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30 Responses to “Podium Girls Polka Dot Passion”

1. Comment by Andrea | July 23rd, 2009

   We actually have hats with polka dots from the Tour three years ago. We have these magnets somewhere that have all the jerseys and my son would play with them while we watched the tour.

   The girls outfits never fail to amuse me.

   BTW, have you seen Armstrongs new Hirst bike? It’s fantastic. Butterflys.
   Andrea´s last blog ..Writers Workshop with Mama Kat!

2. Comment by Paula | July 23rd, 2009

   I think that is so demeaning to women. I would never want my daughter on the kissy diplay rack.

   Men, macho atheles. Women, sexy dingdongs awaiting macho men with kisses. The message is?
   Paula´s last blog ..Mini Rants and Monkee Chairs

3. Comment by debra | July 23rd, 2009

   I watch the podium girl exchanges like I watch the rest of the race; waiting for a wreck! All that cheek kissing is bound to trip someone up one of these days. I’m waiting for the crash of noses as an exhausted rider, startled by the beautiful women, goes for the wrong cheek first.

4. Comment by Just Me... | July 23rd, 2009

   Baby, you’re King of the Mountain everyday!! :) :)
   Just Me…´s last blog ..Moving, friends, liars and lovers…

5. Comment by CJ | July 23rd, 2009

   Wellll, King baby, lean on over here and I’ll give you a smooch (to go along with your rasberry) ;) ;)
   CJ´s last blog ..So, here’s the big, long introspective.

6. Comment by Cathy | July 23rd, 2009

   I’m with Paula on this one. Not to mention the fact that those girls look very young. Hell, do they still have lace on their bloomers? What a turn on!
   Cathy´s last blog ..Does Your Ex-Husband Have A Problem With You Online Dating?

7. Comment by MindyMom | July 23rd, 2009

   They look like Minnie Mouse! Yeah I agree; what is the point of this? I hope they get paid well at least.
   MindyMom´s last blog ..Finding Love

8. Comment by T | July 23rd, 2009

   Red bows and polka dots does it for you David? Seriously?

   Minnie Mouse better run and hide.

   ;)
   T´s last blog ..Slow and steady

9. Comment by krn | July 23rd, 2009

   You quirky man, you. ;)

   Do I dare ask what their shoes look like?

   What caught my attention were the thighs just below that polka dot jersey. *fans self* *is so very slayed by the shorts*

10. Comment by dadshouse | July 23rd, 2009

    I don’t think this is demeaning to women at all. The podium girls are not parading around in bikinis. They are, despite the polka dots, fashionably dressed. Remember, this is France. The kisses are on the cheeks, European style. And it’s actually the men who kiss the women. Would you prefer some guy in a suit handing over the prize and shaking hands?

    I think having women card girls at wrestling and boxing matches is demeaning – those woman strut around in bikinis and high heels, and have their bodies on display like slabs of meat.

    Also, cycling’s podium girls look to me in their late 20s. The cyclist leading this year’s Tour is 26 years old! Lance Armstrong is the old man at 37, but most riders are in their 20s or early 30s.

    As for female athletes – my daughter is a sports stud, excelling at soccer and track. (She’s also brainy and gets great grades.) I’m all for girls and sports. Many of these cycling teams have women’s teams as well. Columbia High Road women’s team is one of the best in the world.

    Can women cyclists keep up with men out on their bikes? No, they cannot. Not even close. If they could, I’m sure they’d have a co-ed race. So it’s not about macho vs. dingdong at all. That is what some of you are choosing to perceive.

    As much of a sports stud that my daughter is, she still enjoys dressing up and looking beautiful. You should have seen her at prom this year. Wow. Even my brother thought she looked like a grown woman, mature and gorgeous. There’s nothing wrong with trying to look your best.

11. Comment by Paula | July 23rd, 2009

    Okay, they have womens teams. When the women win are they greeted by sexy male 20 years old studs, dressed in “French” suits, waiting to be kissed?

    My daughter dresses up too, but at the track, she puts her size 4 hot body, her all natural DD breats, and her beautiful blonde hair BEHIND the wheel of a race car, not waiting in some goofy get-up at the checkered flag to get kisses from the winners.

