Carol Leigh's article is one that I find interesting because it brings together two seemingly opposing subjects:feminism and prostitution. According to some, one should have nothing to do with the other. What seems even more strange is the fact that feminists themselves have actually tried to outlaw prostitution because of its danger to feminism.
I understand the concern because the sexualization of women and their depictions as objects have been a major problem over the years; There is a fine line between women expressing themselves sexually and becoming objects and prostitution hovers right over that line.
But we should not blame sex workers and jeopardize what could be their only way of making a living just because we feel uncomfortable with their lifestyle. It is their choice what they want to do with their bodies and as long as they are safe there should not be any problems. The thing is that they are not safe. We often hear of sex workers being physically abused by their clients and bosses. There are no benefits or unions to help them in their line of work. But again, we should not blame sex workers for what happens to them, only the people who are inflicting violence. They are only treated that way because of men's misogynistic tendencies and the assumption that sex workers are second class citizens who deserve to be abused. The worst thing about prostitution is the stigma that we hold along with it and if we get rid of that then eventually we may be able to develope a healthy line of work for sex workers.-Bria Shelby
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