Plus-Sized Coed Outraged Bar Barred Her From Platform Dancing

[Nell]

But a night club isn't actively recruiting fat chicks. Wrong or right they aren't.

I love TMS. He loves the fat girls like me. Makes you feel good.

[TheMorningStar]

But a night club isn't actively recruiting fat chicks. Wrong or right they aren't.

While correct, I cannot be the only one constantly being dragged to these clubs by my friends. I and others like me wouldn't mind some more diversity on the platforms.
If you go to a Hafla, you will see all sizes between ( and including ) skinny and thick professional dancers.

[VAS1326]

@TheMorningStar

I obviously wasn't talking about you. I know several men who will not date a thick girl let alone a fat girl but still have no problem taking a fat girl home for a one nighter.

Sure there are some men who are not ashamed or embarassed to be with a bigger girl. Then there are those who are and won't admit they like fat chicks. Then there are those like my friend "Jimmy" who won't date a thicker girl. He flat out told me he doesn't like midwest girls because they all have "winter coats" meaning extra fat to stay warm. So men who either lie about liking fat chicks or simply don't like fat chicks do exist.

For the club it's about the stigma. People want to hang out with attractive people (at least attractive as themselves) and since clubs are trying to make money and be the most trendy, cool place to hang out they want the most attractive people there. It may not be fair but that's how it is.

[TheMorningStar]

For the club it's about the stigma. People want to hang out with attractive people (at least attractive as themselves) and since clubs are trying to make money and be the most trendy, cool place to hang out they want the most attractive people there. It may not be fair but that's how it is.

This is a very narrow point of view. I hope you are not that shallow.
If I have to go there, I'm cute and there are members here who will back me up on that.
EDIT: Who says thick women aren't attractive? Some gay guy on Bravo?

@VAS1326
About 12,400,000 results (0.10 seconds)

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=bbw+clubs&oq=bbw+clubs&aq=f&aqi=&aql=1&gs_l=h p.3...1777.9983.0.10461.12.11.1.0.0.0.201.975.9j1j 1.11.0.pfwc.1.0.0.4Zd6BcKKu6I&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_ gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=ce54a1e5434ecb4b&biw=1366& bih=624

[VAS1326]

This is a very narrow point of view. I hope you are not that shallow.
If I have to go there, I'm cute and there are members here who will back me up on that.


@VAS1326
About 12,400,000 results (0.10 seconds)

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=bbw+clubs&oq=bbw+clubs&aq=f&aqi=&aql=1&gs_l=h p.3...1777.9983.0.10461.12.11.1.0.0.0.201.975.9j1j 1.11.0.pfwc.1.0.0.4Zd6BcKKu6I&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_ gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=ce54a1e5434ecb4b&biw=1366& bih=624

I'm not that shallow but that is how it is. Every bar owner wants the hottest spot in town and that's not going to be the place where only 200+ lb women hang out. Why do you think clubs have lists and door men who screen who gets in? Why do you think clubs don't want fat girls on the bars/platforms.

Yes there are BBW clubs....so what they are aimed at people who like heavy girls. Some clubs do not want that image. I'm not saying there isn't places for the heavy set but if you go to certain places they have different standards and opinions of what they want their club to be. In the case of the club in this article it's obvious the management doesn't want a fat girl image. I'm heavy so to me it don't matter. I'm not that shallow. I understand how the world works. I've lived in 3 different states and each had different standards. Just like from one bar to another they have different standards. I'm not sure how to make my point any more clear. It's like opening a club in New York or LA, you want the rich people to be there. You want celebrities and beautiful people because it's good for your bottom line. Because then others think ooh that's where the rich, beautiful and famous people hang out. Why do you think those places have list to get in? They don't want riff raff in their club. They want to be the hottest spot and you can't be the hottest spot with all fat, old, ugly people in your club. It's like that in a lot of places.

