There's Nudity on the Billboards
by
Motte Brown
on Nov 8, 2007 at 9:16 AM
I've just arrived in Las Vegas for this year's GodblogCon. The last time I was here was in 2000 for an outdoor billboard convention. I feel like Forrest Gump saying this but it's funny how you remember some things, but some things you can't. I remember New York, New York; the volcano eruption at the Mirage; the opulent Forum Shops at Ceasars; and the fun pirate show at Treasure Island.
What I didn't remember was all the smut.
Maybe back then Vegas was still in the midst of their family-friendly marketing campaign and limited strip tease ads. I remember thinking it wouldn't be a bad place to bring the kids. Boy was I wrong.
As soon as I got to the airport tram, I noticed two male stripper promos. When I got to the baggage claim, it was ads for a magic show with Pamela Anderson and for some show called Fantasy. And on the cab ride to the hotel, it was a billboard revealing a portion of a woman's behind.
I called my wife as soon as I checked into the hotel and said, "I'll never bring our kids here." Then it occurred to me, is it OK for me to be here?
1. Holly had the following to say on Nov 8 at 9:19 AM:
Whose idea was it to have the convention there?
2. Lisa had the following to say on Nov 8 at 9:28 AM:
My husband and I were in Vegas for one night during our honeymoon in 2004. We walked the entire strip to take in all the hotels, but what sticks out in my mind were the people standing on the street "slapping" cards and trying to force-hand them to you. These cards featured nude women and were advertising some businesses in other areas of the city. They littered the streets, were stuck in the corners of the bus stop booths...they were everywhere. And after awhile, I couldn't even enjoy the attractions we had come to see. I don't have any desire to ever go back. I'm just thankful that we only stayed one day in that city.
3. Katie (the other one) had the following to say on Nov 8 at 9:29 AM:
I'd just like to defend the residents of Vegas and say that the real Vegas is like any other city, just with more publicity.
We're real people, with normal jobs, families, churches, and friends. No, Vegas isn't the best place to bring your family or raise a family, but it's been in the last 5 years that things on the Strip have gotten so much worse.
Also, I'd like to say, that at least in Vegas, our sin is in the open and we can deal with it. It's not hidden underneath and never discussed (which I experienced while living in the midwest for a couple years).
My pastor is very honest and open with the sin in our city, and many churches are committed to helping the people in the "industry" here. If you take a look, I think you'll be surprised how much God is working here.
4. John D. had the following to say on Nov 8 at 9:30 AM:
Well, why DID they decide to hold GodblogCon in Sin City, of all places?
5. Adam Sloope had the following to say on Nov 8 at 9:33 AM:
Motte, just stay rooted i nthe word and pray God protects your eyes, mind, and heart from the immorality you are submerged in. However, this does bring about tons of opportunity to speak to people about Jesus because so many people are exploring sexuality trying to find intamacy that they lack with God. This is the apporach I would take personally. No tracks or side walk preaching, but casual opinions based in truth over coffee or dinner. Hope this helps.
Yeah, never bring your kids there, I say that I'll only go there when I am married.
6. Adam Sloope had the following to say on Nov 8 at 9:35 AM:
Katie, have you ever heard of xxx church and the Esther fund. I figure those would be huge out there. I agree with you Vegas lends itself to being open about sin, thus gives us great opportunities to address people in love and truth of Christ.
7. Ben had the following to say on Nov 8 at 9:41 AM:
I agree that the sin is blatant in Las Vegas, but it is foolish to cringe away in fear because it offends our Christian sensitivities. I agree taking your family there for vacation is not the best idea, but avoiding Vegas just pulls the light of Christ further away from a dark place. We should be flooding into Vegas and other dark places to expose them to the light of Christ. That is at least part of the intent of Jesus' commission to the church and every believer.
8. Louise had the following to say on Nov 8 at 9:44 AM:
I first visited LV at age 23 and I was surprised by how many young families I saw there.
Not a vacation place for kids, I think.
But Mr. Brown you are an adult, so you should be able to handle it.
If you don't like it, don't go there again.
But I am curious along with the earlier posters, who choose LV as the site of this Christian conference?
Probably not the best decision.
9. Mike Theemling had the following to say on Nov 8 at 9:45 AM:
Hmm, let's see if I can remember from when I lived there:
One of the male stripper advertisements were from "The Thunder from Down Under"
The magic show with Pam Anderson is Fantasy, yes.
And the woman's behind might have been for something which uses the tagline, "No if's, and's or..." I can't remember the name of the show though.
