I received an interesting email from a reader wondering why I was "glamourising" the sex industry. I thought this was interesting as the portrayal of the sex industry on this blog has been factual and - if anything - a little intellectual. So I thought this deserved a response.
P.S. I took no offence to the email - it was a well thought out question regarding the culture of the sex industry.
The interesting part of this is it depends on which part of the sex industry you are discussing... Commercial Sex Work - Adult Entertainment - Web Sites etc.
There are many industries that are obviously NOT glamorous - waste removal being one that springs to mind - And there are those that certainly appear glamorous - working the red carpet etc. Even still, there are those who would say that if you had to endure the preparation, scrutiny and demand, it would be anything but glamorous.
If you are talking about the Commercial Sex Industry - I would say that even the most professional worker would laugh in your face at the idea of it being glamorous. It is very hard work. I spent many years in the health industry - mostly in sexual health - and worked closely with sex workers. Whilst many admitted that it could be pleasant work i.e. Good clients, good wage etc, they freely admitted that it was a hard job. You had to be available at all hours - perform on demand - perform with all sorts of people - be able to connect with people from all sectors of society - be of pleasant personality even if you'd had a horrrible day - and be prepared to lose many bookings at those times you caught a cold or the flu.
Then there is the street trade. Or as one worker I knew called it "Hell in Heels". No ability to secure your safety. No showers. No toilets for that matter. In many cases, managing an on-going drug addiction. Not to mention the threat of violence from other workers and those in local organised crime. Yes Victoria ...... Pretty Woman lied. And how.........
Then there is the Adult Entertainment industry which is comprised of Strippers, Exotic Dancers, Video Actors/Actresses and now .... thanks to the Interweb ... Net based porn sites. Now, I count amongst some of my blog-friends those intimately involved in the porn world. Is it glamorous? Yes and no they tell me. Yes - it can be, if you work for the right company - that being one that takes care of their actors, promotes them, assists their careers and safeguards their health status (banning of drug use etc is now almost routine). This type of company is one working hard to professionalise their industry and promote the legitimacy of the work as an informed choice for employment.
NO - if you get stuck with a company that does none of the above. Though thankfully, that 'appears' to be less and less these days occurring to industry insiders.
Web sites - totally unglamorous ( Jake Cruise - please tell me it isnt so...). You go to some guys house or rented house for the purposes of the web site - you do your thing - you get your money - you go home - and... for some... pray to G-d that no one you know logs on. Not every site is Fratpad after all (who by all accounts takes amazing care of their guys and ensures every comfort, safety and provision).
I think the misperception of "glamorousing" the Industry is not recognising the attempt many are making to "professionalise" the industry.
For many - and I have known some of these people - this is their legitimate career and they truly enjoy what they do - even on the bad days.
By professionalising the industry, you provide the basis for such things as health monitoring and care, excellent working conditions, equitable pay etc. This works towards legitimising the industry - such as with Commercial Sex Work in Australia where strict health regulations are now the standard.
You will always have those tales of horror - but they seem to be in countries where there is little in the way of sexual health education, monitoring or research - or where there is an extreme Right influence eg. Americas Bible Belt that continually prevents the legalisation of prostitution which would assist in combatting those negatives that the mainstream media love to highlight.
Whether someone is glamorous or not really depends on the perception of the viewer. I have inside knowledge of this industry and am told that the answer is yes and no. Yes when you are on the arm of an Ironman at a celebrity fundraiser. No when you have to do the truckie from the lower class suburb for whom showering appears optional.
Im sure there are others out their with their own views - and indeed this article is a conglomeration of views.
Plus of course - my 2 Cents is added in as well.
And I ........ or more accurately...... "we" just spent it.
What are your 2 Cents?
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1 comment:
I think the question has more to do with the mindset of the questioner than anything else. But you have given him the benefit of the doubt, which is what I would have done, and answered him fairly.
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