Bottom line if you are aiming your club at BBW lovers you won't have a bunch of skinny people hanging out there with just one or two fat girls. If your target audience are people looking for "beautiful" people then you limit the fat, ugly, old ect. It's all about the image the club wants to project to the public. Otherwise it wouldn't be an issue wether or not that girl got up and danced. They were not concerned about safety since the damn thing wasn't up to code anyway.

One of the most discearning places I've ever lived was Southern California. The strippers at the best clubs in Michigan clubs couldn't get jobs at the high end clubs there. Even at just dance clubs if I wore what people wore to a club in Michigan I either wouldn't get in or would stick out like a sore thumb for being severly under dressed. Come to think of it almost everytime I went to the gas lamp you rarely saw fat girls. Maybe one or two here and there with a group of friends (like the girl above) but they were never in the DJ box or dancing on the platform.

It's like clubs that have dress codes, it's all about image and the target audience. I mean what does it matter what you wear? It's not about your image, it's about the clubs image. A lot of clubs unfortunately (at least here in MI & CA) don't seem to target the heavy set at most the clubs. I have never been too or seen a BBW club in either place. Sure they may exsist but I don't know about them. Don't hear those ad's on the radio stations.

And btw: some of those search results are online clubs and chat rooms. Hardly accurate for brick and mortar numbers don't you think?

[VAS1326]

I added in Michigan to your search and I found a bunch of message boards. BBW sex clubs, BBW swingers clubs.
Not a single BBW geared bar/club in the first 5 pages. There is a guy who it appears a few years back would set up parties
at different locations for BBW's.

So I think a lot of your search results probably are similar since I didn't go through every page. Sure there are a some out there but apparently none by me.

I'm not skinny so this is funny to me.......I know my role. I didn't say fat people were unattractive. I also agreed that some men like heavy women. However; not everybody does and not everybody wants that image. That's two different things.

[TheMorningStar]

I am not saying clubs cannot deny large women.
600 years ago they were booting skinny ones.
http://www.peterpaulrubens.org/

What does that tell you?
It certainly indicates that sexy is not a constant throughout history.

So, where does what is considered attractive come from and who or what has been programming you?
Just food for thought.

I prefer to think for myself.

[VAS1326]

I'm sooooo not denying that clubs do this but...

Were skinny women always considered sexier then big ones?
No.
http://www.peterpaulrubens.org/

What does that tell you?
It certainly indicates that it is not a constant throughout history.

So, where does what is considered attractive come from and who or what has been programming you?
Just food for thought.

I prefer to think for myself.

I'm not programmed. I am a big girl and I think I'm gorgeous. I'm just not BLIND. Where are all the hot fat chicks on TV? Where are all the hot fat chicks modeling? Shit the plus size models are no bigger than a 14. That's not even plus size clothing for pete's sake. Some people are not attracted to fat just like some people are not attracted to anorexic looking chicks.

Some club owners don't care who are there drinking and others do care about image. If fat people didn't have the discrimation would this bitch be leading protest? No. If everyone accepted them equally would she be whining in the media? NO

The fact of the matter is a club owner (just like ANY business owner) has an image they want to potray and unfortunately that image is not unhealthy obese people. It's not even thick people like myself. I'm heavy but not obese. They don't want me to represent their club. You never see fat chicks on their specials ads and mailers no always a skinny waitress because that is the image they want to potray.

When in the fuck did I ever say that was MY opinion. My opinion is that clubs try to limit what comes in to protect their reputation. Honestly if I want to do something that only "thin" people can do then I'm going either become thin by working my ass off or dealing with it. Like I said in a much previous post if I was told I couldn't dance where I wanted to because I'm fat I probably would have just left the club and not gone back. I'd spend my money somewhere else. I know it sucks to be discrimated against (it's fucking embarassing when a man twice you size doesn't get ride checked at the amusement park and you do....which happened with me and my hubby's cousin) I'm not saying big can't be beautiful. I AM SAYING NOT EVERYONE THINKS IT IS. There are plenty of people who feel fat/obese people are unhealthy and that's not their lifestyle. It comes down to what crowd the bar wants to appeal to. Obviously not many bars cater to the BBW set. The one's that do per your list (except for one I saw) only have certain nights that are BBW parties.

