My eyes had the pleasure of taking in Magic Mike earlier this week. If you aren’t familiar with this movie, you can find more about it here, but in general, there really isn’t much of a plot, but lots and lots of eye candy.
Before the movie even started, the packed audience (of mixed ages and genders) was going wild in anticipation for what we were about to see… Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and a slew of other nice looking actors wearing next to nothing as they took it all off on the stage of a male strip club.
What I wasn’t prepared to see was the heavy use and acceptance of drugs, simulated sex acts, “sharing” of partners, the “f-bomb” dropped more than any other word and more… all this while the audience in the theater cheered on. I couldn’t help but wonder what this says about our society today. I feel a little disturbed that I am raising three girls and a boy in an era where no one seems all that embarrassed to be sitting in a theater watching this stuff happen on screen.
Do I like seeing a nice looking man with his shirt off? Yes… yes I do, and there was plenty of that in this movie. In fact, I wouldn’t mind freeze framing a few Channing Tatum scenes and staring at them for awhile. The dancing, although a bit much at times, was really good.
I guess I am more disturbed by what’s “acceptable” today… we are no longer hiding behind closed doors to read “erotica”… in fact, it’s so well accepted that certain books have jumped to and stayed on the NY Times Bestseller list for a long time. Movies, like Magic Mike, leave little to the imagination. Even clothing young girls and women are wearing have you wondering if they paid full price for an outfit that barely covers their body.
We concern ourselves with pedophiles and sexual predators, yet we cheer wildly when a man holds a woman’s head to his near-naked crotch and bumps and grinds. What kind of message is our behavior sending to those people observing us…looking up to us…taking their cues from us?
I may be a prude for even writing this post, and I know I can’t have it both ways… I enjoyed parts of Magic Mike but I am honestly ready, for the sake of future generations, to return to the days where leaving more to the imagination was a very good thing.
Sidenote update: My friend Shaina just shared this link to a Washington Post article by Suzi Parker. If you have questions about whether to see this movie, read this article.
And on to a recipe that has absolutely nothing to do with the blog post, except it was inspired by a cocktail I enjoyed with girlfriends prior to heading over to see the movie!
Blackberry Gin Shooters Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 fresh blackberries plus additional for garnish
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup finely crushed ice
Instructions
- Muddle blackberries
- In a cocktail shaker, shake together gin, simple syrup and fresh lemon juice until well blended.
- Add the muddled blackberries. Shake again.
- Divide crushed ice into 4 tall shot glasses, filling to the top but not packing the ice. Pour cocktail mixture over crushed ice. Top each shot glass with 1 blackberry. Serve cold.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I have been feeling the same way (although I haven’t seen the movie or read the book you referred to). How is this what entertainment has come to? I felt like I was the only one. Glad to hear your thoughts are similar to mine.
I haven’t read the books either. I have so many other books in my “to be read” I’d rather read right now!
I went and saw the movie too…and was shocked.
Maybe I am naive but I thought it would be some naughty dancing, maybe at worst a shiny thong and something to laugh at. But I didn’t expect a lot of what I saw…WAAAY raunchier than I expected. My friend that came with me couldn’t believe how often I covered my eyes (I know I should be too old for that).
The worst part? There were girls in the movie with adults (their moms??) who looked to be 14-15 years old. 🙁
That’s exactly what I thought I was going to see too – I can and expected some sexy dancing and near nakedness, but raunchy is the BEST word to describe some of the other stuff… I felt a little sick afterwards thinking back to some of the parts!
I love that you covered your eyes 😉 THAT means you still have some modesty left in you 🙂 That’s a good thing!
And yes, I saw some girls that were way too young to be in there too… couldn’t believe it. And how awkward would that have been to see with your mom at that age? Whoa.
I like that picture quote you have here. I could have done with zero plot and all dancing. Even more so with clothing on, at least bottoms. I don’t want to see man thong haha.
Same here, Erin. The dancing was great and some of my favorite scenes were when they were mostly clothed or shirtless.
