I swear they pulled that straight from here.

I think I should get togethe are bunch of women of various shape in size in that same exact outfit and take a flight.

God damn it. I am so, so, sick of women's bodies being pathologized like this. Yes, women have breasts and legs. Yes, in many cases you can tell we have them. GET THE FUCK OVER IT. It just makes me so irate that on the one hand, we're expected to flaunt our bodies, but then when we do we're punished. Was anybody else really disturbed by the part where she said she covered herself with a blanket? Because you know, since she's not "fat" or "ugly" she has to be made to feel ashamed of her body in some way...We can't have women walking around thinking their bodies are okay, dontchaknow!

At least she was able to still fly, I've been discriminated against numerous times but nobody cares and it doesn't make the news like this, why? Because I'm a man.

Personally I love how they had to mention that she's a Hooter's waitress. Because, you know, had she been a lawyer or a neurosurgeon, it would have changed the situation completely.

How have you been discriminated against, Steven?

Is this what has happened to feminism? I am a feminist, but is this really the kind of thing we need to get our panties all up in bunch about? Following are the reasons why I think the "feminist" reaction to this story is problematic:

1) "This would never have happened to a man." True, probably because a man wouldn't walk into the airport wearing a 6 inch long "skirt" and a tank top. Nor would most women. This attire is the special provence of coeds who work at Hooters.

2) Let's think about this: why would the airline not want her to wear this particular outfit? My concern is that a skirt this short cannot possibly provide adequate coverage when she sits down. In other words, wherever she sits her crotch is in direct contact with the seat. Additionally, I doubt she's wearing granny panties under that skirt, which makes it an even bigger issue. She may not care what she sits on, but I do. I'd like to think that airline seats are something more than cloth-covered toilets.

3) The elephant in the room: rather than talk about Southwest's "outrageous" demand that she put on some clothes, let's at least acknowledge the other issues in this case. For example, she works at Hooters and apparently feels compelled to dress the part when she's not at work. Where's the outrage that women increasingly feel the need to infantilize their minds and hyper-sexualize their clothing? Why aren't there any successful chain restaurants where male waiters wear hot pants and skin tight tank tops? What happened to one of the motivating concerns of feminism (women as objects)? Are we really arguing that objectification is okay, so long as the woman does it to herself (assuming, of course, that we can say she has done it to herself)? In an increasingly shallow society, ever obsessed with looks, that is a truly frightening prospect.

4) Bigger fish to fry: there are so many other things wrong in our country (for women in particular). The minimum wage, although recently raised, still keeps millions of people (including women) in poverty. While we have made progress, women are still underrepresented in leadership (political, economic) roles. Picking a white, skinny, blonde college student as something to rally around seems a bit ridiculous, if not indulgent. This sends a clear message to poor and/or minority women: feminism is not about you. We're more concerned with this woman's right to wear what she wants to wear than your right to (equality, feed your kids, take your pick).

I often wonder if feminism is dead, or if it's just been co-opted. Every day, I encounter privileged women and girls who feed into sexist stereotypes but then claim that they are feminists. Personally, I would like to think that feminism is about a little bit more than a woman's right to dress like a tramp.

Hey Tina, if she was a lawyer or a neurosurgeon, she whould not have dresses like a Hotter's Hooker.

She will look back when she becomes a "woman" and laugh at how stupid she looked.

Personally, doodoo76, I don't wear "panties" but whatever. And I don't describe women as "tramps."

I think you've missed the point. No one is saying that this is the most important feminist issue of all time. No one is saying we should focus on this woman to the exclusion of all else.

I AM sad that women feel the need to dress like strippers or whatever. But, that is their choice. I'm horrified that she works at Hooters, I'm horrified that restaurant even exists! But that doesn't mean she should be shamed and humiliated and not allowed on a plane!