I don't care what you look like but the fact you felt you had to throw in how attractive you are makes me think you have some insecurity issues of your own. What are you a hot fat person and that's why you are taking my view of the world so personally? Me myself; I don't give a shit what people think.

[TheMorningStar]

Actually, I already said I agree with you that clubs do this.
So, why are your feathers ruffled?
You said

I'm not programmed. I am a big girl and I think I'm gorgeous. I'm just not BLIND. Where are all the hot fat chicks on TV? Where are all the hot fat chicks modeling? Shit the plus size models are no bigger than a 14. That's not even plus size clothing for pete's sake. Some people are not attracted to fat just like some people are not attracted to anorexic looking chicks.

Think about who dictates those covers. The entire fashion industry is gay and you trust what they dictate a hot girl to be? ROFL

I only said I was cute because you said:

People want to hang out with attractive people (at least attractive as themselves)

This indicated to me that you thought I was some slug over here because I am not afraid to say I think fat chicks are sexy. You should not just think but know you are gorgeous ( I have no doubt you are ).
Now you rip into me calling me insecure. That = 2 insults for you, 0 for me. Why?

I actually think we are entirely on the same page except that I refuse to believe people who aren't shallow are rare.

[VAS1326]

I'm sorry if I am coming across insulting or harsh. I feel as if I am having a hard time getting my point across.

I realize my wording in this post is off:

People want to hang out with attractive people (at least attractive as themselves)

It should say either it can be percieved (by business owners) that people want to hang out with attractive people. It's part of the adverstising scheme. Any ad, commercial ect depicts good looking people doing fun things so you will say "Hey I want to be like them, good looking and having fun" And the truth is a lot of people DO want to hang out with the "beautiful" crowd. Just like there are a lot of people who don't give a crap about looks and just want to have a good time.

You threw in something about how good looking you are like it made a difference. That is why I commented on it? What was the point of saying that? Did I question your looks previously or did you feel like you had something to prove by saying that?

Yes I know heavier women were once considered beautiful. Being fat was a sign of wealth. It's just not so in today's society. I'm not justifying anybody for looking at fat people different I'm just saying it happens.

You say I need to not let someone else dictate my opinon. I did not let anyone dicatate my opinon and I feel that because I am fat stating my personal views you were implying I could not have possibly come up with them myself. I've accepted what I am, I know what is socially acceptable/not acceptable and I know I can change it or deal with it. I shouldn't expect others to change because of my lifestyle choices. Of course I know there are men who like big girls (considering I am one and have had my fair share of attention for the opposite sex)

When I first read the article that should couldn't dance on a platform I thought big fucking deal. Why is this even news? It happens all the time. Is it right? Probably not but my fat girl rights do not trump the business owners rights to run the club he wants to run and potray the image he wants to potray. Besides who wants to go somewhere that treats you like shit anyways regardless of your size.

And sure the fashion industry dictates a lot of what is percieved as beautiful and as long as the masses agree and buy into it that won't change. Businesses (including clubs) will conform properly. They are entitled to their opinions. Gay or not they obviously have sway over the masses. That is not my problem.

Here is the thing; some people just do not find fat attractive like yourself. We won't ever be able to force them too. So even if fashion suddenly said obese is in you would still have people who find it unattractive.

[moonlilly1981]

It's not about being cruel or unfair. It's just being honest. From a business perspective, a "regular" night club is going for the sexy image that society has placed upon us. Our society says that in order to have sex appeal you need to be fit and slim. It is not the bouncers fault that they did not allow her to dance. I am sure they were briefed on the types of women they are allowed to allow to dance on the platforms, by the owners of said club. The owner's of these establishments are trying to make money.