I have not seen the movie yet but was planning on having a fun GNO drooling over a few very sexy looking men. I am thankful for this post for the fact that now I don’t have to spend money on something I thought I’d enjoy but be very disappointed with. I am sad to hear that the movie ended up being yucky.
I’d hate for you to miss out on a fun girls night…but I think if you do go watch it just go into it knowing that it is a lot different than what you might have expected. There were parts that were great to watch… other parts had me squirming in my seat though 🙂
I didn’t want to see the movie because I suspected it would be exactly as you described. I agree with your conclusions totally. we have got to return to some level of modesty and self respect. I live in Las Vegas and trust me little is left to the imagination and it doesn’t take long to see the impact, especially if you work in social services like I did for years. Thank you for your post!
I bet you do see it all living where you live. I feel like I’ve been fairly sheltered, maybe, considering where I am from. Maybe the movie was just a shock to me and it is more standard than what I want or need to believe.
I’m with you on this. I haven’t seen the movie, but as I grow this baby inside me, I can’t help but observe EVERYTHING around me and it frightens me of what’s “acceptable” these days.
It’s pretty amazing how bringing a child into the world totally changes how you see things, isn’t it?
Well said my friend. I chose to not go see it…as tempting as some parts may have been, for these very reasons. I want to live out that example to my kids, because the world certainly isn’t!
🙂 You are very right…
I agree with you Kristen, to a point. I’m much more of a prude and am saddened by the acceptance of objectification of any human being. It’s everywhere. Pinterest boards filled with shirtless men with buff abs. While I applaud their hard work to get in shape, I do not need to view it. I’m not dead, I do enjoy seeing in shape bodies, however it’s like a one piece bathing suit, it allows for a bit of modesty and leaves something to the imagination.
We’ve moved into an era, it seems, that it’s more important to be beautiful at any cost. But forget that there is a toll to be paid by someone. I, for one, was satisfied to not be equal with men in this department. Unfortunately we have opened Pandora’s box and it may be too difficult to ever return everything to the box.
It saddens me that you, my daughters, and all moms have to raise children in this era. However, my hope lies in the same moms who stand tall and teach correct principles not matter what the media says is correct behavior.
I have to admit, I’ve been one to “like” and applaud a nice looking body on Pinterest. However you are right… even though it’s hard to go the opposite direction of what society tells us is ok sometimes, it is also important that we stand true to our values and also teach our girls and boys what respect looks like when dealing with others.
Bravo for speaking your mind on this movie, Kristen. Admittedly I hadn’t even heard of it, but now I’ll be sure to turn down any GNO suggestions to see it.Eww.
Amazing cocktail, though! I’m making mine with blueberries, though. Is that okay?
I think blueberries or any berry would be a welcome addition to this cocktail!
ok, I totally would have thought the movie was going to be like you thought.
I’ve been feeling this way for quite some time about what has become “acceptable” in our society today. It’s a far cry from Elvis not being shown from the waist down because of his swiveling hips. When did all this become “ok” and why? I’m no prude either, but come on, it just seems like no one cares any more.
oh……..tasty looking recipe by the way hehe…….
You bring up such a good point, Cheryl. As much as I don’t want to go back to the days of Elvis and his hip movements being denied on TV, there has to be a happy medium, right? Somewhere?
I’m just afraid we’re going to keep pushing the envelope and it’s going to become more and more accepted to take it one step further.
Well, since I pay a fortune for cable, I don’t see anything until it gets on my tv screen. So, I have no opinions about the movie, but the gin shooters look amazing!
They were very good! You’ll have to let me know what you think when it comes your way – the movie, that is.
Love the post and the recipe! I haven’t seen the movie, nor have I read the book, but I honestly just don’t have any interest in that sort of “entertainment” for shock value.
Kudos for standing up against it. I don’t plan to see the movie, but wrote some similar thoughts on this same subject earlier this week. http://trainsandtutus.com/guard-your-heart/ Me? I prefer to go see Brave! 🙂
And Brave was so good, wasn’t it? Loved your post – well done!
Kristen — Thank you for being so real and honest. Darren and I have not seen the film, but we’ve heard a couple of husbands state that, “There is no way they would ever be allowed to see a female version of Magic Mike.” That truly got me wondering what we, as females, are subjecting our eyes too and if we are willing to allow the standards to go both ways. (I’m probably a prude too.)
Good point – my sister and I were just having the conversation similar on the phone… would we mind if our husband’s saw something similar. I think more than “seeing” it I’d wonder what their reaction would be to what was happening on screen. The general acceptance of some of the things was what disturbed me the most. Things that should make us blush, didn’t!
The movie, no plans to see it. I’m not interested in the male stripper plot but I’d happily help cast a movie about a bunch of shirtless archaeologists 🙂
As for the book…I’m totally squicked out by it just from the quick spiel that a friend gave me and uncomfortable with its popularity. And I’m completely confused how the worst parts of those mid-80s trash novels could be glued together and generate millions.
Ha – I love it… shirtless archaeologists are probably pretty hot! 😉
D-Y-I-N-G to see it!
Oh my goodness! You are too funny… prude 😉
I’m in love with these shooters… problem is, they look so good i’d probably go through at least 3-4 of them.
Is there a problem that – having 3 or 4. I think not, said the person who did the recipe “testing” alone… see… 3 glasses? 🙂
Well said.
Thank you!
I completely agree with you Kristen. I havent seen the movie or read that book, but it is so true what is acceptable these days. Even girls who seem too young to have their period (younger than I was anyway) are getting pregnant, and are even looking forward to being pregnant at such a young age. It scares me to think of raising children in this society too. I hope it can one day go back to the way it was. I am only 25 and even when I was in middle school I didnt know what pot was or what it looked like. Maybe I was and still am a little naive, but I prefer it that way to be perfectly honest.
I was and am the same way, Carla. I’ve lived a fairly sheltered life, although I did have a bit too much fun in college. I’ve settled down, happily, and got all of anything wild out of my system and now want to do whatever I can to protect my kids from growing up to quickly.
Being naive is not a bad thing at all…
As a church leader in the 80’s said, “The things that are accepted today will become the standards of tomorrow.” I am proud that you wrote this post. As you mentioned, we are so surrounded by trash. I love Matthew Mc Conaughey…mainly because of his voice. One wonders what will be the future standards of movies and (I use the term loosely) literature. Thanks for taking a stand on this, Kristen.
Very good quote, mom.
And Matthew McConaughey would have given you the jeebies in this movie… he was icky. (Although his voice is still very nice). We’ll be able to tell if he’s a good actor by if he can make us think he’s sexy in his next movie, because he was slimy in this one!
Found your recipe and your site on http://grubodex.com and we made this the other night befiore our MAGIC MIKE outting!
100% agree with your stance on this movie/our society… here’s to hoping enough of “us” can steer our society back on course!
We’ve to to. I’m all for having fun, but I also think we need to know what modesty is as well. There has to be a balance somewhere for what is acceptable!
I’m *totally* with you in the prude category. Totally. I could go on, but I won’t. Just know I’m here with ya, prude sister. 😉
Let’s change it from “prude” to “lady like” and I’m right there with you =)
🙂
Bridget – you are the epitome of grace and style…we need more of you in the world!
I saw the movie and read the books and I am a mother. My friends are in a book club and tied (excuse the pun) in the book discussion with seeing the movie. We called it “male exploitation day (finally).”
I do not believe a stand is needed to be taken on this. I believe these books have opened up dialogue in many marriages about erotica in a way it never has before. Read this article: http://www.medicaldaily.com/news/20120705/10650/fifty-shades-of-grey-baby-boom-pregnancy.htm
I do not believe this movie is for all, it does have an “R” rating for a reason. I also believe that too many people are getting a bit to preachy about what books people read, see news story: http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2012/may/11/fifty-shades-of-grey-too-hot-for-brown-county-library/
I do agree with you that sensuality and sexiness can be attained by leaving a bit to the imagination, however I do not want women to move back to the 50s when society believed women “had their place” and EVERYTHING was covered up.