As for "this would never happen to a man." I've seen men do lots of disgusting things on public transportation, including wearing really tight pants that completely show the outline of the penis and balls. I've seen men leering at women, sexually harassing them-but I've NEVER once in my life seen a man confronted for his behavior. Not once! Yes, you probably won't see a man in a short skirt-but if you did-would you stop him from getting on the plane?

Also, plenty of women other than "coeds who work at hooters" wear mini-skirts. I see them every day. Should they all be kicked off the subway that I take? That's just silly.

And Steven-wah wah wah.

Am I the only one who doesn't think that her outfit is all that revealing? The skirt is kinda short, but so what? Add a few inches and that's an outfit I might wear on any given hot summer day. If feministing has taught me anything, it's that sweaters are a signal that a woman wants to be sexually harassed.

buggle:

Well stated.

All I know is that my personal form of feminism doesn't include calling other women tramps and hookers.

What is with all the comments recently along the lines of "is this really a feminist issue" about stuff that is 101 feminism?

Are these are coming from the same place under different names?

This is a feminist issue, IMO, because it's a reflection of the damned if you do, damned if you don't standards in our society for women. Women are expected to be sexy, but not too sexy. Our society simultaneously sends the message to women that how attractive they are is the measure of their worth and also that if they actually want/enjoy sex (or "make" people have "sinful" thoughts) they are horrible people who deserve to be shamed. Does this woman participate in a sexist culture by working at Hooters? Definately, IMO. But don't we all in some way or another? I really don't think it's that radical of a position to say that even women who participate in perpetuating sexism can also be the victim of sexism.

As for the bigger fish to fry, the economic issues you mentioned are related to how women are viewed by our culture. Feminism is, at least partially, about making these connections, so we can see how discriminated against a woman for dressing "too sexy" is part of the larger tapestry of the ways that women are treated as second class citizens.

All of this is setting aside the fact that there was nothing really that provacative about what she was wearing...and also, that if there's going to be a dress code for airlines, it should be clearly stated, otherwise it could very easily be used to discriminate against a certain group of customers.

Personally, doodoo76, I don't wear "panties" but whatever. And I don't describe women as "tramps."

I think you've missed the point. No one is saying that this is the most important feminist issue of all time. No one is saying we should focus on this woman to the exclusion of all else.

I AM sad that women feel the need to dress like strippers or whatever. But, that is their choice. I'm horrified that she works at Hooters, I'm horrified that restaurant even exists! But that doesn't mean she should be shamed and humiliated and not allowed on a plane!

As for "this would never happen to a man." I've seen men do lots of disgusting things on public transportation, including wearing really tight pants that completely show the outline of the penis and balls. I've seen men leering at women, sexually harassing them-but I've NEVER once in my life seen a man confronted for his behavior. Not once! Yes, you probably won't see a man in a short skirt-but if you did-would you stop him from getting on the plane?

Also, plenty of women other than "coeds who work at hooters" wear mini-skirts. I see them every day. Should they all be kicked off the subway that I take? That's just silly.

And Steven-wah wah wah.

Hey, Steven, take it from me: quit your bitching and find something productive to do. A man complaining about being discriminated against? I am not saying that it doesn't happen, but very rarily are discriminated against based on their gender. So, please, kindly take your male privilege and shove it.

Most men who claim to have been discriminated against are not really discriminated against - it's just that they've just managed to fall short in every category in life and can't quite make it. So what's the easy thing to do? Blame it on women. That's how misogynists like you do it, right?

Perhaps you're being discrimated against not because you're a man, but you're just a whiny asshole.

Marc

What is with all the comments recently along the lines of "is this really a feminist issue" about stuff that is 101 feminism?

Are these are coming from the same place under different names?

This is a feminist issue, IMO, because it's a reflection of the damned if you do, damned if you don't standards in our society for women. Women are expected to be sexy, but not too sexy. Our society simultaneously sends the message to women that how attractive they are is the measure of their worth and also that if they actually want/enjoy sex (or "make" people have "sinful" thoughts) they are horrible people who deserve to be shamed. Does this woman participate in a sexist culture by working at Hooters? Definately, IMO. But don't we all in some way or another? I really don't think it's that radical of a position to say that even women who participate in perpetuating sexism can also be the victim of sexism.