Vegas did have a time where it was trying to be more family friendly (back in the 90's mainly). But today they've pretty much abandoned that concept opting for the adults-only venue and unapologetically touting sin considering they use the slogan "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".
Katie brings up a good point though that there are a lot churches in Vegas, and there is growth in them. And many people who live/work in Vegas are just "normal" people trying to make a living. Just because they work in casinos doesn't mean they all gamble or attend strip shows. It is a place where indeed "the harvest is many".
But yes, it is not the ideal place to raise a family. That's one main reason why I decided I would not settle there.
10. Josh M had the following to say on Nov 8 at 10:57 AM:
For those asking, the GodBlogCon is a subsection of the secular Blog World Expo, which chose Vegas as the site to meet.
11. Brian had the following to say on Nov 8 at 11:22 AM:
Adam Sloope wrote "I say that I'll only go there when I am married."
Please tell me if I'm misunderstanding you Adam, but what I read into your words is:
"There is much sexual temptation in Las Vegas, and since I'm single, I'm more susceptible to that temptation. When I'm married, I will no longer be susceptible to that temptation since I will be sexually satisfied. Therefore I will be able to go to Vegas without stumbling only after I'm married"
This idea that you will no longer face the same temptations when you are married is flat-out wrong. I think this is a common misconception among single Christian men, and it can end up affecting your marriage. Many men let down their defenses because of this, and sexual impurity creeps right back into their lives (or simply never leaves). I heard it before I was married but didn't truly believe or understand it until I got married.
Ben: The Bible warns us to "flee" from sexual immorality; I think it is because God understands man's (specifically male's) weakness of the flesh. I don't think previous poster's are "cringing" from "fear", but instead being wise and prudent. I would go so far as to say no Christian man should venture to the strip in Vegas.
12. Laura_mh had the following to say on Nov 8 at 11:52 AM:
Also, my understanding is that the Treasure Island pirate show is no longer family-friendly. The show got replaced with "The Sirens of TI," a 17th century clash between a group of beautiful, tempting sirens and a band of renegade pirates. With their mesmerizing and powerful song the Sirens lure the pirates to their cove, stir up a tempest strong enough to sink a ship, and transform Sirens’ Cove into a 21st century party."
13. Fran had the following to say on Nov 8 at 3:19 PM:
Many companies choose Las Vegas as the conference site because it is one of the cheapest flights from any location. Additionally, holding a conference in Las Vegas is to entice members of the corporation to come. However, as a single woman, I would not be going to a conference held in Las Vegas.
14. Adam T. had the following to say on Nov 8 at 3:35 PM:
"This idea that you will no longer face the same temptations when you are married is flat-out wrong."
I've heard *this* many times before (i.e., that once you get married, temptation is as present as ever), and I have a hard time understanding it. Not that I disbelieve all these married guys who say so, but I just don't understand how it can be the case.
15. Katie (the other one) had the following to say on Nov 8 at 4:40 PM:
Adam Sloope:
I have heard of XXX Church, but unfortunately it was while I lived in the midwest and not here in Vegas.
Ben said:
"I agree taking your family there for vacation is not the best idea, but avoiding Vegas just pulls the light of Christ further away from a dark place. We should be flooding into Vegas and other dark places to expose them to the light of Christ."
I couldn't agree more. The very sad truth is that alot of Christians and pastors have "given up" on Vegas and places like it. Just think, if we could turn a city like Vegas to a city that seeks God, we could effectively reach every end of the world (I'm pretty sure that Vegas has more international than domestic visitors every year).
Laura_mh:
While I'm not a fan of the TI show (and have never seen it myself), I am glad that they make it pretty clear it isn't for families and even rebuilt the stage along the sidewalk so that passers-by cannot see the show from the street.
Mike Theemling:
It's good to have someone else on here who's lived in Vegas to give a second opinion from the resident's perspective. Thanks.
I'd just like to add, that it is very difficult to be taken seriously in Christian realms as a Christian and moreso a pastor when you come from Vegas. The reaction often reminds me of the "what good can come from there" concept applied to Nazareth.
(Sidenote: I'm not saying there is a relationship between Nazareth and Vegas, for those of you who would read too far into that comment.)
16. Adam Sloope had the following to say on Nov 9 at 9:46 AM:
Brian:
I think you read a little bit too much into my comment, in no way is that my thought. I appreciate your concern though. Let's not base opinions on presumptions.
Adam T:
Just to clarify, in no way was I saying that once you become married you no longer face temptations.
