I was reading an article the other day by The Guardian’s Josh Freedman Berthoud which argues that there’s no real difference between sex traffickers, pimps, brothel keepers and rapists. Here’s a quote:
“The separation of good prostitution and bad prostitution; an evil rapist and just a regular guy who’s looking for a good time, must not be allowed to stand.”
IMHO surely likening a rape victim or a trafficked sex slave to someone who choses to sell sex of his or her own violition is downgrading the seriousness of these crimes? Whether or not selling sex is a wise choice is an argument for a different day, but surely the fact that choice is involved is a mitigating factor.
I’m curious to hear what you think… and if anyone here has ever used a prostitute or worked as one, it’d be great to hear from you especially
while neither a worker nor a user – I just don’t see the big deal about prostitution. it’s being going on since the dawn of time and the reality is people will always use/be them. it’d make much more sense here if it was legalised – and that may (i emphasise may) also help reduce the chances of exploitation.
i can’t say I get men who use prostitutes, but I’d defend a woman’s right to choose it as a path. I wouldn’t recommend it, but to be crude about it how different are those WAG wannabees who go throwing themselves at footballers from women who sleep with people for money. Not that different.
I see it as being ok as long as the Prostitute is mentally (and physicaly) healthy and not under duress. But once its seen as ok it can open a door for people to have all sorts of terrible experiences, i.e. people under duress or sick people damaging themselves. Make it legal and strickly control it maybe?