NJ.com readers react to a woman accusing Six Flags Great Adventure of sexism because she was asked to change out of an "inappropriate" shirt, but her male friend wasn't.
JACKSON - Six Flags Great Adventure reportedly apologized to a woman who said she felt as though she was treated unfairly by a male security guard who asked her to change a shirt he felt was 'inappropriate' for the theme park.
Bina Ramesh, 22, took to social media in July after she said a male security guard asked her to change her shirt but had apparently had no issue with her male friend wearing the exact same shirt into the park after the pair swapped shirts.
Ramesh's story went viral and an update to the story received more than 500 comments from NJ.com readers in less than 24 hours.
Here is what some readers had to say, edited at times for length or clarity:
Salt Water: Hey... it's privately owned... they can tell you to leave if they don't like purple shirts or pink shirts... then you can elect to protest with your wallet and not go there... pretty simple.
bayshore lady: I agree. Their playground, their rules. But,I think the rules should be a bit more explicit. As i have said, I have several tops similar to the gray one, that I have worn to places that require "appropriate attire," and have never been turned away or asked to change. I've worn them to work, restaurants, etc.
tanngate: Of course there are different standards. Women have breasts, men do not. This is why women wear bathing suits that cover the chest, whereas men do not. So on face value, I do not think her rationale is correct. However, I do agree that for this to be legit Six Flags must have a written policy detailing what is appropriate attire, and making sure it is enforced uniformly.
Upon entry or purchase of ticket you waive certain rights (voluntarily). So long as the practices aren't discriminatory (getting your feelings hurt or being embarrassed in front of your friends is not being discriminated against) they are entirely within their rights to deny entry or ask an individual to change attire
NJStrong1959: You people dont get it! This is about the oppression of women in a patriarchal society. Women are put under a different scope than men. What don't you understand about that?
No one should be forced to change anything if they do not want to. As long as you aren't walking in there naked, who really cares what you wear?
Let's just remember something here.... Sure they have rules for their park about dress code... But they also have a water park on the same property. Do they have rules for people who are offensive no matter what they wear? ... Six Flags can't have it both ways
I'm sorry but this is not sexism. This is no different than a restaurant having a dress code for men, requiring pants but allowing women to wear short skirts. It's just policy of a private business and if somebody doesn't like it, they should go elsewhere.
Gillian Darmody: If I went to SFGA and wore my 10 year old's bikini, it would be very inappropriate. But the same bikini on my 10 year old is considered okay?? Ageism, I say!!
bospherus: I feel bad for the security officer that was just doing his job. She made a big to do about a guy just doing his job.
Great Adventure security better get their act straight. People are wearing more lewd clothing since they opened up so many years ago. Either you allow for this or you do not. There is no in-between.
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.