There are establishments that are geared towards BBW and the people who find them to be sexy and attractive. I am sure they make money. How do they make money? By marketing towards those particular interests. It is the basic rules of capitalism. Market towards the clientele you are trying to reach. It makes no sense what so ever to market your interests to a class that doesn't fit in your spectrum of clients.

[Mare]

You all are discussing a night club/bar.

Does your average man want to see a fat girl shaking it? For the most part, no. A thick girl, possibly but a fat girl - no. I am talking about your average man and not the exception who wants to date fat girls.

That said, I have never met a man who was/is embarrassed of dating a thick or a fat girl. I am sure they exist but I have never met one.

For purposes of this post, fat girl is defined wearing a size 18+

[HeatherHabilatory]

@VAS1326 You might as well give up. Your message is not being received by your intended target.

[sheevaa]

Personally, I don't give a shit who the bar thinks is hot or not. You have something in your establishment for paying customers, unless people pay more for the privilege, it should not be out of bounds for "some". That is discrimination, plain and simple.

It makes me sad how many people in here I know and like are such incredible fatty haters. We are people too, you know, just with some extra padding.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

It makes me sad how many people in here I know and like are such incredible fatty haters. We are people too, you know, just with some extra padding.

I don't think facing the reality that society has an idealized version of "pretty" makes one a "fatty hater". I know people don't want to see some 50+yo woman up there shakin' her groove thing. Doesn't make me a "oldie hater"... just makes me stay off dance platforms. I don't need to stand up there and strut it to feel good. Me 'n my gal pals can have just as much fun without getting drooled over.

There is no purpose in the dance platform except to say "Look at me!!". Any woman worth her weight can do that without it... and do it well.

[HeatherHabilatory]

Awwwh someone thumbsed-down me. BOOHOO.

How can I be a fatty hater, when I myself am fat? FFS. lol

[Nell]

I don't think anyone is hating on fat people. They are being honest, instead of politically correct, about clubs and who they prefer to cater to.

[blacksheep]

I don't care who dances up there. I have a few times. DV said it best, who needs to be drooled over by a bunch of drugged up, drunk testosterone.......

Oh me.

me. me. me. But I'm not climbing up on a box, drunk and dancing to get that attention I so desperately need. I value my ankles too much.

[TheMorningStar]

@HeatherHabilatory
I gave you dislikes because you are posting like some kind of peanut gallery instead of contributing.

I know how you roll and know you have something interesting and insightful to share.

Seriously, spit it out.

[HeatherHabilatory]

I've commented on this a hundred times already. If you can't figure out what I mean by now....

[TheMorningStar]

I've commented on this a hundred times already. If you can't figure out what I mean by now....

@VAS1326 You might as well give up. Your message is not being received by your intended target.

Sorry, this led me to believe you had something additional to say. My bad.

[sheevaa]

I don't think facing the reality that society has an idealized version of "pretty" makes one a "fatty hater". I know people don't want to see some 50+yo woman up there shakin' her groove thing. Doesn't make me a "oldie hater"... just makes me stay off dance platforms. I don't need to stand up there and strut it to feel good. Me 'n my gal pals can have just as much fun without getting drooled over.

There is no purpose in the dance platform except to say "Look at me!!". Any woman worth her weight can do that without it... and do it well.

The point is not what people think about whoever is up there, as its been established, everyone has their own preferences. It's that she was denied what everyone else got because of the way she looked. Bars over here let the ol' cougars up on the catwalk, I've seen them with my own eyes. It may not be what I personally want to look at (since it isn't Hugh Jackman or Vampire Bill shakin' his junk:P) but the point is that it's allowed. It wasn't an off-limits VIP area, it wasn't a safety issue such as if she were in a wheelchair or had crutches and there were no railings, or something like that. It was ONLY off limits to certain people because of how they look.