Just my two cents.
I don’t believe we need to move back to the 50’s either, but I also think there has to be some happy medium here.
I enjoyed parts of the movie, as I mentioned. I do have a hard time with audience members cheering during some of the scenes… because it totally sets a double standard to what is acceptable and not (back to the face in the crotch piece). As a man watching how excited women get by this kind of behavior, it could totally send the wrong message and could put women in a very difficult place. If we are cheering on this in public, what happens when it happens, forcibly, in private? I just think we need to be careful about the kind of messages we are sending.
With that being said, there were parts of the movie well worth watching… I just could have done without parts of it as well 🙂
Thanks for sharing the links. Off to check them out now. I appreciate your viewpoint!
Thank you for your thoughtful review and commentary! I have not seen the movie (and certainly not read the book you mentioned), but I will have to admit I was slightly tempted by the movie as a “fun, girl’s night out” activity. I have learned to trust an R rating to mean that I will leave feeling like I wish I could wipe my brain clean, and have stopped seeing R movies at all. Today’s PG-13 movies would have required an R rating not too long ago!
Yes, we are enraged with sex-trafficing, and pedophiles and yet allow our children (teenagers) to walk around more naked than clothed. We’ve allowed our society to become so saturated with sex and then wonder why we never feel truly safe, or beautiful.
Just felt the need to clarify… I certainly don’t think that a woman (or girl) being lightly clothed is any excuse for an unwanted sexual advance. But I do believe it speaks to how we value our sexuality. If we share our whole body with the world… then there is nothing very special or sacred about it.
I totally get what you are saying.
I am impressed that you have given up R rated movies all together. That’s a hard thing to do, but you are right… so many of them anymore leave me feeling like I need to shower or wash my eyes out with soap. I’m not sure that I can go as far as to give them up all together, but I can certainly take more time to really look into what I’ll be experiencing at movies before I go.
I thought this would be a fun girls night out movie… and it was.. we had a nice time, had some good laughs, and enjoyed parts of the night. I think more of the movie soaked in as I was headed home and thinking about the movie while alone in my car. As much as I liked pieces of what I saw, I think it could have been done just as well if not better by eliminating some of the more “extreme” parts. I don’t know why Hollywood has to always take things to the brink.
I appreciate your comment and admire your values!
Hi Kristen
When we were young, we were so restricted with regulations, and I think my generation, The Baby Boomers, are to blame for where we are now.
The “Make Love Not War” thoughts of the day seemed so appropriate at the time.
Books and Films were banned and there was a very lucrative black market for books such as Lady Chatterlys Lover , Lolita. Actually, so tame compared to what is being served up today. I like you, am not a prude, but somewhere along the line it has got out of hand. Actually most of the time all one wants to do is laugh or its boring. Anyway onto the Shooters, they look Fab will have a go. Unfortunately it’s a bit cold here for summery drinks, but perhaps we could make an exception for something so yummy
It’s like when a kid grows up without sugar and the second they are out from under their parents wings what do they do? They go for the sugar. Everything in moderation.
I appreciate your insight into how we’ve gotten here. I think there are a lot of factors to blame. (You have to wonder what it is our society is lacking or women / marriages are lacking for there to be such a strong pull towards this kind of entertainment right now. Are we longing so much for a connection with someone / something that we have to get it from fantasy and fiction?) I’m totally just rambling now. Thanks for your thoughts!
I totally agree with you. I had no desire to go see this movie for all of the reasons that you stated. I often admit that I am prude, and, honestly, I always have been. As a mother to both a girl and boys, I am constantly aware of the fact that we have to set and live a good example for them daily.
I am very proud of you for speaking your mind, especially knowing that not everyone would agree with your stance. You are a strong, amazing woman, and I love the example that you are setting for your family.
Thanks, Natalie. I have enjoyed hearing all sides of the argument and am glad people feel safe here to share what they are thinking, even if it isn’t the same as me.
