A Metro Councilman is under fire after making a comment that some people consider sexist and degrading to women - and it all started over a male strip bar soon to open in Nashville.
Metro Councilman Michael Craddock told NewsChannel 5 that he does not want Nashville to become known as host to one of the south's only male strip clubs.
"I'm sick to my stomach - I'm just absolutely sick," Craddock said in the NewsChannel 5 interview. "It's different for a man to show himself than a woman. It's another step in the wrong direction."
Shortly after the report was posted to the NewsChannel 5 Web site, readers began reprimanding Craddock on the story's discussion board.
Bethany Davis of Johnson City wrote, "I find it offensive that councilman would say it is different to show a male body then a female one. My girlfriends and I are going to check it out!"
Amy, a Nashville resident, wrote, "Wow! I'm glad Craddock isn't my councilman. His comment typifies the term Male Sexist Pig! I hope his future opponent points this comment out at voting time!"
Several men also chimed in on the discussion board. Jason, from Hendersonville, lambasted the councilman writing, "If Craddock was my councilman I would make sure he got the boot. As a man I am embarrassed for the comment he made. It is no different man or woman. He needs to pay for that idiotic comment. WOW..."
The male strip club, Arrow Nashville, is located in the old Ken's Gold Club on 5th Avenue and will welcome male and female patrons upon its grand opening Labor Day Weekend. The bar is still hiring dancers and bartenders and has already received applications from around the country from men interested in dancing.
Keep your eye on outandaboutnewspaper.com for more coverage of Arrow Nashville.
Metro Councilman's comment about male strippers sparks heated discussion
Tennessee's only male strip bar is set to open Labor Day Weekend
Aug 7, 2009
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Letter to the Editor | Other Articles by this Author
Posted by jman 08/19/09 4:21 PM
I just love to see this type of comment from a city official. Now we know where the problems are. He will not last long.
Posted by WildeWishes 08/09/09 12:35 AM
A step in the wrong direction? Or a step in the wrong erection? (Ha ha ha ha) One might speculate from reading this that the Councilman may be feeling a little intimidated by Nashville's new stage penis presence. Besides the obvious physiological differences, how, exactly, is male nudity on stage "sick" or "different" from female nudity on stage? Moreover, why is it acceptable for one to view women as sexual objects but unacceptable to view men as sexual objects? Sir, it seems to me that this is a matter of taste: I assure you, no one will barge into your office and drag you kicking and screaming to see the forthcoming plethora of penises. No one is being injured; no one is being exploited; no one is being forced to see or do anything they do not want to do. No laws are being broken. It is not your job to inflict whatever subjective and hypocritical standards of "decency" you hold as some type of moral compass upon this, or any other, community. Your opinions as far as taste goes are just that: YOUR opinions. You are free to do and go where you please. I would hope, that as a PUBLIC SERVANT, you would allow others the same liberty. Should you choose to continue to make such abrasive, bigoted, pig-ignorant and sexist comments, Councilman, you may find yourself looking for a job sooner than later. Perhaps you might find some gainful employ at this new nightclub, should the unthinkable happen...
Posted by kmkeiper 08/09/09 12:17 AM
Wow. I hope he sincerely regrets those comments. Otherwise, he might as well say that women shouldn't be allowed to vote, etc. Women have come a long way in being viewed as equals, and those struggles and achievements were belittled by this council-person's remarks.