That isn't discrimination?

[HeatherHabilatory]

They are allowed to discriminate as they are a private establishment and being fat isn't protected under any laws. Sucks, but that's the way it is.

I'm too fat and not pretty to work at Hooters. I think I'm going to go sue those bastards!

[Nell]

The point is not what people think about whoever is up there, as its been established, everyone has their own preferences. It's that she was denied what everyone else got because of the way she looked. Bars over here let the ol' cougars up on the catwalk, I've seen them with my own eyes. It may not be what I personally want to look at (since it isn't Hugh Jackman or Vampire Bill shakin' his junk:P) but the point is that it's allowed. It wasn't an off-limits VIP area, it wasn't a safety issue such as if she were in a wheelchair or had crutches and there were no railings, or something like that. It was ONLY off limits to certain people because of how they look.

That isn't discrimination?

An Iowa City bar that drew national attention this week after a local student said she was told she was too overweight to dance on the stage has been ordered to tear down the platform.

Iowa City Housing and Inspection Services Department officials said Wednesday a formal violation order has been sent to The Union Bar, 131 E. College St., demanding that the 4-foot square and 4-foot tall platform be removed by Friday.

“We have gone out, we have inspected and we have instructed the owners of the bar that they have to dismantle that stage,” Code Enforcement Assistant Jann Ream said. “None of it met code.”

Ream said the platform, which does not have a railing, was not a violation for reasons of structural integrity, but rather it raised safety concerns.

“It just wasn’t safe,” Ream said. “The fear of someone falling off of it was the concern, not that it was going to collapse.”
[...]

The Union Bar’s most recent inspection took place in July 2011, and it is suspected the platform was constructed some time after that, Ream said.

It may have started cause she was too fat but the platform was unsafe in the end.

If you don't like the fact that a bar or club discriminates based on size don't go there. Simple as that.

Hooters. LOL.

[kniption]

They are allowed to discriminate as they are a private establishment and being fat isn't protected under any laws. Sucks, but that's the way it is.

I'm too fat and not pretty to work at Hooters. I think I'm going to go sue those bastards!

Heather seems to be getting bagged on for not providing more comprehensive arguments but - with her analogy - she has summed the entire issue up in that short statement above. She has, also, in some of her previous comments. The reason why Heather isn't being more verbose is because verbosity is not needed here.

My way of stating it is this... The establishment has the right to sculpt itself however it sees fit as long as it is not discriminating against a protected class. Obese or overweight people are not a protected class. Those who are discriminated against - but are not protected by federal law - have the right to take their business elsewhere. Done. Like it or not. ...until the laws are changed anyway.

Another analogy... I get migraines from loud music. ...and bright flashing lights give me a seizure. So I will demand that all nightclubs have even, non-pulsing, non-colored lighting and quiet music. I'm entitled, right?!? Under current law (ADA), accommodation for migraines and seizures is a lot more medically defensible than weight.

If that argument were possible, before long, there would be no nightclubs. Everyplace would be a coffeehouse! That's why it doesn't work like that. They have the right to create the legal environment they want - and I have the right to leave it. Those are our mutual rights.

I was just saying the music-migraine thing to make a point. ...and bright flashing lights don't really give me a seizure. But Heather's damn cat running back and forth does. I am so gonna sue!!

[sheevaa]

Heather seems to be getting bagged on for not providing more comprehensive arguments but - with her analogy - she has summed the entire issue up in that short statement above. She has, also, in some of her previous comments. The reason why Heather isn't being more verbose is because verbosity is not needed here.

My way of stating it is this... The establishment has the right to sculpt itself however it sees fit as long as it is not discriminating against a protected class. Obese or overweight people are not a protected class. Those who are discriminated against - but are not protected by federal law - have the right to take their business elsewhere. Done. Like it or not. ...until the laws are changed anyway.