    UGH.

    Call me a prude.
    Paula´s last blog ..Mini Rants and Monkee Chairs

12. Comment by CJ | July 23rd, 2009

    Ok, so I’m confused here. Are we saying that anytime a person puts themselves in a supporting role rather than lead actor, they are demeaning themselves? Everybody knows that when the kid’s games are over around here I’ll be waiting to hug and kiss the kids/adults on our team and/or the opposing team if they need/want it. It shows love, support, caring, etc. If my daughter chooses to be a cheerleader during football season does that demean her in some way? Is the fact that she’s on the court during volleyball season somehow more important that what she does on the sidelines during basketball season? I guess to me, it’s a choice and to say it’s demeaning is actually demeaning a woman’s choice to choose her own path… did that make any sense???
    CJ´s last blog ..So, here’s the big, long introspective.

13. Comment by Andrea | July 23rd, 2009

    RE your comment on my site – Armstrong IS riding the Butterfly Hirst bike for the final stage. He twittered about getting the bike yesterday and directly linked the bike itself.

    I think it’s pretty cool :) He’s also announced he’s going to form a American team with Radio Shack so that will be interesting to watch for in the coming weeks.
    Andrea´s last blog ..Writers Workshop with Mama Kat!

14. Comment by The Exception | July 23rd, 2009

    Love it – put a hot Latina in such an outfit and you are good to go Dad’s!!
    The Exception´s last blog ..What About Love?

15. Comment by dadshouse | July 23rd, 2009

    Paula – I could argue it’s demeaning to the Tour de France riders that they have to accept their prizes wearing skin tight cycling shorts. Why not give them a chance to put that French suit on you described? I’m a cyclist, so I wear those shorts too. They really do make a difference when riding. But they have nothing to do with accepting an award.

    Also, these podium girls aren’t anorexic models or Hollywood starlets or bimbos, and they aren’t wearing tight or skimpy clothing. They are attractive women with normal, healthy figures in tasteful outfits. I think that speaks well for an athletic event, and it’s wonderful that the podium girls dress up and look nice for the Tour de France award presentations.

16. Comment by Cathouse Teri | July 23rd, 2009

    Don’t call me Shirley. :)
    Cathouse Teri´s last blog ..Hauling Ash

17. Comment by Paula | July 23rd, 2009

    There is a reason women are looked upon as sex objects. Women allowing themselves to be the kissie dressed in boobish outfits with big dumb “little girl” bows is gross and yes, demaeaning.

    Cheerleaders who are smart and athletic and act like stupid dumb blondes to get “accepted” are not doing themselves, or other girls, a favor.

    Women who dress like bimbos for attention are demeaning themselves and other women.

    Women’s choice? Yeah, women choose to be in porno, too, but would you want your daughter being the porno vixon while other men do what they do while watching her on screen?

    CJ support of family & friends is one thing. Your daughter dressing like a fruitloop to turn men they don’t know on and show off their legs and hair? Another, to me, anyway.

    Also, if these girls are “just doing their job” and not being “sexy” why are we pausing Tivo and yearning to be king of their mountain?

    Point taken?
    Paula´s last blog ..Mini Rants and Monkee Chairs

18. Comment by dadshouse | July 23rd, 2009

    No, I still disagree. Who I pause Tivo for has nothing to do with sexiness or sex objects. Sheesh – how many mom bloggers have written about the male cyclists they “check out” in tight cycling shorts? That’s treating men as sex objects! I find plenty of women attractive, and it’s damn healthy for me to feel that way. Not creepy at all. My king of the mountains comment as the last sentence of the post was a joke.

    I’m sorry you think these outfits are boobish. The other podium girl outfits, like the yellow dress for the overall leader, are quite smart. The yellow one is something a woman could wear to any business meeting. The black one and white one are something she could wear to a party. The pantsuit could be worn grocery shopping. Yes, the polka dots are flamboyant. Who cares? It’s one outfit. It’s entertainment. I’m sorry if there are women who insist on boring wardrobes.

    I also think you aren’t familiar with the European style of greeting with an “air kiss” to each cheek. It’s quite popular there. There’s nothing demeaning about it.

