Burlesque and Feminism: Continued Debate
VS. 
The debate over whether burlesque sets us back a few decades in the plight of the feminist movement continues with my long time friend. My friend and I have been emailing each other for the past two days discussing this issue.
So, to continue with the debate in this public forum, I will add my dear friend's quotes in my post.
I certainly do not have my boobs hanging out at work, where it is important for me to be heard, because I have smaller boobs which can easily be hidden behind a layer or two of clothing. But, what about those women who have larger breasts and cannot hide them easily? Are we to assume that they must suffer a lifetime of not being heard simply because they have eye-catching boobs? Men and women are physically different, and trying to ignore that is like having that elephant in the room. Besides, I conduct myself in a professional manner at work, and I am more relaxed when I am in a social setting. My burlesque performances fall in the social setting category.everyone is free to choose their own means of surviving sexism. like you said, no matter what a woman does, she is sexualized. i choose to minimize this reaction to women in my own social encounters as much as possible, so as to attempt to eliminate the enormous ever-present gender divide and hopefully glean some mutual respect NOT based on physical appearance from whomever i'm dealing with. if your boobs are hanging out, you can bet they're not listening to your words.
The Male Gaze. She mentions this a few times in several emails. I can certainly see how the male gaze dictated the burlesque shows of yore, but in this modern day, there are so many different types of burlesque out there, I don't see how all of burlesque can be pigeonholed into one category: stripping for the pleasure of men. Burlesque is not a strip club for men, it's camp and silly and lighthearted and the audience is made up equally of men and women. Burlesque is entertainment in the vein of theater rather than just a strip tease aimed to stimulate arousal in men. Besides, I have not been to a burlesque show that stimulates arousal any more than an R rated movie. And as for the hole in the wall comment, I have no retort to that, I just think it's really funny.you just have to pay attention and not let the false notion of 'empowerment' via playing to the male gaze fool you into thinking you've actually got some power. there is NO POWER in the male gaze. so they think you're fuckable, so what? men will fuck a hole in the wall.
By the way, I really appreciate her input. This friend of mine and I have known each other for a long time, and I'm glad she is around to keep me grounded. She can tell me when I am doing something totally off the wall that she does not agree with, and it makes me think about what I'm doing. Most of the time, I am quick to try new things, and sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't. I need her to voice her opinion because it makes me wonder if I'm going beyond just being open-minded and venturing into something that is ultimately not good for me based on my personal values. This time, she has not convinced me that burlesque is a step away from men and women becoming equals in every aspect of our society.
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Would you do it for a room full of females? (I'm guessing the answer is yes)
I've thought about burlesque a fair amount and whether it empowers women or sets us back. I still want to make it to one of your shows. The vibe I get from what you've said, and other things I've read - is that the Seattle burlesque scene is not about playing to the male gaze.
I'm sure I'll have more to say on all this later, but just wanted to add $.02 and say - nice blog! :-)
Thanks for your comments on my article at the F word. I agree, while I hate to be objectified as much as any other the idea that women aren't sexual and/or should hide our sexuality is one I can't agree with.
Women should not feel pressure dinto hiding thier bodies , chnage should come in a shift where certain men leanr to control themselves.
After all no one accuses a man who goes round topless in summer or being obscene are 'putting it out there' why should a woman who wears a low cut top be accused of the same?
Plus I have rather large breasts, I can't hide them even if I tried!
I feel it's somewhat of a step backwards to cover ourselves up and deny our sexuality because some men may be incapable of acting like a mature adult when faced with a woman.
It almost feels like giving in.
I love burlesque and I am still not 100% sure on it's feminist quailities but as I said in my article I don't take kindly to people telling me i can't enjoy something I enjoy. If I felt it demeaned me in any way shape or form I'd be out of there like a shot , but I don't.
Sure it is a display of sexuality but I am a young single woman who's proud of her body , why shouldn't I make the most of it if I choose too? While obviosuly reserving the right to withold any such display to anyone who I feel is being offensive or derogatory towards me.
Nothing is black and white. Burlesque can be used differently for different audiences. But hiding our female assets isn't the answer to feminism! Its the opposite! We shouldn't feel ashamed, and have to hide who we are! Men or no men! Burlesque is sexy and empowering for women of all shapes and sizes, and we should celebrate our curves rather than cover them up!