As for the bigger fish to fry, the economic issues you mentioned are related to how women are viewed by our culture. Feminism is, at least partially, about making these connections, so we can see how discriminated against a woman for dressing "too sexy" is part of the larger tapestry of the ways that women are treated as second class citizens.

All of this is setting aside the fact that there was nothing really that provacative about what she was wearing...and also, that if there's going to be a dress code for airlines, it should be clearly stated, otherwise it could very easily be used to discriminate against a certain group of customers.

I can't remember the last time I saw so many women-hating comments on Feministing in one day. And these people insist on describing themselves as feminists. This is really depressing.

I see girls dressed the way she is every single day. All over the place. It's not uncommon, and it's not that bad. The skirt was short, but not indecent. The shirt was barely low-cut at all. You could barely see the tops of her breasts.

I'm sorry that she works at Hooters. However, I'm willing to bet she makes really good money doing so (I've seen what guys leave for tips at those joints), and that's probably the reason she's doing it. However, that doesn't give us the right to shame her in all aspects of her life. She should have the right to dress as she chooses, so long as she meets legal decency standards (no public nudity). And she did. Humiliating her that way was totally wrong, and no amount of slut-shaming, tramp-blaming, hooker-accusing commentary from woman-haters here is going to change that.

I don't think that just because women have rights that they should be able to go around in public half naked.

Bazoo: A) I don't know where you live, but the prostitutes in Atlanta certainly wear far less clothing than that. And thanks for also adding in a comment implying that all southerners can't get a point across without being vulgar. It made everything you said even easier to disregard.

Half naked, Kyle!? Not so much.

What is going on here today? Did I wander into some alternate universe?

"because a man wouldn't walk into the airport wearing a 6 inch long "skirt" and a tank top."
No, he would walk in a tank top that showed the hair on his back and we would have to deal with it.

"this attire is the special provence of coeds who work at Hooters."

Way to slut-shame! And I thought "coed" went out of fashion years ago! Say it with me! COLLEGE STUDENT!

"she works at Hooters"

Your point?

"Are we really arguing that objectification is okay, so long as the woman does it to herself (assuming, of course, that we can say she has done it to herself)?"

See: intersection of feminism and sex work for some pertinent examples.

"This sends a clear message to poor and/or minority women: feminism is not about you. We're more concerned with this woman's right to wear what she wants to wear than your right to (equality, feed your kids, take your pick)."

Here is the one place where I will concede that you have a point.

"Personally, I would like to think that feminism is about a little bit more than a woman's right to dress like a tramp."

Personally, I think that someone who is a self-professed feminist wouldn't go throwing around words like "tramp." Shame on you.

KyleL: If you're not into that, move to Saudi Arabia. In this country, men and women are allowed to dress in whatever way they want (within the limits of the law). Regular feministing readers: there will probably be more idiotic comments because this news clip mentions the blog; I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of these brilliant "but she looks like a ho so she deserved it" messages. Also, hooters waitresses are definitely not the only people that dress like that; I KNOW lawyers and doctors that dress like that (which, lets be honest, was really not that shocking).
p.s. Don't you love in the piece how they say "and yes, she was wearing a bra?"

Bazoo, since when the hell did a woman dressed like that look like a prostitute? Perhaps she's dressed like that because it's fucking hot, and perhaps because she likes to look good? Maybe she's doing this for herself and not for you or anyone else to look at her.

If you find it offensive, look the other way, but somehow telling this woman to change her dress style because you're uncomfortable with it makes it a little misogynistic.

She doesn't live to make or anyone else happy. Get over yourself.

I suppose, by your argument, I can also say if it sounds like an asshole and has asshole ideologies, then it's an asshole.

Guess what you sound like?

