|
26.1.05
Destigmatizing Sex Work: Introduction
Sex Work.
Those two words alternately titillate, horrify and satisfy those who hear it. The definition can be amazingly broad if someone really wishes for such an effect. A makeup artist could be a sex worker if they apply cosmetics to emphasize and encourage arousal.
More often than not, though, the term horrifies all the 'good upstanding and moral' people of the land. To them sex work isn't an acceptable career. Some feminists (who, as I pointed out in the prostitution series hold up the patriarchal view of women as the standard more than setting one based on all women's desires) absolutely hate sex work, going so far as to say every last woman who is a sex worker, regardless of her specialty, is coerced and forced to make such a tragic choice. Every man involved whether he is an employer, a client or a lover is a scum bag who is responsible for making this woman enter sex work. That's not to say that some women aren't forced, because some are. That's not to say some men aren't said scum bags, because quite a few are. Sex work is not a monolith.
Many of the specialties in sex work are dominated by women who can demand and get top dollar for their talent. Hardly a wide-sweeping exploitation. Despite this sex workers are made to feel ashamed for their choice in career. They're blamed for the downfall of society and 'pure' morals that haven't existed in America since the Mayflower pulled into Plymouth Rock. They, not sexism and violence, are blamed for attacks on women. Like any other group that does not have strong political representation, they are unfairly made to be a scapegoat.
Many mothers have lost custody of their children simply because they are sex workers in some form. The fact that the children are safe, secure and well cared for apparently doesn't matter, but since Mommy takes her clothes off for a living, she can't possibly be stable. These women who can easily pull in thousands a week, pay rent, spend time with the children and buy necessary and indulgent items for the children are forced to give up a lucrative job for one where they are paid peanuts, forced to work longer hours and more dehumanized than they were working the pole.
Some of the very people who wouldn't dare judge a person based on their race, religion, ethnicity or nationality will quickly judge a sex worker because of their job. It's amazing really how such bigotry is able to thrive in 21st century America.
Some forms of sex work have long histories based in ancient times and often interconnected with other forms. Others are modern inventions thanks to advancements in technology. Despite history sex workers do not deserve prejudice because of their work and this is what my series will be about. Sex work is presented one way in the media (horrible, exploitative, evil) but almost the exact opposite being true (non-coerced, enjoyed, beautiful or indifferent). When they're asked by a stranger, "What do you do for a living?" a sex worker should be able to say, without shame or hesitation, "I'm a stripper," or "I'm a prostitute" or "I work a phone sex line" or whatever. I think it's high time for this to happen.
Let it begin here.
Sex work specialties that will be covered are: stripping, erotic massage/sexological bodywork, pornographic movie industry, nude modeling & photography, erotica writing, sex counselling, and Tantri(c)kas. More or less in that order. :)
Posted at 08:29 pm by La_Libertine
 | | | Brandon Starr
January 28, 2005 03:11 PM PST
I think that's very true.
A couple of very broad comments:
1) We still have a strong Puritanical streak that has run throughout our American history. The Sexual Revolution only freed a portion of the citizenry; mostly, it just radicalized both sides.
2) The types of prejudice more-or-less still accepted broadly today are ones where the subject of the prejudice has a perceived element of free will:
--sex workers, because "they could be doing something else,"
--fat people, "because the food doesn't force itself on them,"
--those with non-mainstream ideas on religion, because their rationalism or wiccanism or whatever is their choice.
That's hardly to say that the other kind of prejudice--sexism, racism, etc.--doesn't exist; but this prejudice against those who "choose to be prejudiced against" is certainly seen as more acceptable.
| |
| | | Lyly
January 29, 2005 01:26 PM PST
i wrote my first erotica back in 1996 but didn't know how/where to show it. will be looking forward to it. have some thoughts to email to you re: porn movies, nude photos, and sex counseling so watch your email, i don't want to leave pages of comments here. | |
| | | Nic
January 30, 2005 10:54 AM PST
Hmmm since I write erotica, I am a "Sex Worker" , but I give mine away to anyone who cares to read it, therefore I am a "Slut", but I am a happy "Slut", and always sticking it to the "Moral Majority", which makes Me a "Sadistical Slut", damn I love being Me. | |
| | | Jezebel
January 30, 2005 11:16 PM PST
We love you being you too Nic!
Lyly, you should check out Clean Sheets. I think I have a link to them. If not, it's www.cleansheets.com. They accept erotica entries. Give it a shot.
Brandon- Right on the money as usual. Damn, you're wise!
| |
|
|
