Prostitution - Empowering or degrading?

[punkymister]

I just read an article about prostitutes in France, that were protesting against a Bill that would eliminate certain kinds of solicitation and thus could have them arrested for just being on the streets.

So it seduced me into asking a question to all you folks: Is prostitution a form of empowerment (either for men or woman) or is it simply a cheap thrill?

More information:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2002/11/05/international1433EST0652.DTL

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_703853.html

http://www.iht.com/articles/76033.html

[WandererInGray]

Honestly I think it all depends on the situation.

If a woman does it for the power and because she actually *gets* power from it. (ie. nice house, car, lifestyle she wants) Then yes, it's empowering for her.

But if it's the case of the runaway junkie who'll sleep with anyone who promises her her next fix, or enough money to live. *shrugs* That seems to me a case where prostitution is degrading.

[Psyche Ague]

I believe that prostitution is disgusting. But I believe that it should be legalized and regulated. If we were to give prostitutes regular checkups and make sure they have proper birth control and protection from STDs to protect both them and their customers, there might be fewer problems with it. There will always be prostitution. There always has been. But I don't have to like it. *shrugs*

Whether or not it's degrading or empowering is something I can't answer. I really don't know what I think. Sorry my previous comments were off on a tangent...:D

[Phoenix Blue]

Depends. Does the woman have a choice in the matter?

Many women, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia, are actually bought, sold, and traded as slaves. That's hardly empowering.

And when I think about it, I can't see how having sex with a stranger for a few bucks is empowering in any sense of the word. No, street prostitution is illegal for good reason.

Empowerment is about more than what you can get in exchange for putting out. Tying sex to money cheapens something which should be spiritual, or at least fun, to nothing more than a commodity.

[shnen]

I'm with everyone else on this... it depends on the situation, but personally I feel selling your body is not a good way to live.
It is your vehicle for this lifetime...

[Djiril]

My idea on prostitution is that it should be legal but require a college degree.

EDIT: This is solely the opinion of me in 2002. Please see more recent threads for my current opinions!

[Tammy Sullivan]

well I suppose it could be empowering in some ways. Really it would depend on the individual and if it was their choice or not. You use your brain to get ahead, who are we to judge if some choose to use their body in the same way? It is their's to do with as they choose, right? However if the choice is taken away, by addiction or slavery etc. that becomes a whole other matter and I find it disgusting at that point. I may not choose to do that, but will fight for others right to do it if they choose.

[Gwion]

First you get your Bachelorette, then your Mistress, then your FHD.

"What's up, Doc?"

Is prostitution any different from someone marrying for money or power?