I don't think that just because women have rights that they should be able to go around in public half naked.

I agree. In fact, the same goes for men. Let's legislate that men are not allowed to wear ball-hugging shorts or go topless in public.

What? That would never happen, you say? Gasp!

(Someone get me a towel to soak up all of this dripping sarcasm, please.)

On a related note, I like how the MSM feels it's relevant to mention that she works at Hooters.

Bazoo -

If she was a hooker, I suppose it would be totally OK to pull her off the flight?

Oh, I forgot that hookers deserve what they get. They are undeserving of rights. My bad.

To me, this boils down to women having the right to exist in public. Just like the lactivation issue- women and children having the right to exist in public.

Not hiding her breasts or legs to camouflage the fact that she's not a male? Shame on her! Breastfeeding in public? Shame on her!

Okay, first of all, doodoo's obviously not a feminist. I can sit around all day saying I'm Cleopatra, but that doesn't make it true. We're just seeing an infiltration by the same group of angry rejects who've been trying to take down every feminist website on the Net. It'll pass when their unemployment runs out and their parents kick them out of the house.

a skirt this short cannot possibly provide adequate coverage when she sits down.

Dude. There was a fucking picture of her sitting down. It covered everything. Why are trolls so stupid?

you are expected to dress in casual clothing on an airline

Huh. So you can't wear business attire on an airplane? Funny that. I've never seen any businessmen get kicked off for wearing business suits -- what planet are you posting from, Bazoo? Is the weather nice there? What are the primary imports and exports there? Are any of the animals there half as cool as the marsupials we have here on Earth?

And oh, as for your little hateful, bigoted comment about me being from the South? I'm from Minnesota. So, Bazoo, you can go fuck yourself, since I'm sure nobody else wants to.

Oh how I love the, "I swear I'm a feminist" anti-feminist trolls. Fuck off, guys.

Yay, Ann!!! Good job.

I am still baffled by this. When I first heard about it, I figured it must have been a rogue jerkwad employee... but to hear Southwest back up the actions of this employee really makes me question my devotion to them as a customer.

In regards to the CNN piece... it was mostly okay, though the "she's a Hooters waitress!" and "yes, she's wearing a bra!" parts obviously made me gag. What the hell does it matter who she is? She's dressed in a way that seems pretty average to me... but because she is a full-figured woman, even wearing slightly tight and fashionable clothes is "inappropriate." (As a full-figured woman myself, I feel her pain... you can wear the exact same thing a skinnier woman would wear, and it's "slutty.")

What's the worst that could happen, Southwest? Someone would look at her and find her attractive? Oh golly gee, the plane certainly couldn't fly then, could it?

It is scary having to argue such basic issues on this site. I would like the slut-shamers to explicate for me exactly where their positions intersect with feminism. Please?

I know I'm late, but WORD, Kimmy. Great response. I forgot what site I was on for a minute there.

but because she is a full-figured woman, even wearing slightly tight and fashionable clothes is "inappropriate." (As a full-figured woman myself, I feel her pain... you can wear the exact same thing a skinnier woman would wear, and it's "slutty.")

Exactly, coshea! Actually, I'm pretty skinny, but I have really big boobs, and I always get flack for "flaunting" my boobs. The interesting thing is, when I first developed breasts, I tried to hide them by wearing really big shirts, and I tried to hide my hips with baggy shorts. I looked like the fourth member of TLC circa 1992. By dressing like that, I actually got more shit than I do now for not dressing in a "feminine" enough way. Sadly, I was eventually cowed into stopping because the harassment was awful -- I got my ass grabbed at the gym, I got called mannish and a gangsta-wannabe, my relatives and friends' parents all voiced their disapproval constantly, and I got shoved around at school by guys.

But now that I dress how a woman "should," even though I get less harassment, I still get shit on and slut-shamed because, gasp, people can tell I have breasts! My experience has taught me that no matter how we as women dress, there will be throngs of assholes who will shame us for it. And the best thing to do is not give a fuck and dress in whatever way makes us feel happy and comfortable.

