Burlesque vs. Stripping: The Feminist Wars
I just finished reading this article over on XOJane (filed under "Unpopular Opinions") about burlesque being boring and sexist. As a dancer and sex-positive feminist, the idea of burlesque has always appealed to me, but as I read the article, I realized that I kind of agreed with the author, and it got me thinking: Why is burlesque considered "more feminist" than plain old stripping? It's essentially exactly the same thing, with nicer costumes and maybe a wider, more mainstream appeal and longer documented historical tradition. Now don't get me wrong, I'd choose burlesque over stripping any day, mostly for the costumes and routines ( hey Xtina! ) but I don't know that I think it's any more empowering or feminist. It's getting (nearly) naked. Onstage. For people to look at you. And while it can definitely be fun as a woman to take control of your own sexuality in a society that does everything it can to repress expressions of female sexualit...