Another analogy... I get migraines from loud music. ...and bright flashing lights give me a seizure. So I will demand that all nightclubs have even, non-pulsing, non-colored lighting and quiet music. I'm entitled, right?!? Under current law (ADA), accommodation for migraines and seizures is a lot more medically defensible than weight.

If that argument were possible, before long, there would be no nightclubs. Everyplace would be a coffeehouse! That's why it doesn't work like that. They have the right to create the legal environment they want - and I have the right to leave it. Those are our mutual rights.

I was just saying the music-migraine thing to make a point. ...and bright flashing lights don't really give me a seizure. But Heather's damn cat running back and forth does. I am so gonna sue!!

What I like about this girl is that she isn't suing. All she wanted was to open up discussion on the matter. Look at how much debate has been sparked just here. I think she succeeded.

Most of the time, I really don't give two hoots. Just pisses me off when people automatically start ragging on fat people because *gasp* they believe they should be entitled to things as well.

Anyway, this is like beating a dead horse at this point. I will agree to disagree with ya guys on this for now.

[kniption]

Well, before we give up entirely on the debate, I want to go on record as saying...

What I like about this girl is that she isn't suing. All she wanted was to open up discussion on the matter. Look at how much debate has been sparked just here. I think she succeeded.

I agree with you on that point.

Most of the time, I really don't give two hoots. Just pisses me off when people automatically start ragging on fat people because *gasp* they believe they should be entitled to things as well.

I believe that I understand your view as I have been on the receiving end of discrimination at times in my life. But my mind keeps going back to the fact that nobody is 'entitled' to anything.

Anyway, this is like beating a dead horse at this point. I will agree to disagree with ya guys on this for now.

I am glad that you presented your opinion - even if we may not have found a common ground. It certainly made me think more about it.

[Obsolete]

They are allowed to discriminate as they are a private establishment and being fat isn't protected under any laws. Sucks, but that's the way it is.

I'm too fat and not pretty to work at Hooters. I think I'm going to go sue those bastards!

Um, no they're not, and yes it is. I already posted this but private establishments DO NOT have the right to discriminate against whomever they choose and there ARE laws against discriminating against someone based on their weight.

[biteme]

Line's drawn

http://badlawyernyc.blogspot.com/201...s-can-sue.html

A Michigan judge has ruled that two Hooters' waitresses can proceed with their weight-based discrimination lawsuit. This story is from ClickOnDetroit.com:

A Michigan judge has given the go-ahead to lawsuits by two ex-Hooters waitresses who say they were fired because of their weight.

Cassandra Smith, 20, has worked at the Hooters in Roseville for two years. During an annual employee review in June, Smith said two women from the company's headquarters in Atlanta joined her bosses via conference call. Smith said she was complimented on her attitude and customer service skills, but that during her uniform evaluation the women mentioned that her shirt and short size could use some improvement.

Smith said she is 5 feet 8 inches tall and 132 pounds and is completely comfortable with herself. Smith said the women told her she would be given a free gym membership and had 30 days to improve, and if she did not, she would be separated from the company.

The company's uniforms are offered in small, extra small and double-extra small.

Michigan has a pioneering law that prohibits discrimination based on weight. The 1976 law also bans discrimination based on age and height. Hooters of Roseville Inc. and Hooters of America Inc. say the law shouldn't apply because their waitresses are entertainers whose appearance is a legitimate concern.

[biteme]

Um, no they're not, and yes it is. I already posted this but private establishments DO NOT have the right to discriminate against whomever they choose and there ARE laws against discriminating against someone based on their weight.

But some can get sneaky

http://www.popcrunch.com/hooters-wei...n-controversy/
According to The Hooters Girl blogger, the chain has historically avoided such lawsuits by implementing a practice that all staff must be able to fit into the uniforms provided by the company. However, Hooters does not provide uniforms in sizes bigger than a medium.