Menace to Society

H8edByOne's Avatar
Brittany,

You are correct; the profession has been attacked for centuries. However, the ignorance today can be directly tied to the way the lifestyle is depicted in media today. I agree with Rakhie - "Where is your empirical evidence to support your position?" When challenged, my bet is that the argument will turn into an reflective process on those who have passed judgment without support.
Brittnay...I would be snickering under my breath actually, if I were you! As for being an awful person...it's not what you choose to do for a living that defines you. And, you can't blame your classmates for their ignorance...and it's just that simple. People are biased due to their upbringing...and, social and religious beliefs.

I think most people would be amazed to know the truth about prostitution's role in literally every civilization on Earth throughout all recorded human history...but, it's still against the law in most states.

Must be a very interesting class...and I wonder who else may be in your class with the same thoughts...perhaps your professor? Who knows...he may even be a hobbyist...wouldn't that be a hoot!
Gary: If I tell her that prostitutes are vulnerable to psychos because the police fail to protect them, I’m afraid that the professor will tell me that people who break the law do not deserve protection. Originally Posted by brittanylennox
To which you can reply, "If that's true, then why do you LE people even investigate crimes like this and arrest serial killers in the first place?"

Let me elaborate on the vulnerability factor: Ridgway instinctively knew that SWs and runaways would be afraid to seek LE's protection from him. And, let's be honest, many of them grow up in environments that are less than caring and nurturing; so he wouldn't face the same risks as he would have, had he taken someone else out on a "date", and her circle of friends / family got concerned that she never made it home later in the evening. He figured he'd be able to kill with impunity; and, for awhile, he was right.

As for your contention that organized religion is a crock of sh**, you are entitled to your opinion, Britt. However, this hypocrite can tell you that the one to which I belong objects to any and all sex outside of marriage (between a man and a woman, to be exact), not just that which involves a financial transaction. Don't feel that organized religion singles you out, simply because of your profession.
Skyber's Avatar
Thats a good point brittany. Most of the negativity towards the profession stems from the idea of normality in our society. What defines normal or acceptable and who chooses the criteria has always been the root of many negative thoughts on many "questionable" subjects. Pretty much for those that define how we "should" live if it doesnt fit into their box it isnt acceptable. I mean hell, if we were all the same, it would be like in those movies were everyone is like a zombie; everyone just going through the motions of life without any sense of self. Some people already do this lol. It easy to go on autopilot, its hard to actually give a damn about anyone else.

As for those men, they are either so blinded by their beliefs that they cannot accept the truth of reality. Or they realise that while they may be in a powerful position that the solution to the problem that plagues our society (the ignorance and fear) is out of their control and influence to change on their own. Thus the solution being out of their hands, its much easier to go with the majority rule. I doubt they would get re-elected or remain in good standing with the community if they didnt.

I believe there would have to be a huge effort made by people on both sides of the fence to finally reach the answer. Most people are so closed minded and set in their beliefs that it makes this task very difficult.

I hope that answered your question, just my opinion though.
onehitwonder's Avatar
My Dear Brittney,

I promise you I am not being snarky or ugly when I ask you this question, Do you really think by you asking your Professor/classmates the same very valid questions you asked in your opening post that you would some how "out" yourself? I would think you would most likely come across as some what playing "Devils Advocate" and isn't your classroom exactly the place to have these open discussions? You have the right to ask questions. You're paying for your education. I say get your moneys worth.

Respectfully,
Onehitwonder/Cheri
Mossman's Avatar
Brittany..why waste a moments thought on what others say or do? Why engage in educational debate that in the end is only designed to make others feel in doubt? The only opinion that matters is the one inside your head! There is nothing new under the sun, we all share life's joys and sorrows. Do you really expect others to applaud your lifestyle and question their own? As you say the question is hundreds if not thousands of years old, I doubt this discussion will change anything.
Skyber's Avatar
Heres a very interesting pro/con website i found a while ago, its a good read. I find its nice to see what people have to say on both sides of an issue.
www.prostitution.procon.org
i thought the question was ---why did the killer target prostitutes? now look at the backgrounds of his victims. the facts hold true to the point the class made. to expand his victims under an umbrella term of "sex worker" is not incorrect- more precise though would be the subcategory they fell into-that of being a SW.

Ladies, let me ask this. 1.would you ever term yourself a street walker instead of an escort? 2. do you ever desire to being such? 3.do you see SW as a promotion in the sex industry? I believe the answer would be NO.

True the topic hit you on a personal note, but please remain objective and based on what you stated- this discussion was about the killer and his victims. I also would tell you re: Gary's thought and your professor's perceived response- To not protect those who you believe broke the law circumvents the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
69bobby69's Avatar
In summary, opinions are like arm pits - most stink and some don't. We should stay away from the smelly ones.


Great thread and many great responses here. As an adjunct professor, I have had the opportunity to moderate some discussions in the classroom that could create an unpleasant feeling for some students. I believe the teacher/professor should not mold/create thought, but rather foster a learning environment where each student decides for themselves their personal position based upon their past and present in conjunction with the educational aspects associated with the particular class. Too many professor feel the need to impose their values upon their students as a means of their own legacy.