What a fun post! Clearly, I’m in the dark as I have not even heard of this movie… but maybe I’ll need to netflix it in a few months and enjoy it all by my lonesome, lol!
Love your cocktail idea! We’re on the same wavelength today… I have a cocktail too!
Love love love your cocktail recipe. I need to find some of that Skinny Ice drink!
While I see the point of parents with young children here in the USA. Consider that sex and the human body is not seen or judged the same in Europe and the population is not running rampant raping and pillaging. I don’t condone the demoralization of the female but, in fact, sex does sell. Enough is said prior to the opening of most films to adjust your schedule accordingly. Always remember, there would be no prostitutes without johns. Just stating my opinion. Offending is not my intention.
Oh I agree, Joanne. I made the decision to watch the movie knowing that it was about strippers. I knew there would be dancing and some sexy body shots… I went in knowing it was an R rated movie. I’ve been known to appreciate good looking men pictures on Pinterest and other postings.
With that said…
I just hope that the extreme isn’t going to get more extreme… that the envelope isn’t going to be pushed even further. I read an article tonight that said “we’ve forgotten how to blush”. Many many things in this movie should have had us blushing. From what I hear, the Shades of Gray books should have us blushing, yet here we are in public accepting and cheering on such things that before would have made us blush.
No offense taken and I’m glad you stopped by to share your thoughts! You always have a great point of view.
I haven’t seen the movie (yet) but I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments. Even my oldest has commented about the skimpy clothes some of his classmates wear. Makes me worry about what will be acceptable when Erin is a teenager.
On a different note, I appreciate the honesty of your post. It’s ok to want it both ways 🙂
I am a self-proclaimed prude. I figured if I tried to watch the movie, that I would lose all respect for Matthew McConaughey and he is one of my favorite actors. I agree with your point here. I saw something on facebook today that said we needed a little more Mayberry and a little less Jersey Shore and I have to agree.
I sooo wish I’d been born about twenty years before I was. I want to be a fifties kind of mom. I want to have a fifties kind of family and live a fifties kind of existence. I shudder to think what the world has become.
When my son was 13, a girl asked him to be her boyfriend. *It was so sweet…he came to me and asked my permission 🙂 Then I got to know her parents a bit more and this girl wore tops that I wouldn’t ever dream of wearing (too revealing). And her mother? I will never forget that summer…her mother referring to her about to enter high school by saying she’d soon be “fresh meat”. What kind of mother thinks that’s an appropriate message?
I think society is in a whole heap of trouble. I really do. The worst thing used to be a fist fight. Now, they’re selling drugs in gas stations (K2), having sex at such a young age, and killing each other over sunglasses.
Oyyyy….
On a different note, the blackberry gin shooters look divine!
I totally agree with your sentiments. Honestly I have no desire to see the movie, but it is nice to see someone speak so openly about it. I think it does say a lot about society in general. And the shooters look amazing!
You nailed it on the head, Kristen. Call me prudish or old-fashioned, but I think there’s something to be said for leaving a few things to the imagination and for censoring what kids are allowed to see.
However, I am not too prudish to throw back a few of these cute shooters. Bring ’em on!
I’m on the same page. Some friends went to lunch yesterday and then to the movie, but I didn’t see any mention of it (or the “experience”) on Facebook today. My son is turning 13 next month….and I guess because of that, I’ve really got my momma back up because this stuff is staring at me straight in the face. Movies like this give our kids the license to emulate what they see and it’s a real shame. As for the shooters – rock on! They look and sound awesome. I’ll take one or two (or three!). Thanks for a great post.
LOL…Girl, I can so relate to everything you just said and then some! I’ve been riding the prude train for while now when it comes not to taking things too far. Love the shirtless fantasy but I can hold the rest. Still haven’t read the aforementioned book due to a similar unbeknownst encounter with an Anne Rice book, I’m good to go. Love this post and the cocktail. By the way, miss ya! xoxo
I’m shocked at the success of that book because from all accounts, it’s terribly written. If you’re going to read smut, can’t you at least read well-written smut? There’s plenty of it out there!