Same here, ponies and rainbows! Right down to the baggy shirts, sweatshirts, etc.

Because sexual harassment is not about attractiveness, but power- sex offenders search for people who are vulnerable and/or appear to have less social power (such as drunk women, people hiding in big baggy clothes, etc) to prey upon.

I just wanted to point out that the infiltration of these idiots is actually funny, because we're seeing these kick-ass emotional responses from feminsting.com readers, who in the normal crowd, is often very logical and polite. :0)

I did not know I needed to wear a bra to fly. Hmm.

This piece is the strangest story I have heard. Here are my questions:

1)Why is it relevant where this woman works?
2)Why is it that someone complains and the complainer does not have to change her/his behavior? Why must this woman change?
3)Why do we care if the woman was wearing a bra?
4)WOW!
5) This reminds me of the recent Applebee's incident where a breastfeeding mother was asked to cover herself. The request being a direct violation of Kentucky's law.
6) Whores? Tramps? What?!

That's exactly what I meant, ponies and rainbows. With large breasts (or hips or butt for that matter), you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't... I was also very self-conscious about my breasts as a teenager, and still am today, to a certain extent. And it's largely because of situations like this, where a woman's body and appearance is interpreted as an indicator of who she is as a person. ("Girls with big breasts = sluts!") And where a woman is responsible for how other people around her may feel about her body, even when it is not actually "obscene" in the public nudity sense.

"At least she was able to still fly, I've been discriminated against numerous times but nobody cares and it doesn't make the news like this, why? Because I'm a man."

No, Steven, my guess would be that your instances of discrimination (assuming they occurred) didn't make the news because you're not a young blonde woman with big boobs whom the camera can ogle.

Except for the vintage Southwest footage they showed, demonstrating the company's hypocrisy, I thought the piece was actually really gross. They mentioned that she works at Hooters, they made a point of actually *zooming in* on her crotch and especially her breasts -- the piece seemed to purport to be neutral or in support of Kyla Ebbert, but the leering way her images were presented completely undermined that.

Girl deserves better than to be humiliated by some misogynist airline employee and then objectified on the news.

I feel sorry for this poor girl. And to the individual who said when she was a "woman" she would look back on this and laugh or see herself as foolish, screw you. She IS a woman. She's in her 20s! She is not a child who should be punished and she has a legal right to wear whatever the hell she wants! I hope she does file a lawsuit and I hope she wins. I will NEVER fly southwest again. They have a lifetime boycott from me. Freaks.

There was a show about Southwest airlines day to day operations a few years ago. Men were stopped from boarding because they were drunk, forced to buy another ticket because they were fat, and delayed from going on their flight because they had strong body odor. SouthWest has a standard of travel that seems to be administered across both sexes. Ann's quote is incorrect and uninformed.

Well, the second half of that quote was cut off. I went on to say that if said schlubby guy was wearing a tight tank top and pants showing his buttcrack, he wouldn't be asked to change his clothes.

Being asked to step off a plane because you're drunk is quite different then being asked to leave because you happen to be in possession of two legs and a pair of breasts.

Public drunkenness can be dangerous on a flight. Fatness? I'm assuming they wanted them to buy two tickets? A separate and more complicated issue. Strong body odor? I wish I'd been on the flight that banned the BO men. I always seem to be right in the midst of an unshowered soccer team flying between matches.

The point isn't that private businesses can't set basic standards for their customers, it's that this standard is absurd. Subjective and absurd.

ponies and rainbow,

I know how the whole, 'big breasts makes you a slut' thing goes. :(

I want to know what her wearing a bra or working at hooters has anything to do with the story??

I haven't flown on Southwest since I was 12, but I certainly am not going to start up again. I am sure they would have had issues with the tank tops I like to wear while traveling. If I am going to be on a plane for hours, I am going to be comfortable damnit.