Catholic Charities Says 'No' to Hooters Girls

[SwizzleStick]

I wonder. What exactly was the nature of the complaints

I frequently read the following blog, the one mentioned in the article in the first post. Apparently, this blog is where things started to get stirred up with the result being the cancellation. I think the complaints were valid. To quote from one of the blog entries:

“…I am unfamiliar with just where in the long history of Catholic social teaching it proclaims that encouraging the lusts of men is morally good as long as you can get a few bucks for a charity.”…

14 June 2011
Seriously? St. Patrick Center Partners with Hooters?!!–UPDATE: Thankfully, It’s Cancelled!
stlouiscatholic.blogspot.com/2011/06/seriously-st-patricks-center-partners.html

15 June 2011
MSNBC Covers Hootergate
stlouiscatholic.blogspot.com/2011/06/msnbc-covers-hootergate.html

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

My sister was a waitress at a Hooter’s restaurant years ago. She knew how to look after herself if a customer tried to touch and/or look at her inappropriately. Many of the girls her age working there were attending college too so people cannot say they are all dumb blondes or common other stereotypes about beautiful women. As she was an adult, my mother and others could not stop her from working there.

Most men go there for the food and to look at the women. The uniforms worn by the wait staff are modest compared to what I’ve seen on professional sports teams cheerleaders or other famous women.

I admit I go there once in a GREAT WHILE----almost exclusively for the food. If the “lustful thoughts” get the better or me and/or get too strong to ignore, I leave.
They DO have good food—I’ll admit.

However, I have to admit and say that I’m with the opponents on this one. Whatever their good intentions are, Hooters directly promotes inappropriate lustful behavior in both men and women and also promotes inapropriate attire in womwn----soemthing Holy Mother Church should nor promote/condone either directly or indirectly.

I DO agree with some here, though, that the outfits are relatively “mild” compared to some outfits I have seen. I know some cheerleader outfits that are WAY more “inappropriate” than what the Hooter Girls wear. Still—once again, I agree with the opponents and am with Holy Mother Church’s position regarding this.

 

[laszlo]

I never dined at any Hooters restaurant, but together with with Vespasian, the Roman emperor I believe that ‘pecunia not olet’ the money does not stink.

Jesus did not reject the precious oil earned by prostitution.

I also wonder that in case of 9000 recipient why was a dozen or so complaint was enough to stop the event, and how much the complainers donated to the cause?

 

[MtnDwellar]

I never dined at any Hooters restaurant, but together with with Vespasian, the Roman emperor I believe that ‘pecunia not olet’ the money does not stink.

Jesus did not reject the precious oil earned by prostitution.

I also wonder that in case of 9000 recipient why was a dozen or so complaint was enough to stop the event, and how much the complainers donated to the cause?

In the case of Jesus and the oil, the sin was already committed. I am sure if the event had passed, we would not have any problem using the funds raised for a worthy cause.

In this case, the event has not taken place. It is not too late to prevent the sin. Hooters is not the only venue available for fund raising. A more appropriate choice is in order.

 

[laszlo]

In the case of Jesus and the oil, the sin was already committed. I am sure if the event had passed, we would not have any problem using the funds raised for a worthy cause.

In this case, the event has not taken place. It is not too late to prevent the sin. Hooters is not the only venue available for fund raising. A more appropriate choice is in order.

Do you know any equally effective method?

As from the slogan “Dine or Donate” I guess that the choice was to go in and pay tribute for the lust with your dining or fast and donate. What do you think about it?

 

[MtnDwellar]

Do you know any equally effective method?

As from the slogan “Dine or Donate” I guess that the choice was to go in and pay tribute for the lust with your dining or fast and donate. What do you think about it?

I have heard of several major restaurants that donate a portion of their proceeds for a few hours on a given day. It’s win/win for the establishment. They get additional customers because the charity advertises. They write a tax deductible check amount after it’s over.

So, I am thinking that are many equally effective methods.

 

[laszlo]

So, I am thinking that are many equally effective methods.

I your opinion did any of the protesters started alternative fundraising methods?

 

[psi]

Maybe the fundraiser would have helped evangelize or open to evangelization the employees.

I think their attire and conduct would be immodest but not necessarily immoral.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

Maybe the fundraiser would have helped evangelize or open to evangelization the employees.

I think their attire and conduct would be immodest but not necessarily immoral.

I tend to agree with that----the thing is, it can also lead to immoral THOUGHTS----and those can lead to actual actions.

Remember what Jesus said about that.

 

[psi]

I tend to agree with that----the thing is, it can also lead to immoral THOUGHTS----and those can lead to actual actions.

