Blog - Anna Śpiewak

I won't deny, I was a bit surprised when the new publisher of our newspaper ran directly to me, requesting that I nab an interview with a Polish or Polish-American 'Chippendale,' since it seems that majority of our website readers are female. At first I burst out laughing in my publisher's face, realizing fast that wasn't quite professional. I quickly composed myself and asked for further instructions, thinking to myself, this one's going to be fun.

Photo: Archives All American Males: Jessie to my left, Jason to my right

As a heterosexual female, who enjoys looking at attractive members of the opposite sex, especially sans any shirt on, I had no qualms about a) finding someone that fits the bill or b) actually going through with it. I quickly got on the phone with male revue places, getting hung up on, yelled at for wasting their time and not ordering a hunk to go, and finally ignored by quite a few. Determined, I continued to call one specific organization where they were the least rude to me. That place turned out to be All American Male. Jessie answered the phone. In my politest voice, I asked if they have any Polish or Polish American dancers.  "Yes." Ding ding ding! Jessie, who always called me "sweetie" (much better than getting hung up on) always asked me to call him back in a few hours or "tomorrow morning," since he's "in a meeting." It took some time and determination, but I finally got to my subject. Incoming – Jason Grabowski. The questions were asked via phone, so I was not aware what Jason looked like. I was only aware that the young 'dancer' was easygoing and laughed throughout our interview. When I called back Jessie for a follow-up on the story, he invited myself and my girlfriends to a show any given Saturday, offering to book us a VIP table. Since I am always a fan of making a story more organic, I obliged. Geared with five other females: coworkers and friends, we attended. It was not my first time attending male revue shows. I have enough girlfriends who over the years have had bachelorette parties and birthdays, where a run to the local male revue joint was commonplace. However this time, it was not for pleasure, it was for a story and I knew I had to act professional (darnit!). Seeing Jason G. in the flesh, I realized his photos don't do him justice. In real life he is more handsome. And Jessie is very talented in what he does. To show the story from all angles, I interviewed a fellow male revue goer who told me that to her, the show was a form of "escape from the monotony of everyday life" or "something crazy to do with your girlfriends." But to me going to a male strip show is so much more than that ...

Circa several years back, when I was an NYU graduate student of Journalism, I befriended a Polish student in my program named Kasia S.. The tall athletic brunette moved to the States from Krakow five years earlier. She was an excellent writer, talented, and attractive. She was also in America on a student visa, disqualifying her to receive any scholarships or college loans, unlike myself, who got them all. In a matter of time, she talked me into joining a go-go club with her, where we could make extra money quickly while not stuck in class. The adventurous, much slimmer, in-the-best-shape ever 20-something that I was back then, I agreed. She signed up as a pole dancer, I signed up as a hostess. There was noo way I was getting up on that pole. As a hostess, however, men could still request dances and private times with you. I saw and heard a lot of things I wish I didn't, from the men and from the women who worked there. I didn't judge, but I knew I didn't belong there. One older robust man who bought private time with me said "Girls like you don't last long in this joint." He was right, two days later, I quit. Extra money or not, it was not for me. I was an American citizen, and I could live off my college loans, thank you. My friend stayed. Women have been taking their clothes off in front of men since the beginning of time as a form of entertainment. Today, finally the men are doing the same for us. Going to male revue shows, I am not only entertained, I feel empowered. To me, a run out to the local male revue show is a form of newfound feminism. Women are getting more fiscal power today. They are career-oriented, financially independent and homewoners. Why shouldn't they be granted equal rights in slipping dollar bills down a sexy guy's six pack stomach for a change? The shoe is finally on the other foot, and it fits perfectly. Looking forward to going back on my day off. Jessie and Jason, keep that seat warm for me!