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Sat 7 Feb, 2004 07:08 pm
Referred to as the world's oldest "profession," prostitution is defined as the act or practice of selling oneself for sexual purposes. It is also defined as an unworthy use of a talent, quality, or the like, especially for personal gain. What's interesting is that the former is illegal in all states except Nevada while the latter has been morally and culturally accepted since the beginning of time. This begs the question: is there any difference between a street walker/escort and a person who uses their physical beauty to attain a lifestyle that others labor very hard to attain? Too often in our society we see evidence of the "trophy spouse"; a reward received by those who achieve success in business or entertainment. The marriage consists of a person who sees a beautiful spouse as something to obtain and a person who deliberately shops lifestyle by any sexual means necessary.
Some would argue that prostitution should be made legal so that (just as with drugs) it can be regulated by the state and become a source of revenue enhancement. Furthermore, sex between strangers would be safer since the government (as in Nevada) would require regular medical examinations to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The problem facing this country is that we haven't reconciled these two definitions thus creating the existence of a double standard. We are quick to arrest and condemn the street walker/escort but would never think to shun a sexual opportunist. In many ways, prostitution already is legal in our society. People pay to watch two people have sex with each other but yet cannot pay each other for sex. I recall two people comparing their lifestyles while waiting in line at the airport. One person told the other "the difference between you and me is that you pay for your sex with cash and I pay for it with dinners, clothing and jewelry". The problem with this country today is not that we are a nation of laws but rather a nation that continually contradicts itself when it comes to morality.
Well Said!
I honestly see no difference in the common prostitute and a person that uses thier sexual prowess to obtain anything of substance and meaning, or a higher place in society. The only thing I can say is one is legal and the other isn't.
Well, I firmly believe that prostitution should be at least decriminalized - as it has been in some places here, too.
Sex-workers are entitled to the same protections as any other workers - the job will never go away - prohibition has been as useful in this area as in others!
Here, we have active prostitutes' associations, which are lobbying for decriminalization. I believe most politicians can see the sense in it, and some are very active in attempting to change the law - but it is one of those areas where many are frightened to vote for it, for fear of backlash from the right.
I agree with you on the health checks etc. - but mainly I am in favour because of the stupid hypocrisy of keeping it illegal - and becasue of the need for normal protections for workers in the industry.
Re your comparison of people who use their beauty/charm to win easy-street marriages - it is interesting to see the right try to lambast John Kerry for allegedly doing this - I guess the subscript of that is that it is not ok for a man to do it - it is "un-manly" - seems more acceptable for women.
I see your point - this is one of the reasons why I never permit men to pay for me (unless in a long relationship, where sometimes one pays, sometimes the other and it evens out). However, sadly, beauties of either sex are always gonna be rewarded for their luck - just as people who inherit wealth are...whatcha gonna do? I guess brains are luck in lots of ways, too.....and just being born in a rich country is too.
Joe
I gotta agree with you. Prostitution's going to go on regardless of the law; might as well have it regulated.
Social climbing by way of sex is a bit more complicated. Blatant, nothing but sex and beauty used for clawing your way up is somewhat offensive, but, there are gray areas where the one in question may offer a bit more, over and above being a trophy. Most people are not as one sided as all that.
In Vancouver, a pig farmer has been arrested and charged with murder on over 50 counts. His victims of choice were street prostitutes.
As long as prostitution is illegal, they will be victims of oppourtunity. They are forced into perfoming their profession in dangerous circumstances. If it were legal they could have protection from disease and preditors. Age limits could be set as well.
Brothels have been legal here for years. There's several in the yellow pages for this area.
Of course, they're called escort agencies.
Advertising doesn't mean they are legal.
In NSW, they've been legal for at least 20 years.
Pimping, however, is still illegal.
Suggested reading: "Cop To Call Girl: Why I Left The LAPD To make An Honest Living As A Beverly Hills Prostitute" by Norma Jean Almodovar.
Wilso wrote:In NSW, they've been legal for at least 20 years.
Prostitution itself is not illegal in Australia. However: Street prostitution is illegal in New South Wales and Queensland (though not for the client) and allowed in Victoria ,if it doesn't happen near schools, churches or hospitals. New South Wales and Victoria allow licensed brothels.
It's legal in Germany, prostitutes pay taxes and social security.
How much is airfare to Germany, Walter?
Walter Hinteler wrote:Wilso wrote:In NSW, they've been legal for at least 20 years.
Prostitution itself is not illegal in Australia. However: Street prostitution is illegal in New South Wales and Queensland (though not for the client) and allowed in Victoria ,if it doesn't happen near schools, churches or hospitals. New South Wales and Victoria allow licensed brothels.
It's legal in Germany, prostitutes pay taxes and social security.
If you'll notice I was talking about Brothels.
And street prostitution is illegal for the client. There were a number of people arrested last year in a sting involving undercover police. They seem to avoid the fact that it was likely entrapment by virtue of the fact that most caught want it dealt with quickly and quietly.
Wilso, you seemed very well-versed on the subject of prostitution. Are you doing a term paper on this subject?
gustavratzenhofer wrote:Wilso, you seemed very well-versed on the subject of prostitution. Are you doing a term paper on this subject?
I AM very well versed on this subject
gustavratzenhofer wrote:Thus the sunglasses.
No, that's just because it was sunny. There's several pictures of me in the gallery without the sunglasses.
I'm sure there are, brother.... I'm sure there are.
I hear Gus is pretty popular with the ladies of the evening, could it be due to his duct taped johnson or his lack of teeth? hmmmmmmm
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