Lady J In Lotus Pose: Prostitution In America: Working Girls Speak

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Prostitution In America: Working Girls Speak

Below are youtube videos that reveal a two hour, 2008, 20/20 documentary on Prostitution In America. Of course this post can only stay up as long as the youtube account user keeps the videos up on the internet. So, basically this post is at his mercy.

As an feminist against pornography I think it is important to note that I do not condemn the person who is prostituting themselves. While I do think that it is important for the stripper, porn actor, street worker, pinup model (be they female or male) to take some responsibility for themselves, I also think that they have been heavily influenced by our patriarchal culture. While there are many sex workers that claim to love their work..and I would not doubt them...I think that they too are products of our society. Just because a person loves something doesn't make it healthy. My heart goes out to the women who make these harmful decisions.

Can I just say as a side note..
Perhaps this is just my projection but sometimes when I write or speak the word "patriarchy" I get the feeling that eyes and ears are shutting collectively. I think this often happens with the word "feminism" but I think the it isn't only the F-word that shuts off the brains of so many. In this culture we know racism is bad. Right? But what about sexism? It is so blatant that it amazes me that many do not pay attention to it. But then again there are many who feel they profit from it. The below videos will be an example of that.

These women are going through hell. I don't think these women woke up one morning and thought..I reeeally want to be a prostitute. Just as no one sets out to be homeless, these women did not hope to become street workers.

The 20/20 piece aired in 2008 and the interviews are conducted by Diane Sawyer (I really do admire Sawyer. I think she's an impressive journalist). It took 20/20 two years to complete this expose.

This is their story..