xHamster wants women to shout “Women Power” while having sex to win up to $500
Tube site xHamster has announced that its March 2021 Creator Program video contest is “Women Power”. From March 1 to 31, 2021, models in the Creator Program can upload videos matching specific requirements for a chance to win 1 of 3 cash prizes. The most popular videos will be declared the winners at the end of the month.
This contest has clearly touched a nerve, judging by the reactions in the comments of the xHamster announcement. While the “Women Power” message is very “woke” and “on trend” right now, it rings hollow when the contest requires a woman to say specific words and make a specific gesture “while having sex” (those are the instructions in the contest rules). Not only does this result in awkward, scripted moments in videos that should feel authentic and UNscripted, but it limits participants to a narrow definition of “having sex”. It is difficult and complicated for porn companies to use feminist terms and symbols when their product is produced nearly exclusively for the male gaze, and xHamster has not made good choices in creating this contest. Perhaps they should have gone the safe route and chosen a green / St. Patrick’s Day theme instead!