19. Comment by justrun | July 23rd, 2009

    I actually think they’re cute. And I know people have a huge problem with “podium girls”, NASCAR girls, cheer leaders, etc. but I really don’t care at all. None of them are there against their will. I think people waste a lot of time lamenting about things people are doing a) by choice and b) don’t harm anyone else. And polka dots are cute.
    justrun´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: It’s the time of year again where I start seeing things floating in the sky (and I’m not the only one who can see them!)

20. Comment by CJ | July 23rd, 2009

    Paula, Ok, first off, I’m going to assume that you are not actually saying that ALL cheerleaders act like “dumb stupid blondes.” I’ll also assume that you are not accusing my daughter (personally) of dressing like a fruitloop…

    That being said, you’re point was taken and understood from the first post. Perhaps I should rephrase my question to something more along the lines of…where and who draws the line between supportiveness and sluttiness (sorry, I can’t think up a better word for it)? These particular women are not, to me, being overtly sexual or slutty. If a person sees them and assumes “sexy ding dong”, that says more about the person doing the assuming than anyone else. If someone treats ANYONE as a sex object that is not the fault, in my opinion, of the “object” but is instead the “problem” of the one doing the objectifying. It’s akin to saying its the victim’s fault…

    I decided to not even touch the porn issue because I don’t think its on the same “playing field” as the podium girls…or cheerleaders for that matter.

    Sorry if I touched a nerve. I really didn’t intend to come across as accusatory or rude. I was just trying to get some clarification.

    CJ
    CJ´s last blog ..So, here’s the big, long introspective.

21. Comment by Honey | July 23rd, 2009

    I think the girls’ outfits are cute, fun, and classy – I wouldn’t say that they’re slutty or boobilicious at all. Maybe I’ll be a Tour de France girl for Halloween!

    Saying that women who happen to be pretty and well-dressed who are getting paid to act gracious and hospitable are sluts and bad role models makes about as much sense as saying that men who happen to be incredibly smart but have Asperger’s are “social retards.” People are multi-faceted, and who are we to judge in their totality those who are celebrating one specific facet in any given moment?

    There are a lot of assumptions going on here that these women can’t POSSIBLY have anything else going for them because they’re pretty. Frankly, I find that attitude a little disturbing.
    Honey´s last blog ..Is Your Love Style Blowing Your First Dates?

22. Comment by Eathan | July 23rd, 2009

    Well i must say Paula is a bit prude and unrealistic. From my experience the only women complaining about being viewed as a sex object are the ugly ones. I’m not saying you’re ugly.. but lets keep it real. We live in a visual age. And most of us buy things because of packaging, models and other sexy behavior.

    You want someone to take ya seriously.. date/marry a blind guy.
    We all take pride in our looks and enjoy the benefits of those looks when the hot guy/girl asks us out.

    What should I do when I’m a double threat… good looking and smart? We’re intelligent so that we can achieve our goals and we’re good looking because of our genes. I cherish both sides of the coin. If I had to pick one over the other..I’d choose looks. ( don’t have to talk much if you’re sexy hot) lol
    Eathan´s last blog ..The T.O. Reality Show And The Swirl

23. Comment by Lance | July 23rd, 2009

    Very clearly, the hot podium girls are sex objects and “trophies” to the winners of the various jerseys. There is no other way to interpret it. I don’t have an issue with it because those chicks chose to do that job, and in fact they probably competed to get that gig. It’s no different in principal than a Hooters girl or a hot chick who vies to get a promo job for a liquor company. They are paid to look hot. They are not paid for their glowing personality and no one gives a f*ck if they have anything else going on. Hello, it’s TV, sex sells…
    Lance´s last blog ..Is Your Love Style Blowing Your First Dates?

24. Comment by Paula | July 24th, 2009

    CJ_ Not saying all cheerleaders act like that or that podium girls are sluts. I just think, while women are trying to earn respect for higher positions, education, etc. that women who choose to be podium girls don’t help with that cause.

    Eathan- I was a model in my younger years, so maybe, having been pretty good looking, makes me queezy, because so many men will spend all day looking at your T&A and never listening to a word you say.

    I have a son who is comletely blind (from birth, now 23 and in college), and it is a real eye opener. He doesn’t judge any women on her looks nir does he judge any person on their skin race.