As for the stripper movie, I read an interview with the actors in it. As you know, it’s partly based on Channing Tatum’s stripper past. One of the interview questions was about how everyone is pretty much cool with that being the case – that he used to be a stripper – and does he think everyone would be ok with it if it was an actress who had been a stripper in her past? His answer was that it would probably depend on how good an actress she was – no one would think it discredited, say, Meryl Streep! Which… I mean, he is not exactly famous for being a good actor. I think he has one facial expression, maybe 2. He is not exactly Kenneth Branagh. Movie or no movie, we’ve still got a double standard problem that is saying women who take their clothes off are trashy, but men who do the same are just a barrel of laughs. I don’t know whether the movie helps or hinders progress in that regard.
I totally agree with you on this. I am a mother of two girls and a boy and I don’t like the “acceptable” in our society nowadays. I saw these shooters on Pinterest today. They look gorgeous!
I think we need to take every reference in the comments and change them from prude to proud. I’m proud I have principles and a moral compass. I’m proud I taught my two children the same. No matter that according to them EVERY other kid in high school was having sex and smoking marijuana; I remain proud that I wouldn’t let them go to parties without parental supervision even if it affected their popularity. I didn’t care that every other girl’s mom let her wear more skimpy clothes or listen to raunchy rap; I’m proud I say no. Believe me I was tested and to this day my youngest will still bring up how she saved her allowance for that CD and how I cut it in half. And I would do it again.
My children may have balked at my expectations when I was in charge of their environment but you know what I’m most proud of today? Them. That I have always heard how respectful they are, what good friends they are, how sweet they are. They may still give me some grief but stick to your guns; it’s a tougher struggle than giving in but it’s oh so worth it. If you’re gonna be a prude, then be a Proud Prude! I know I am. 🙂
I’m saddened to hear that Matthew was “slimy”, as I’ve enjoyed many of his other movies. I only heard of this movie yesterday, though, ha! So thank you for your very candid review. I am with you 100% on all this. And we wonder why our world has so many issues…
I agree and am glad you wrote this. There are lines that I think should be drawn but that line is different for each person. I mean clearly the movie has a certain topic but did they go too far? Do they really do all of that in real life? I’m not the one to ask. The change in whats acceptable from when I was a kid to now kind of shocks me… not just whats on tv but even the clothing.
Oh, Kristen – just another reason why I like you so much!! I sometimes wonder if I was born in the wrong time, because I have a hard time seeing a lot of what goes on. And I struggled with the idea of having kids that I have to raise in a crazy world like this for so long. It truly scares me – especially raising a daughter – when I feel like nothing is sacred anymore. I haven’t seen the movie, and have no plans to read the books (not really my kind of thing). In fact, I read a “teen” book awhile back and was appalled at how lightly they talked about sex. In a teen book. But I’m glad that there are so many who feel the same way!
I feel that all the comments that I have read is wonderful because even the ones that see things a little differently were very tactful in their comments. I feel that this all began in the 60’s when John F. Kennedy was president. (I know that this will be very unpopular with many) but Kennedy was tolerent of too many loose morals. He opened the flood gate to bring in the sexual revolution as it has been called. I lived through all of the things that went on that occured during that era. Excuse my rambling, I guess, what I am trying to say is that this thing did not happen over night. I salute all you ladies for your wonderful comments. Thank you all.
I could almost cry reading this post. I can’t cheer you on loud enough. I’m reminded of this quote, “The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity. oh, how we pray that every young woman will grow up to be all the wonderful things she is meant to be. We pray that her mother and father will show her the right way.” -Nadauld
In fact, I think I will post about you and everything this week. Done.
I haven’t watched this Magic Mike movie so I will check the trailer of this. I like your new creation which is Blackberry Gin Shooters. I really don’t know mixing and creating beautiful and tasty drinks so I will try yours.