Remember what Jesus said about that.

I think Jesus had in mind sustained focusing or dwelling on fantasies, not fleeting thoughts. Be that as it may, the sin would be on the part of the luster. If an employee was trying to get customers to lust after her, that would be sin on her part too. But just being immodest, knowing that an unintended side effect may be lust is not necessarily sinful. Since attire in other places like malls or even churches is not much more modest, I don’t see any reason to single out Hooters.

I think there are bigger problems.

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

I think Jesus had in mind sustained focusing or dwelling on fantasies, not fleeting thoughts. Be that as it may, the sin would be on the part of the luster. If an employee was trying to get customers to lust after her, that would be sin on her part too. But just being immodest, knowing that an unintended side effect may be lust is not necessarily sinful. Since attire in other places like malls or even churches is not much more modest, I don’t see any reason to single out Hooters.

I think there are bigger problems.

I’d suggest to those who are so bothered at the sight of the waitresses to go to a nearby beach and check out what the younger women are wearing. The waitresses are more modestly dressed tha a lot of beach goers.

 

[MtnDwellar]

I’d suggest to those who are so bothered at the sight of the waitresses to go to a nearby beach and check out what the younger women are wearing. The waitresses are more modestly dressed tha a lot of beach goers.

Why? Comparing a bad thing to something worse does not make the bad thing good.

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

Why? Comparing a bad thing to something worse does not make the bad thing good.

Bathing suits are something bad? O…kay.

 

[SwizzleStick]

Bathing suits are something bad? O…kay.

They are the something worse, at least in most cases. Sure, one can find a modest swimsuit today, but it is difficult to do so (and some would argue it is impossible). Again, comparing a bad thing (Hooters outfits) to something worse (immodest swimwear) does not make the bad thing (Hooters outfits) good.

Now, back to the topic so this thread is not completely derailed to become a swimsuit thread.

 

[MichaelTDoyle]

Seriously, how many threads on masturbation do we really want on the forum?

The world is supplying jet fuel for sins of the flesh and the virtue of chastity is not preached anywhere outside the Church as far as I can tell. This is serious business.

 

[LostTruth28]

Ok, I’m new to this forum (first post yay me!) but this thread made me want the speak up.

First off: clearly, something that is worse does not mean something “not as bad” is ok. If you’re an abusive husband, when you die and stand before God, he’s not going to say “Well, you never killed your wife so it’s not so bad come on in.” No such thing as worse hell and no such thing as better heaven. Hell is hell, heaven is heaven, and sin is sin.

Hooters chicken wings are good huh? I would imagine a prostitutes bed is rather comfortable as well. Evil is never warranted, only allowed…and it seems in some cases, defended.

I’m by no means saying any of these girls are going to hell nor the people who attend such a place. But it isn’t helpful to step in a mud puddle on your way to church. You tend to leave tracks.

and lastly: To the “not so bads” I leave these two messages

“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
John 3:16

“For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.”
2 Timothy 4:3-4

 

[music2]

I’d suggest to those who are so bothered at the sight of the waitresses to go to a nearby beach and check out what the younger women are wearing. The waitresses are more modestly dressed tha a lot of beach goers.

I myself am upset at the “modesty police” and i am through now with Catholics/religion because i don’t want to live this this extremist mentality and i don’t only want to wear kneelength or below skirts.
I do wear “thighlength” stuff and i do wear singlet tops and i’ve been greatly affected by the many Catholics that put you in fear that you will go to hell and judge you as immodest and will be culpable before God etc simply for wanting to be a normal,healthy,non extremist human being.
The requirements of many Catholicms are the same as Muslims extremists or Baptist Christians-although the lengths they deem as modest are different the mentality is the exact same.

That said,I wouldn’t work at Hooters.The below are just my personal views and could be right or wrong and no way represent the Churches views.My view is it isn’t the clothing type but rather that Hooters is designed to objectify.
A girl at Hooters is designed to be a show piece.The selling point is come look at the pretty girls and their big boobies.
Theres nothing wrong with beauty and theres nothing wrong with breasts but i think there is something wrong-or at least distasteful-about objectifying.
In essence,it seems to me that if you work at Hooters you are boobs.
Does it promote lust?I cant say.Maybe, maybe not.My guess is that some healthy normla men can go there without feeling lust and just eat lunch.
But i do think it promotes an “undesirable culture”.It does appear to me a bit “cavemanish”.
Ie:the women with the “boobies” and the starry eyed,sleazy men that come and take a souvenir photo of themselves with the famed boobies
Even just the name…imagine if i opened a place called “t its” or “a ss”
It just seems primitive and cavemanish.
Although,perhaps i’m just speaking off emotion instead of clarity?

