Exploiting nurses.
A restaurant in Phoenix has caused some controversy for exploiting health care workers (particularly nurses).http://www.heartattackgrill.com/
Several national organizations as well as the local nurses are outraged the restaurant is making money by appealing primarily to male fantasies.
Their menu has items like single bypass burger up to quadruple bypass burgers and flatliner fries.
The grill owner refers to the complainers as being “prudes”, “cranks” and “lunatics”.
The attorney generals office did force the owner to stop using the word nurse at his restaurant, but the website still shows it quite plainly. There is now a disclaimer regarding the word nurse.
Our employees receive the highest base pay in the industry and we have insurance programs available for both full and part-time employees. Rather than paying the lowest possible wages that we can get away with, we pay them the highest possible wages that we can get away with. Our Nurses* work hard and deserve to be rewarded by sharing in our success.
The element of sex appeal is prevalent at the grill, and we believe that our Nurses* are as socially acceptable as the all-American cheerleader. Our "famous" Nurses* are an important part of the Heart Attack Grill experience. We hire women who best fit the classic image of a loving and understanding confidant. Claims (by PC Nazis) that we exploit beautiful women are as ridiculous as saying the NBA exploits men who are tall and athletic. Our Nurses* have the equal right to use their female sex appeal and natural charm to earn a living as do actresses and super models. We applaud the women's rights movement because it guarantees that women have the right to choose their own careers. It should be known that women occupy the majority of management positions at the Heart Attack Grill.
Taste Worth Dying For® is more than just a slogan, it's the core of a philosophy which understands that life is short so one should "Eat, Drink, and be Merry!"
*The use of the word "Nurse" above is only intended as a parody. None of the women pictured on our website actually have any medical training, nor do they attempt to provide any real medical services. It should be made clear that the Heart Attack Grill and its employees do NOT offer any therapeutic treatments (aside from laughter) whatsoever
The question is whether this is objectionable, in poor taste, or just freedom of speech and expression?
posted by Anonymous at 5:55 AM
19 Comments:
POOR taste.Its is bad enough that some patients(men) ask the nurse for a "sponge bath".
All three!
Is that gray enough?
Mark
Don't like it? Fine. Don't eat there. Sorry, but that's the extent of your power in this case.
My initial reaction is that there is nothing wrong with the concept. If some people find nurse outfits to be visually appealing, then why shouldn't they be able to dine in a setting that uses them? We are subject to visual titilation all the time in our society, so that is certainly not anything new. In my opinion, this concept does not demean the nursing profession. Those who contend that it does are taking themselves too seriously.
The nurses and their organizations are only helping this company by generating more publicity for them for free than they could ever afford to pay for.
This is the most blatant case of exploitation I've ever seen. I have very strong feelings about this, and while we're on the subject, I'd like to point out to everyone that if you haven't noticed, Bahama Breeze exploits palm trees. They should be compelled to clearly post signs next to each palm that reads, "This is not a real palm tree. Real palm trees are wondrous miracles of nature, deserving of our awe and respect. If any palm tree, lover of palm trees, or patron of this establishment is offended by our attempt to enhance the enjoyment of your dining experience by adding ambiance consistent with our overall theme, we sincerely apologize. It should also be noted that our use of plastics and synthetics fashioned in the image of a palm tree is not, in any way, intended as an affront to any other kind of tree, plant, or living organism native to the Ohio Valley or any other region of the universe." I'm thinking of starting a grass roots movement/letter-writing campaign to that affect. Who's with me? Also, who won the Battle Royal on Tuesday? I missed it.
This place doesn't exploit women OR nurses. It exploits gluttonous, sexually frustrated people, most of whom are probably men. They're the ones getting fatter and losing money over the whole deal so they can sit there with grease dripping from their chins, leering at women who wouldn't even make eye contact with them in any other setting, and probably not in THIS setting if it weren't for the tips. Those poor souls...they don't even realize they're being taken advantage of. Someone should tell them.
I am not a nurse but I have great respect for them. I find this in terrible taste and is exploitation.
As far as the person comparing nurses to palm trees, that is totally degrading.
Nurses (women and men) are educated and work extremely hard.
Uhh, Shirley, I'll go out on a limb here and suggest that the palm tree comment was a joke. Take a chill pill.
being a nurse I am somewhat amused that there are people who find my profession "sexy". changing dirty diapers and oozing dressings is far from appealing. not to mention the multitude of odd jobs that nurses do that disgust most people. If someone finds that image fuels their libido, more power to them!
AMEN to the last comment.Sexy,I don't think so.
from the looks of the food.i can see why we have so much heart disease.who can actually eat that burger.YUCK!
ACTION ALERT!!! This just in: Sesame Street is exploiting birds. Call your congress-people...this is getting out of control. Hey thanks for your support, Anon 5:36. Advocates for Exploitees appreciates you ;-)
AMEN to anonymous 5:36.
Where would Americans do if we didn't feel as though we were being "offended" by something. Geez, it's 5:00 o'clock somewhere go have a drink.
This establishment has as much a right to hire beautiful women to serve food and drink as Hooters does. Though, I would like to see a few places that use handsome men as titilation for appetite out there. hey resturant owners! women eat too!
what did sex and a cheeseburger ever do to you?
well, sex has made me hungry enough for a hamburger but hamburgers seldom give me hunger for sex. but, if enticement of sexy "nurses" sells hamburgers works then why not? they use some form of sex to sell everything from shampoo to cars. as someone said before if you don't like it dont eat there.
I will just say this: I have yet to be surrounded by beautiful women wearing "Daisy Duke" shorts, bikinis and high heels the second I pop the pull-tab on a Coors (or any other beer brand).
This is the same thing.
I do, however, know some beautiful nurses, but I have this really strong, recurring "librarian fantasy!!!" You know, the glasses come off, the hair comes down, the blouse comes unbuttoned, the flats magically turn into heels...
I have been around academia too long...
I am an RN now a Travel Nurse on assignment in Phoenix Arizona. I actually went to this restaurant to see what all the fuss is about. In theory I am against the idea, but after seeing the 'nurses' I have to say that it is not nearly as bad as I thought. The costumes are not anywhere as skimpy as Hooters 'uniforms'. I did not observe anything more than lighthearted kidding between waitresses and patrons....there are so many more things worth worrying about than this....fine, if you don't like it don't go.
Sharon McLaughlin, RN
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