when really OTHER women are the true enemy. Women take advantage of what we know of each other and use that to tear them down, and Steinem is doing just that. If people feel that the Playboy days were 'tawdry', think about this: What do people think of MMA? MMA or Mixed Martial Arts is nothing more than two men beating the crap out of each other. Now, if they are, of course, using their own bodies to do so, and to make tons of money, how is that different from posing for Playboy? There are only two differences; Women aren't getting beat to a bloody pulp (like some of the fighters in MMA are), and Sex/Gender.
Ms. Steinem posits these old and antiquated beliefs and assumptions to women, and we are supposed to take them to heart? I know right were she can put them, and there's probably a niche audience for that.
Steinem always forgets to mention that although her article may have 'exposed' the 'abhorrent' treatment the girls at the Bunny Club may have received (I say may have because there are TONS of articles discounting Steinem's accusations), there are many other women who learned important life lessons from working at the Bunny Club. But they're probably ALL brainwashed by patriarchal society, right, Gloria??
It's really clear that you are completely unfamiliar with Gloria Steinem's work, beliefs and whole demeanor. She is nothing but respectful when she talks about politics, men, women and equality.
Steinem is not telling you to not take pride in your own bodies. Heck, she wore mini-0skirts to just about every demonstration in her halcyon days.
It's funny--I always thought she was sex-positive and promoted a healthy body image by saying that women don't have to look like air-brushed centerfolds. I mean, how are people missing that? And what about that message offends people on this thread? I'm baffled.
Wait--"when really OTHER women are the true enemy"? Man, I hope you don't think this, because regardless of your misinformation on Steinem's work--that is just a sad way to live your life. Other women are not your enemies, SoRuthless.
I'd do her.
Nerve, could you moderate your comments? This is pretty brutal to read.
Brutal? No, sounds more like someone's too chickenshit/pussy to read what people say online. Or you're just a fucking asshole trying to control and censor what people say.
Seriously, Nerve. A little moderation goes a long way.
Oh what? I said something you don't like or approve of? Not that I had asked. You don't like it? Don't come on here.
Nothing like an article that doesn't outright shit on feminism to bring out the serial killer-types and their female acolytes (looking at you, SoRuthless). Bloody hell.
Really? We're supposed to boycott a television show because a woman, namely Gloria Steinem tells us to based on her short stint working @ the Playboy Club decades ago? What about all the crap on television today showing, violence, rape, blood and nudity? And we haven't even seen this show yet? What about the Family Network ABC (Disney) producing Pan Am? Should we be boycotting this Show as well? Let people decide for themselves the quality of the writing, story lines and acting of this New Fall TV Series. I'm a very liberated Woman, but I certainly won't be basing my viewing of televsion on someone born 20 years before me and stuck back in her mid-20's holding onto her stale original views. The Playboy image is so tame compared to the majority of anything to can tune into your televsion today day or evening! It's time to move on Gloria and let individuals decide for themselves what the show will represent? Have you had a private viewing of the first few episodes? Doubt you've changed your opinions in the past 77 years of your life. I think your efforts are misguided and old fashion. Get with it.......,the shock of the old Playboy Image is tame compared to the majority of TV, Movies, Print Ads and porn readily available on your computor!
Oh and Gloria you're no hottie as your title suggests!? My husband, daughter, son and I saw you in a local airport last year and you need to update your photos! Part of Women's Liberation is an individual's ability to take advantage of current fashion, personal care, fitness and nutrition as well as education, training, travel, etc. You are no hottie!! In fact my Family was shocked to see an elderly woman in the airport, who looked nothing like her pictures! There is nothing wrong with being a liberated, educated Woman, who takes time to enhance her image with all that is available now days. Please take, "hottie," out of your resumeMy 25 year old daughter, who has her Masters and a Management Job in a major City won't be taking any advice from you in the near future! Gloria it's false advertising......
Oh and Gloria you're no hottie as your title suggests!? My husband, daughter, son and I saw you in a local airport last year and you need to update your photos! Part of Women's Liberation is an individual's ability to take advantage of current fashion, personal care, fitness and nutrition as well as education, training, travel, etc. You are no hottie!! In fact my Family was shocked to see an elderly woman in the airport, who looked nothing like her pictures! There is nothing wrong with being a liberated, educated Woman, who takes time to enhance her image with all that is available now days. Please take, "hottie," out of your resumeMy 25 year old daughter, who has her Masters and a Management Job in a major City won't be taking any advice from you in the near future! Gloria it's false advertising......
Nohtnig I could say would give you undue credit for this story.
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Now you say something