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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 13, 2005)
W e dd i ng s G u i de f o r 2 0 0 5 Naked Women and Male Bonding Bachelor parties and strippers just go together. T he bachelor party is a rite of passage. For many heterosexual men, getting married means giving up an old way of life in favor of a new one. The bachelor party (and in effect the best man, who traditionally is responsible for throwing the bachelor party) bears the responsibility of providing one final huzzah for the groom-to-be. At many bachelor parties of the hetero- sexual type, strippers are just part of the equation. It is not a phenomenon inherent or limited to straight men. But it is accepted, sometimes with complete blessings, some- times begrudgingly, by the wife-to-be as the groom’s last opportunity to see another woman in the nude. “I could care less,” explains Kathryn Badger, a 21-year-old bachelorette with wedding plans for next fall. “I trust that he (her fiancé) is not going to think a stripper is more attractive than me and then not want to get married.” The Hot Body Club is a popular stop for many men preparing to tie the knot. Their bachelor party package includes a four-girl stage show accompanied by a Polaroid and T-shirt commemorating the occasion. You can walk into the Hot Body Club almost any night of the week and witness a young bach- elor on stage, sitting on his hands, as four beautiful girls dance seductively around him. “It’s their last shot at freedom,” explains Rico, the manager of the Hot Body Club. “It’s hard to get out when you’re married.” Featuring a female stripper at a bachelor party is an opportunity for a heterosexual man to exert his sexuality one final time in a professional, controlled environment, before committing to his spouse. A strip club is a business after all, and strippers, whether you see them at a club or hire them privately, are professionals. Putting aside social constructs though, the female stripper does not have to be the last bastion of guy’s night out. For example, the best man could round up the bachelor’s posse and play paintball. Rent equipment at BY STEVEN SAWADA “They need a strip- per because they’re really fantasizing about each other,” Wilson said. “It also masks true conversation issues.” I personally have the honor of being the best man for an old college buddy of mine. I don’t fantasize about him, but the night will incorporate a professional female Featuring a female stripper at a bachelor party is an opportunity for a heterosexual man to exert his sexuality one final time in a professional, controlled environment before committing to his spouse. places such as Paintball Palace. Las Vegas is another popular option sometimes chosen by upwardly mobile bachelors. But the jaunt to Vegas often involves strippers as well. Hair stylist David Wilson, owner of Hair by David, describes himself as a “universalist” when it comes to love and said having a female stripper at a bachelor party is one of the few ways heterosexual men know how to bond. dancer. In addition, I figured because he per- forms in a local punk rock band, what better way to pay homage to his rock and roll bach- elor days than through a punk rock concert culminating in a roast by other local punk luminaries. I am proud of that idea. I’m adding the stripper solely out of good form. Marriage, partnership, promise ceremony — call it what you will. When it’s something that’s supposed to be for the rest of our lives, we men do rely on each other in our final days as bachelors, despite the communica- tion barriers in place that make it harder for us to express ourselves. It’s really more about bonding than naked girls. The bachelor party ensures that through marriage, your male friends will always be there for you. ❤ Discounted Services Available Now! • Skin Care including Ultrasonic Facial (a topical alternative to Botox) Cleansing, Acne, Anti-Aging • Waxing • Makeup • Permanent Cosmetics Call 344-7789 Services by students are discounted! NW Aesthetics • 2371 Oakmont Way • www.estheticnw.com WHEN YOU'VE MET YOUR PRINCE CHARMING • • • • • Showers & Weddings Indoor & Outdoor Formal to Casual We Meet Your Budget Menu Design (Seasonal Ingredients, Fresh Herbs) • Event Planning • Experienced Staff • Beer/Wine or Full Bar 485 2300 CORNUCOPIA C www.eugeneweekly.com A T E R I N G E ug e ne We e kl y W e dd in g G u i de f or 2 00 5 • 5
