Women at WSOP Don't Agree on Receiving "Compliments" at Poker Table

08:52
17 Jun

The interaction in public places between men and women has certainly changed since the #MeToo movement took hold several years ago.

The movement opened plenty of eyes of men with regard to unwanted and inappropriate comments/sexual advances that are volleyed at women regularly. However, the unwritten rules regarding acceptable and unacceptable "compliments" remain in a somewhat gray area for a lot of men.

That gray area hasn't been made any clearer by some women poker players at the WSOP who have different takes on receiving comments from men that may be construed as compliments - and comments that may be seen as unwanted harassment.

It's apparent that Christina Gollins had had enough of the unwanted variety of comments, taking her displeasure to social media to school men on what NOT to say at the poker table.

I think some people will agree that the so-called compliments referenced by Gollins are a little bit on the cringy side. The intent may have been to compliment her on her looks, but the delivery landed in an objectifying way that seems somewhat off.

That line of thinking was summed up rather eloquently by a male commenter using the Twitter handle of @BetOnDrew, who posted this:

"Its the delivery & energy that certain males give off.
'Hey thats a cute hat, you rock it well.'
Vs
'Dont bust her cuz then we will have nothing to look at.'
Big difference."

On the other hand, the comments that unnerved Gollins, if spoken the same way to other women, may not have struck the same chord. Here's what Tiffany Michelle had to say about Gollins' video:

Michelle had more to say on the issue, including this:

"And to defend the 'types of players' that traverse from all over to play WSOP. You’re quite possibly THE most attractive thing these average Joes have ever seen at a poker table. I assure you not all female players have the luxury of this problem. Grace & empathy go a long way"

There you have it. Two different viewpoints from women at the WSOP on how they perceive and deal with compliments from men at the poker table. What's complimentary to one, may not be the same for another.

So how should men behave moving forward? One man who replied to the tweets of Gollins and Michelle found a solution that apparently works for him. Take a look: