Theater Banning Men From Two Showings of Wonder Woman

[JenM]

I consider myself a feminist. I believe in female empowerment and equality.

If this was just a "Ladies night!" that would be one thing. Banning men from attending is counterproductive. It is exciting to have a dynamic, strong, powerful female character. Banning men (many of whom are feminists as well) is against the principle of feminism. Also, stops men who may not believe in equality from seeing a woman in such a strong role.

Again, if it was just a celebratory ladies' night but men were welcome to attend too, that would be different. But to specifically say "no men" just rubs me wrong. I can't imagine there wouldn't be an uproar if this theater hosted charity events that were "men only" for screenings of The Hulk.

But it *is* a ladies night. That’s the entire intention of the screening. It’s literally just one screening out of many happening that day (well, two screenings, since it sold out and they had to add another show).

 

[MamaBelle4]

But it *is* a ladies night. That’s the entire intention of the screening. It’s literally just one screening out of many happening that day (well, two screenings, since it sold out and they had to add another show).

Traditional "ladies' nights" don't expressly prohibit men from attending.

And do you think if the tables were turned, there wouldn't be a huge backlash?

 

[wenrob]

I address this in the comment above yours. The marketing says that men are not allowed at the event. They are prohibited from attending. You'll find the definition of "banned" confirms it is quite fitting.

And as I posted in response to bcla "men not allowed" taken in context with the rest of the invitation comes off less inflammatory than the word "banned" does with almost no context. It only matters because I can almost guarantee some people will not even bother to read the article and actually see what it's about, they'll form their opinion based on the thread title alone. Reading the article and invitation I take it the same way I do when my younger DD puts a sign on her door that says, "No boys allowed! (except for Daddy and holidays)." I sincerely doubt the theater will hire bouncers to oust men if they show up. I'm actually finding it kind of hard to believe people are getting worked up over this.

 

[wilkeliza]

Traditional "ladies' nights" don't expressly prohibit men from attending.

And do you think if the tables were turned, there wouldn't be a huge backlash?

If they want to host a men's only screening of any show to benefit prostate cancer research (or whatever men centric thing they want) then go right ahead!

 

[marcyleecorgan]

*Snerk* okay so obviously they don't expect any male-identifying spouses or male-identifying boyfriends to take their loved ones on a charity date night? anywhere my husband isn't welcome, I don't want to be at either!
edit! oops...

 

[wilkeliza]

*Snerk* okay so obviously they don't expect any male-identifying spouses or male-identifying boyfriends to take their loved ones on a date night? anywhere my husband isn't welcome, I don't want to be at either!

Actually we are doing a date night at the very same theater on Thursday for Wonder Woman. If your husband would like to take you to that theater for Wonder Woman on a date night he can chose any other showing that day!

 

[MamaBelle4]

If they want to host a men's only screening of any shoe to benefit prostate cancer research (or whatever men centric thing they want) then go right ahead!

You don't think there would be a public backlash? I really do.

I guess I don't understand why it has to be separated. Good men care about women's health and good women care about men's health. I wouldn't hesitate to donate to prostate cancer research, along with breast cancer and planned parenthood.

I don't know. I guess this just rubs me wrong.

 

[JenM]

Traditional "ladies' nights" don't expressly prohibit men from attending.

And do you think if the tables were turned, there wouldn't be a huge backlash?

I think if Hollywood actually made more superhero movies with female leads, theaters wouldn’t see a need to have special event screenings like this, because it would just be a regular superhero movie. But Hollywood doesn’t, so this is what happens. Be better at this, guys.

Look - if the theater said that all screenings for the entire run would be for women only, that wouldn’t be right. But this is literally a special event screening (two, now that the first sold out). Every other screening for the rest of the run (which will be for weeks) is for everyone. It’s not sexist, it’s just a party.

The crew I usually see these movies with are guys...and they haven’t said two words about Wonder Woman until this thing happened. I’m like, “Oh, NOW you care about getting to see Wonder Woman?” But you know what? They all told me to have fun if I go.

And as I posted in response to bcla "men not allowed" taken in context with the rest of the invitation comes off less inflammatory than the word "banned" does with almost no context. It only matters because I can almost guarantee some people will not even bother to read the article and actually see what it's about, they'll form their opinion based on the thread title alone. Reading the article and invitation I take it the same way I do when my younger DD puts a sign on her door that says, "No boys allowed! (except for Daddy and holidays)." I sincerely doubt the theater will hire bouncers to oust men if they show up. I'm actually finding it kind of hard to believe people are getting worked up over this.

Thank you.

 

[wilkeliza]

You don't think there would be a public backlash? I really do.

I guess I don't understand why it has to be separated. Good men care about women's health and good women care about men's health. I wouldn't hesitate to donate to prostate cancer research, along with breast cancer and planned parenthood.

I don't know. I guess this just rubs me wrong.

It is just a fun night themed night. This is what Alamo has been known for. I mean this is only the like 8th superhero movie with a female lead so it is a pretty big deal to a lot of women in the geek/nerd community. These weren't even original showings. They are 2 added shows.

The venue also has a mimimum age requirement even when playing animated movie. Are people against that too?

 

[RedAngie]

Brilliant publicity gimmick, both for the film and the theater chain.

 

[amberpi]

Again, if it was just a celebratory ladies' night but men were welcome to attend too, that would be different. But to specifically say "no men" just rubs me wrong. I can't imagine there wouldn't be an uproar if this theater hosted charity events that were "men only" for screenings of The Hulk.