It does seem like a odd choice and bad judgment call for a Catholic Charity,especially if there were other restaurants in town where it could have been held.
But it sems they’ve fixed the situation now so all good?

 

[Blacksword]

I myself am upset at the “modesty police” and i am through now with Catholics/religion because i don’t want to live this this extremist mentality and i don’t only want to wear kneelength or below skirts.
I do wear “thighlength” stuff and i do wear singlet tops and i’ve been greatly affected by the many Catholics that put you in fear that you will go to hell and judge you as immodest and will be culpable before God etc simply for wanting to be a normal,healthy,non extremist human being.
The requirements of many Catholicms are the same as Muslims extremists or Baptist Christians-although the lengths they deem as modest are different the mentality is the exact same.

That said,I wouldn’t work at Hooters.The below are just my personal views and could be right or wrong and no way represent the Churches views.My view is it isn’t the clothing type but rather that Hooters is designed to objectify.
A girl at Hooters is designed to be a show piece.The selling point is come look at the pretty girls and their big boobies.
Theres nothing wrong with beauty and theres nothing wrong with breasts but i think there is something wrong-or at least distasteful-about objectifying.
In essence,it seems to me that if you work at Hooters you are boobs.
Does it promote lust?I cant say.Maybe, maybe not.My guess is that some healthy normla men can go there without feeling lust and just eat lunch.
But i do think it promotes an “undesirable culture”.It does appear to me a bit “cavemanish”.
Ie:the women with the “boobies” and the starry eyed,sleazy men that come and take a souvenir photo of themselves with the famed boobies
Even just the name…imagine if i opened a place called “t its” or “a ss”
It just seems primitive and cavemanish.
Although,perhaps i’m just speaking off emotion instead of clarity?

It does seem like a odd choice and bad judgment call for a Catholic Charity,especially if there were other restaurants in town where it could have been held.
But it sems they’ve fixed the situation now so all good?

Hello and welcome to CAF. Do not worry about the attitudes of some who may be judgmental. If you are wearing a skirt and top you like and are not trying purposely to look slutty or to cause lust, then I would say it is sin of the one judging you without knowing your heart, not your own. There’s nothing wrong with a pretty girl desiring simply to dress pretty!

 

[Blacksword]

Ok, I’m new to this forum (first post yay me!) but this thread made me want the speak up.

First off: clearly, something that is worse does not mean something “not as bad” is ok. If you’re an abusive husband, when you die and stand before God, he’s not going to say “Well, you never killed your wife so it’s not so bad come on in.” No such thing as worse hell and no such thing as better heaven. Hell is hell, heaven is heaven, and sin is sin.

Hooters chicken wings are good huh? I would imagine a prostitutes bed is rather comfortable as well. Evil is never warranted, only allowed…and it seems in some cases, defended.

I’m by no means saying any of these girls are going to hell nor the people who attend such a place. But it isn’t helpful to step in a mud puddle on your way to church. You tend to leave tracks.

and lastly: To the “not so bads” I leave these two messages

“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
John 3:16

“For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.”
2 Timothy 4:3-4

Comparing chicken wings to a prostitute’s bed is a little over the top, don’t you think? Should some men stay away from Hooter’s for being an occasion of sin? Certainly! But that doesn’t mean automatically that all men are sinning in entering the place for an honest beer and some wings, or to watch a game on the tv with friends. Alcoholics should avoid any kind of nightclub probably too, but should no one else ever enter such a place? I don’t think that follows.

 

[LostTruth28]

Comparing chicken wings to a prostitute’s bed is a little over the top, don’t you think? Should some men stay away from Hooter’s for being an occasion of sin? Certainly! But that doesn’t mean automatically that all men are sinning in entering the place for an honest beer and some wings, or to watch a game on the tv with friends. Alcoholics should avoid any kind of nightclub probably too, but should no one else ever enter such a place? I don’t think that follows.

I didn’t mean to imply that Hooters is a brothel at all, but I did wish to show that people, by our fallen nature, will reason our way into any sin. Perhaps not all men are sinning by entering a Hooters but they are sending a message that they support the established location and all it entails (which may be a sin. The blind leading the blind so to speak) Letting ourselves buy in to this society’s current standard of morality is folly. Jesus said many things to show us this. Not the least of which was “Be in the world but not of the world” how is it today that we still latch on so tightly to our secular desires while we let Jesus’ teachings take a back seat.

Why attend a place like Hooters if all you want is a honest beer, some wings, and to watch TV with some friends? Can’t that be done at many, many other places that don’t require their wait staff to objectify themselves?