    My husband is not blind, he thinks I am beautiful, but having aged he’s okay with that. He loves my mind, my laugh, my thoughts. Looks fade for all of us.

    Podium girls will probably always be around. I am just thankful my daughter is not one of them.
    Paula´s last blog ..Mini Rants and Monkee Chairs

25. Comment by CJ | July 24th, 2009

    I wouldn’t call her unrealistic or prude. I would say she had an opinion, I had an opinion and we aired them, as did everyone else. As with beauty, it’s all in the eye of the beholder. I enjoyed the debate! And now we’ll return you to your regularly scheduled programming….

26. Comment by QTMama | July 24th, 2009

    Well I’m blond and Paula’s comment “act like stupid dumb blondes” is just yet another form of stereotyping, now isn’t it? And I personally, take that statement in and of itself to be demeaning. Regardless, people have their stereotypical ways of behaving, and I understand Paula said what she said because that’s how blonds are perceived. I do hope her daughter never has desires to be a podium girl, I think her mom would be pissed off.
    QTMama´s last blog ..The Make Out Guy

27. Comment by Laura | July 24th, 2009

    Oi! Sometimes things are taken way too seriously!

    I would have NO issue with my daughter standing up there! WHY would I? Its a kiss on the cheek for heavens sake – not the promise of random sex!

    I appreciate the cheerleaders at our rugby matches and the pretty girls often used as “extras” at award evenings and handing out F1 trophies etc etc!

    Am I then demeaning them?

    Sometimes I really think women are their own worst enemies
    Laura´s last blog ..Hey hey its Friday

28. Comment by krn | July 24th, 2009

    Wow, lots going on here.

    First of all, Dad’s has shown his readers through many posts that he notices attractive women, enjoys style and appreciates well rounded people capable of being thoughtful and thinking both critically and progressively. Why is he being called out by a single post that clearly was shared in the spirit of fun? Making assumptions based upon this one post seems to me a rather limited view.

    Paula’s concerns are valid and honest. Her points are good ones and yes, we all must take responsibility for perpetuating social inequalities when that is what we are doing. I just doubt that Dad’s appreciation is harmful. The other millions of men and women who enjoyed seeing the pretty podium girls probably do realize that they have other admirable qualities also.

    When people explore the power of their beauty it helps them understand the limits, boundaries and responsibilities that go along with it. Haven’t we all been there?

    My comment did sound like I was objectifying the cyclist. Terrific thighs (being further enhanced by form fitting shorts) are a notable characteristic that I happen to respond to womanly. I’m not ashamed to admit that I happen to like this particular look a lot. I also admire the cyclist for many other reasons– incredible self discipline, following a dream that requires amazing focus and sacrifice, being a strong team member, exploring the mind/body connection in a way few choose, sheer talent, letting go of life balance temporarily (hopefully, anyway) to achieve something extraordinary…the list goes on.

    It’s possible to mention a superficial, base reaction to style and the human form without truly demeaning someone or perpetuating stereotypes. The context of the comment needs to be taken into consideration. Intention matters.

    This was a playful post. Simple as that.

29. Comment by Denise | July 24th, 2009

    I LOVE the podium girls, I think they are adorable. Did you know George Hincapie’s wife was a podium girl? Funny enough, my avatar on Twitter is a Tour de France tshirt that the podium girls wore in 2005, they wore them when they held up the cyclists for the start of the Team Time Trial. Awesome.

    BTW, the podium girls are much more fun to look at than silly Hollywood actors like Ben Stiller. I will admit, being a woman and a huge fan of the Tour, I do admire their athleticism, but they sure are nice to look at in general.
    Denise´s last blog ..Chargrilled Salmon, Don’t Try This At Home…

30. Comment by Denise | July 24th, 2009

    I just want to chime in here because professional models hand the men their stage awards, jerseys, etc they are sluts? Comparing them to porn stars is a joke. Talk about judging, we have no idea what these women have accomplished in their off camera lives and we just assume they are idiots because they are beautiful. Wow.

    I’m all for tradition and I’m all for podium girls, looking very classy in dresses. In bikinis, now that may be a bit disappointing.

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