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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Join me, if you will, in envisaging the feminist pub

307 replies

LRDMaguliYaPomochTebeSRaboti · 17/09/2013 14:35

Inspired by the obvious thread, I feel we need a fictional pub that's as the same sort of mecca for feminists. The antidote to the classic sexist bloke pub, where the floor is sticky and you can't get to the bar without pushing past three Important Regulars peering at your boobs and making blonde jokes, while the barman asks 'are you sure' when you order real ale and the beer for ladies comes in comedy funny-shaped pint glasses for our wee delicate hands.

In the feminist pub, I want to outlaw stupid jokes, obviously. But I also think the bar needs to be at a height that doesn't put my boobs on pint-level for every bloke there. And I would like it if there were etiquette that, when you've got your pint, you don't sit chatting to the barman and taking up space, you move away (I have never seen a woman sit on the edge of a bar, alone).

And I fancy copies of classics like 'Letters from a fainthearted feminist' standing about dog-earned on the bookcases, in place of old back issues of Spectator or random leather-bound books by dead white men.

Shall I apply for a pub lease then? And what else do we want in the feminist pub?

OP posts:
MrsGeologist · 18/09/2013 19:41

Female landladies? As opposed to male landladies? I think I need a lie down.

MrsGeologist · 18/09/2013 19:41

I've worked for two female landladies. It was a large chain though, so many decisions were made by the area managers and ops managers.

Wallison · 18/09/2013 19:35

I've worked for a couple of female-owned/run pubs. Both of them were very nice working environments. And one pub that was ostensibly run by a man but had a woman bar manager and she was ace. Definitely one of the best bosses I've had in my life - took no shit from the men and looked after her employees to the nth degree. Of the other two female owners, one was in a pub which had a large gay female clientele, which made a massive difference to us barmaids just because it was lovely to be surrounded by women - very different vibe to other pubs I've worked in. At times it felt almost revolutionary, if that's not putting it too strongly - you know, how women talk amongst themselves when they've had a few beers and the men are in the minority. 'Twas brilliant.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 18/09/2013 19:30

A woman runs my local. Not sure if her husband is involved, but she's definitely in charge.

The Rovers Return has a long history of female landladies / owners / managers.

KaseyM · 18/09/2013 19:23

Is it very unfeminist of me that I'm more excited about the cowboys in checked shirts than I am about all the intellectual conversation?

Please don't chuck me out! Blush

stubbornstains · 18/09/2013 19:11

Just a thought- does anyone know of a pub that's female-run? I'm sure that all the ones I've ever come across are run by hetero couples- and generally, the husband looks like he's having the time of his life, while the wife looks put-upon, stressed and grumpy.

I've always thought that co-operative management would be the way forward for a pub- obviously a feminist co-op!

stubbornstains · 18/09/2013 18:59

Or what about it being such a sympathetic, comfortable pub that you felt fine about sitting there and bursting into tears in front of everyone?

Loopytiles · 18/09/2013 18:26

There could be peaceful rooms for hire for women to take a short break from the world and watch TV, rest, relax or cry Sad.

Wallison · 18/09/2013 16:19

I don't think I know any feminist jokes. Loads of anti-men ones, but no feminist ones. Therefore I think a feminist comedian would be good because I could actually learn something.

kim147 · 18/09/2013 16:10

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Hullygully · 18/09/2013 16:03

oh v gd tethers

SinisterSal · 18/09/2013 16:02

yes!

tethersend · 18/09/2013 16:00

Oh, it's inn keeping alright, Wallison.

Can we have comedians?

Wallison · 18/09/2013 15:59

Ok ok, I was just musing! No to naked cowboys.

Hullygully · 18/09/2013 15:58

No! The cowboys wear jeans, boots, shirts and Stetsons.

EldritchCleavage · 18/09/2013 15:57

No naked cowboys, for God's sake!

BuffytheReasonableFeminist · 18/09/2013 15:55

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Wallison · 18/09/2013 15:51

Ok, I wondered if it was a bit not in keeping.

kim147 · 18/09/2013 15:51

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garlicbaguette · 18/09/2013 15:50

Sorry, no sexual objectification.

Wallison · 18/09/2013 15:48

Also, could the cowboys be naked save for boots and an apron?

Wallison · 18/09/2013 15:47

This all sounds wonderful.

I would like a jukebox though - love music while I'm drinking/talking shite. Maybe a bit of Loleatta Holloway or some Lyn Collins?

Oh and Badger Golden Glory for me please. Plus some decent cognac for cold winter evenings.

BuffytheReasonableFeminist · 18/09/2013 15:36

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SinisterSal · 18/09/2013 15:32

...that reminds me, must do a cowboy declutter...

garlicbaguette · 18/09/2013 15:32

Ha, Stubborn, you and me both, it seems. Maybe we could tour the pubs of England together, spreading enlightenment and confusion in equal measures (large ones.)