That's what I got when I saw the event earlier. A big ole "girls night" of celebrating an awesome female character (at least I hope).

 

[JenM]

If they want to host a men's only screening of any shoe to benefit prostate cancer research (or whatever men centric thing they want) then go right ahead!

I’d be fine with that too. It’s not the only showing of the movie ever. If guys want to have a screening on their own, go for it.

Again, if it was every single show...no, that wouldn’t be right. But it’s just one event.

I mod a superhero/comics forum, and the response there has been very positive. The guys overwhelmingly thought it was a good idea, which was nice to see.

 

[bcla]

I got curious as to how the New Mission in San Francisco is handling this. They are showing Wonder Woman, but it looks like they have a stock answer (no plans but thanks for showing interest) as to whether they're going to do a women only screening.

https://twitter.com/DrafthouseSF

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Actually we are doing a date night at the very same theater on Thursday for Wonder Woman. If your husband would like to take you to that theater for Wonder Woman on a date night he can chose any other showing that day!

Yes I stupidly left out the qualifying word I meant to use. I meant as a charity night if you wanted to donate to PP. It'll have to be your own independent couple-thing I guess.

 

[declansdad]

Exactly - it’s a special screening running alongside regular screenings of Wonder Woman that day, which will playing on a gazilion screens everywhere that weekend. Nobody’s going to miss Wonder Woman if they want to see it that day. This particular screening is just a party for ladies who want to celebrate Wonder Woman finally coming to the big screen. And the shows have all sold out pretty quickly, so there’s definitely a demand for it.

I can’t wait to see it with my dad, but I’d LOVE to get to go to the ladies only show too (Alamo is a little too far for me). That should be a blast. And my dad wouldn’t have a problem with me going, either.

Of course there is a demand for it; just like there would be a demand for a men-only showing of that movie or any other superhero movie. You cannot honestly say that if there they planned a men-only screening their wouldn't be outcry from some women's groups.

 

[luvsJack]

If there was an outcry because of a men only showing it would be just as stupid as any outcrying about this event.

It's a movie. Anyone can see it any night at any showing EXCEPT these two. It's not some conspiracy against men. It's a movie about a female super hero. Some folks just don't have enough problems to deal with if this what they choose to get in an uproar about.

 

[Missy1961]

I think part of the reason they "banned" men is that is a segment of the male population that seems to have a problem with women in super hero movies. Check the comments section of any article written about "Star Wars: Rogue One" which featured a woman in a major role. I'm not saying this is every male or every young fan or whatever, but it is a fact of the super hero/comic book/gamer world.

And they aren't "banning" men from every single showing - it's two. The theater chain got lots of notice for this - which is probably what they wanted.

 

[wenrob]

I think part of the reason they "banned" men is that is a segment of the male population that seems to have a problem with women in super hero movies. Check the comments section of any article written about "Star Wars: Rogue One" which featured a woman in a major role. I'm not saying this is every male or every young fan or whatever, but it is a fact of the super hero/comic book/gamer world.

And they aren't "banning" men from every single showing - it's two. The theater chain got lots of notice for this - which is probably what they wanted.

I said the same thing to my DH last night in regards to some (not all) men/guy's attitude towards female super heroes and/or female comic book fans. For some diehards it's just not okay with them. It's a way for these women to embrace their "geeky" side without that underlying judgement.

 

[brookmey]

I don't get what the big deal is at all and neither does my husband.

Where I live, there are quite a few "men only" events. Every year before Valentine's Day and Mother's Day a local jewelry store sets aside 3 hours in the evening 1 or 2 days a week in the month leading up to those special days so men can shop. I can't remember what they call it, but it's pretty clear that it's for men and not women. It's quite popular. My husband went to one of the nights this year and he actually enjoyed it.

A local Hallmark store also has a men only night the week before Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. They provide snacks and cider or coffee and have drawings for a couple of gifts. They also offer complimentary gift wrapping. Our neighbor works at that Hallmark store and she said those nights are very busy. They also market it as a men only event.

A local yoga studio has men only sessions, Weight Watchers has a men only meeting and our church has a men's group that meets once a month. That one specifically says no women. There are no women only yoga sessions or women only meetings at Weight Watchers.

My daughter's junior high even has a "Donuts with Dad" night because they want to get more dads involved in the school. I think the title itself makes it clear moms aren't allowed. For the kids whose dads aren't in their lives, the school encourages grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, male cousins, neighbors, basically a male role model in that child's life. The school doesnt have anything like that for moms and no one has a problem with it.

If a movie theater had a special showing of a Marvel movie for men only, I would have no problem with it. I think it would be a great thing for a group of guys to do together.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

On the one hand, I see nothing wrong with same-sex social functions (a girls' night at a paint studio, a men's-only golf tournament, or, in this case, a movie party).

But on the other hand, I see far more of this stuff for girls than for boys. I feel like, in a attempt to make up for short-changing girls in an earlier era, we are now short-changing boys. It shows in school marks, in measures of self-esteem, etc.

(I even think there's a place for same-sex education, but I would still have a problem with the science camp described above. If the girls deserve their own class because it's less intimidating for them to speak up, then the boys deserve their own, where they don't have to compete with the girls who are generally ready for certain school skills earlier. I would be fine if there were three choices - boys only, girls only, and mixed.)

I guess I'm in favor of the event itself, but not the trend it represents.