17. Iris had the following to say on Nov 9 at 10:00 AM:
I don't have much to add to the discussion at the moment, but I just wanted to add some random info....the magician doing the show with Pam Anderson is Hans Klok, a very well known person here in Holland. He's been in the news the past few days (people debating whether or not he "made it" in Vegas).
I've never been to Vegas and probably never will go, but I have to admit that if I go, it is more to see what all the hype is about since most of what the town has to offer (to tourists) doesn't appeal to me.
18. Robin Munn had the following to say on Nov 9 at 12:59 PM:
Adam T. - I'm not married, but I have no problems understanding the idea that sexual temptation is just as difficult even when you're married. Think of it this way: when you're single, any attractive woman can catch your eye and tempt you to lust after her. Well, when you're married, the part of the brain that evaluates women's physical attractions doesn't turn off. There is now one woman whom it is no sin for you to desire sexually -- but there are still millions of women whom it would still be a sin for you to harbor sexual thoughts about. So if the amount of temptation is reduced, it's only by a millionth of a percent.
By the way, to clarify: when I say that "any attractive woman ... can cause you to lust" I do not mean to universally cast the blame at the woman's feet. Some women do wear clothing deliberately calculated to induce lust, and are indeed sinning by doing so. BUT by no means is that always the case. I personally have experienced temptation over women who were clothed perfectly modestly and whose behavior was equally modest. They weren't doing anything to induce temptation, yet I still had to check that tendency in myself. So ladies, please don't take my phrasing above as imputing responsibility on you; it was simply the only way I could find to phrase it without making the sentence as long as this paragraph. :-)
19. Gina had the following to say on Nov 9 at 3:03 PM:
Fran: You might be surprised where you'd go if your boss told you to. :-) Actually, after a couple of days in Vegas for the convention, I've felt very little personal danger. The casinos don't tempt me, the strip shows don't tempt me, and the bars don't tempt me. About the only thing that really tempts me here is the shopping, and we have that at home.
20. BDB had the following to say on Nov 9 at 4:02 PM:
One of the reasons they hold conventions in Las Vegas is that they have extensive conference facilities. Many organizations can get pretty good rates for an event.
I've only stayed in Vegas once, for the wedding of a cousin. The funny part was that I spent the whole weekend with my extended family - talking about the Discovery Channel documentary on The Venetian, which we toured. The cigarette smoke was enough to discourage me from making it a habit.
21. Justice had the following to say on Nov 10 at 12:42 AM:
Treasure city is pretty dirty, I live a few hours south and took my first overnight stay there recently. I freaked when my little cousins were watching the dirty pirate hookers dance for treasure island!
22. DEH had the following to say on Nov 10 at 4:42 PM:
In my experience as a wife, being married doesn't curb temptation to sin sexually, but it does make it easier to resist simply because I have an "outlet" to focus my sexual desires on. Whenever unwholesome thoughts cross my mind (and occasionally they do even though I am very happily married), I am able to refocus those thoughts in a healthy way by transferring my desire to my husband. Thus, while the temptation to sin doesn't go away, my own ability to resist gets stronger with marriage. It makes it easier for me to remove a bad thought and replace it with a good one, which is a key part of fleeing temptation.
At least, that has been my take on the issue as a married woman. :)
23. Marc had the following to say on Nov 12 at 12:46 PM:
As a man who lives in southern California, I do not see billboards of naked women... but from the way the women are dressed, they might-as-well be naked because they have barely anything on.
I guarantee you that the people who put-up those billboard ads know EXACTLY what they are doing when it comes to attracting the attention of passerbys of the male gender.
24. LT had the following to say on Nov 13 at 9:54 AM:
It's not even just in Vegas! I was at the mall over the weekend with my boyfriend, helping him find a few "decorative touches" for his new apartment... I kept wanting to pull him away from various places because of the ads plastered all over the walls that even made ME uncomfortable. And I'm another woman. At one place in particular, there was a larger than life ad for I don't even remember what now. All I remember is that it was a very leggy woman scantily clad in gold (for the holidays....) in some suggestive position. And to the right of us was a window display with clothes that were not much better than those on the woman in the ad on the left. I was very uncomfortable looking at these displays. And was even more uncomfortable for the men who were in proximity, being subjected to these unavoidable visuals as they're simply walking through the mall.
25. Chelsea had the following to say on Nov 18 at 8:12 PM:
I think there should be outreach ministry to sin havens like Vegas. Brothers and sisters in the Lord have to bring their light to dark places, starting with our own neighborhoods and country, before we can spread the glory of His word to the rest of the world.