Now, with regard to the profession/lifestyle, I agree with the fear and ignorance statement. The media contributes to the point of blowing out of proportion the real life struggles that we all go through. When is a provider illuminated in a positive light in the media? In addition, when puritan attitudes by those who suffer from fear and ignorance combined with a lack of desire to carry out the relational vows finally understand that they are THE problem, the world's oldest profession will decline. However, relationships by nature create an increasing level of laziness and selfishness and lead to a state of hunger for intimacy and sexual needs by one or more of the parties in the typical relationship. Many cartoons and jokes talk about the passion and desire of those in a dating relationship that ultimately gets soured with the ring goes on the finger. It should be that marriage makes the two work harder for each other, but the opposite is typically true.

So, for those who look outside of the marriage, the wonderful and lovely providers bring a sense of completeness and happiness to an otherwise miserable and sad life. It makes total sense. Outside of the marriage relationship, there are countless other situations that bring the hobbyist to the provider (such as physical difficulties just an example). Once again, a valuable offering is provided to make one whole. This screwed up cycle has existed since the beginning of time and will continue as long as there is selfishness in relationships.

I'm with Alex, every group is persecuted. Some more than others. Collect your thoughts, defend the lifestyle, and be ready to debate. Guilty or not, I defend the lifestyle to any and all that suffer from ignorance and fear. Originally Posted by 69bobby69
  • sgm99
  • 08-27-2010, 12:03 AM
Brittany and to all whom responded to her the comments are great. Brittany your head is definitely in the right place, keep up with your studies. To me being a provider is a job that is the only way i look at it. I have nothing but respect for you. Not all men look down at you only a select few and are religious fanactics. I applaud you for getting an education. Those fools in class with you have no idea what life is all about except what mommy and daddy put in front of or buy for them. Rakhir, mention some very goods things to you, I would also love to be in your class, keep the faith.
Exithere's Avatar
Gary: If I tell her that prostitutes are vulnerable to psychos because the police fail to protect them, I’m afraid that the professor will tell me that people who break the law do not deserve protection. Originally Posted by brittanylennox
If you professor would really say something like that after having been in law enforcement..... well that just leaves me shaking my head in disbelief.
It's a fruitless exercise to attempt to explain or understand the acts of a psychopath. Without question someone that strangles no less than 48 women to death, regardless of what they do for a living, is a psychopath.
I would think you would most likely come across as some what playing "Devils Advocate" and isn't your classroom exactly the place to have these open discussions? Originally Posted by onehitwonder
I think I most definitely would "out myself" (especially at the time of the conversation). I was so insulted and angry that I had to chew on my tongue to keep quiet. If I were to have opened my mouth, nothing intelligent would have come out of it. At the time, I wasn't thinking, "How do I neutrally point out to my classmates that they are incorrect?"

If I had a presumption about a certain thing, and someone suggested that it was incorrect, I would want to know on what authority they have to correct my presumptions.

In a sense, I would have backed myself into a corner...
Ladies, let me ask this. 1.would you ever term yourself a street walker instead of an escort? 2. do you ever desire to being such? 3.do you see SW as a promotion in the sex industry? I believe the answer would be NO. Originally Posted by snotty1


I agree and disagree with you. Would I ever want to walk the streets? No. Absolutely not. It is less of a controlled environment, and both parties are extremely vulnerable. Plus, it’s impossible to take a shower before and after seeing each gentleman. Also, I like to drink champagne/wine with the gentlemen I see... so I think I would look like a raging idiot walking around with bottles of wine. (geez...where would I put the wine glasses?) All in all, I think it would prove to be an uncomfortable situation.

I do not envy street walkers. However, at the same time, I don't "look down on" them. Essentially, a street walker and I have similar job descriptions, only, her job is MUCH harder. I've never really had the opportunity to talk with a street walker, so I have no idea if my little mental image of "a day in the life of a street walker" is actually correct:

Shower. Get dressed. Put on make-up. Do hair. Be at X public place by Y time. Shit, there are 15 girls out here tonight. The new one is only charging 20 bucks. Hmmm... this guy has driven past twice. Is he a cop? Is he going to get rough? Is he high or drunk? I wonder if he showered. Fingers crossed that he doesn't have any diseases. Is he going to be an asshole and drop me off in the middle of nowhere if I make him wear a condom? I hope he doesn't short me any money. My “manager” will beat the shit out of me if he does. I wonder if he has a gun or a knife hidden in his car. Please God, don't let me die....

I CANNOT imagine what these girls have to endure. A “rough” day for me would be: putting a runner in my thigh-highs, opening a bottle of wine for my guest and having it taste like vinegar, and then over thinking my orgasm and not being unable to cum. This sequence of events would cause me to sit in my room and cry for three hours. I’m pretty sure that I would be the most unsuccessful streetwalker in the whole world. I would be the one in the corner cowering and rocking back and forth.

Yes… this thread got waaayyy off topic. But I think it’s a little unfair that these poor girls get snubbed as being the bane of society.
Hey Babygirl,

Fuck all those haters!
They just aren't comfortable with themselves or thier bodies like we are!
Just look at all these wonderful gentlemen who have come to your defence!
This is the oldest profession for a reason! We have a permanent place in society that is both important and neccissary!

Besides... I'm willing to bet that a few of those co-eds you're sitting next to have been to BP or CL looking for some companionship... The angrier the protest, the guiltier the concience!

I've been recognised in class more than once... It's bound to happen...

If you're still feeling shocked or a little down, just call my personal. I'd be happy to busy my face in that glorious honey-pot of yours that is so sought after... by hobbyists and hypocrites alike!

Love and Kisses!
-Your favorite Doubles Partner!