2008 Woodie Awards
Prostitution regulated by law could limit spread of HIV, STDs
I will begin by stating the obvious: I am in support of legalized prostitution. For those who follow my contributions to Sex and the SUNY, this will likely come as no surprise. I'm generally in support of most things sex-related, and when the exchange of
Megan Munroe
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Opinions
Originally published: 11/20/08 at 6:40 PM EST
Last update: 11/20/08 at 6:37 PM EST
I will begin by stating the obvious: I am in support of legalized prostitution. For those who follow my contributions to Sex and the SUNY, this will likely come as no surprise. I'm generally in support of most things sex-related, and when the exchange of money for services becomes involved, I'm no less enthusiastic. Prostitution? I just don't see why not. The practice is as old as time. Indeed, since at least the days of Jesus' homegirl Mary Magdalene, women have made careers out of selling their bodies.
While I'm stating the obvious, I might as well mention that I'm a woman, and that a little objectification never hurt my feelings. In my single days, as long ago as those seem, I was never really offended when someone was more interested in sex than conversation (I'm pretty boring), though that didn't necessarily mean I was interested in complying. I fail to see, therefore, how legalizing prostitution would contribute to this objectification "problem." As I see it, objectification of the female sex is only detrimental to a woman if she allows it to be. Unlike racism or sexism, objectification affects perception, but not reality in and of itself. I have made the conscious decision to not be hurt or view myself any differently based on another's opinions regarding my worthiness as a human being.
I feel the legalization of prostitution would make a woman's transition into such a controversial profession less wrought with social stigma and shame. Business would no longer be conducted in secret; instead, it would be done openly and deemed legally acceptable, with the hopes that culturally and socially acceptable designations would one day follow.
To put it simply, our country is a contradiction. While prostitution, the direct exchange of sex for money, is illegal in most states, pornography is a billion-dollar industry. In addition, prostitution has likely been around much longer than pornography, yet is far less acceptable. There's no fundamental difference between the common prostitute and the acclaimed porn star - both earn their living by having sex.
While I'm stating the obvious, I might as well mention that I'm a woman, and that a little objectification never hurt my feelings. In my single days, as long ago as those seem, I was never really offended when someone was more interested in sex than conversation (I'm pretty boring), though that didn't necessarily mean I was interested in complying. I fail to see, therefore, how legalizing prostitution would contribute to this objectification "problem." As I see it, objectification of the female sex is only detrimental to a woman if she allows it to be. Unlike racism or sexism, objectification affects perception, but not reality in and of itself. I have made the conscious decision to not be hurt or view myself any differently based on another's opinions regarding my worthiness as a human being.
I feel the legalization of prostitution would make a woman's transition into such a controversial profession less wrought with social stigma and shame. Business would no longer be conducted in secret; instead, it would be done openly and deemed legally acceptable, with the hopes that culturally and socially acceptable designations would one day follow.
To put it simply, our country is a contradiction. While prostitution, the direct exchange of sex for money, is illegal in most states, pornography is a billion-dollar industry. In addition, prostitution has likely been around much longer than pornography, yet is far less acceptable. There's no fundamental difference between the common prostitute and the acclaimed porn star - both earn their living by having sex.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Business Opportunities
posted 11/21/08 @ 5:36 AM EST
I agree with you. The Declaration of Independence was signed by many people but it was written by Thomas Jefferson. He was anti-government.
He felt that government tries to control many things that are none of their business. (Continued…)
Mark Sanchez
posted 11/21/08 @ 10:51 AM EST
Hmm. Read the first paragraph guys- she's is a W H O R *
The other Mark Sanchez
posted 11/21/08 @ 2:05 PM EST
Dear Mark Sanchez,
What are you in 7th grade? Grow up, and at least make an attempt at forming a rational thought. You're a sexist. Does that sting? No? Well, apparently, based on what Munroe writes here, it doesn't bother her when you call her a whor*. (Continued…)
Post a Comment