NASHVILLE, TN — There’s a certain satisfaction in having sexism stated clearly and not hidden behind politically smooth non-communication – and Nashville’s Metro council has recently provided its citizenry with an excellent example of clearly stated sexism. At issue is the latest addition to the city’s strip club community. For once, the complaint isn’t location, fear that children and small animals will be at risk, or concerns that previously thriving housing prices and community values will spiral into the sea.
Instead, the problem is that the all-nude dancers will be men.
“I’m sick to my stomach, I’m just absolutely sick,” Wakefield Metro Councilman Michael Craddock confessed to the media. “It’s difference for a man to show himself than a woman. It’s another step in the wrong direction.
Got it. Naked women = good. Naked men = sickening. Viva equality!
High end clubs featuring female dancers are a common sight in Nashville, but co-owner Cole Wakefield plans to introduce the city – and the state — to its first club featuring male dancers.
“We cater to anybody who wants to see men dance naked,” he explained, being careful to assure that these performances will not be of the burlesque or even Chippendales variety.
Instead, Wakefield and his business partner, purchased Ken’s Gold Club and plan to completely renovate it, including replacing the old brass stripper pole with something a bit more masculine.
“We decided to make it up; stainless steel for a tougher look to it,” he clarified.
In spite of Craddock’s ill health at the idea of nude men dancing for the pleasure of a mixed sex audience, the city of Nashville looks poised to approve the club, with the city’s adult business licensing board confirming that the Arrow Nashville will most likely become a reality soon.
Nonetheless, Craddock is hopeful that an 11th hour miracle will save Nashville from the demeaning sight of naked men dancing.
“If Metro council could do something, you’re looking at the man who would do it,” he promised.
Given that the city is packed with clubs featuring female dancers, John Herbison, the club’s attorney, doesn’t think a legal challenge would get very far.
“It’s time to let the market decide whether a show bar featuring male dancers will be successful,” he opined.
Final approval of the business is expected later this month, with a grand opening taking place during the Labor Day weekend. Male performers throughout the country have already submitted applications to the city’s adult business licensing board in hopes of working at the club.
