Prostitution

[JOEBIALEK]

Referred to as the world's oldest "profession," prostitution is defined as the act or practice of selling oneself for sexual purposes. It is also defined as an unworthy use of a talent, quality, or the like, especially for personal gain. What's interesting is that the former is illegal in all states except Nevada while the latter has been morally and culturally accepted since the beginning of time. This begs the question: is there any difference between a street walker/escort and a person who uses their physical beauty to attain a lifestyle that others labor very hard to attain? Too often in our society we see evidence of the "trophy spouse"; a reward received by those who achieve success in business or entertainment. The marriage consists of a person who sees a beautiful spouse as something to obtain and a person who deliberately shops lifestyle by any sexual means necessary.

Some would argue that prostitution should be made legal so that (just as with drugs) it can be regulated by the state and become a source of revenue enhancement. Furthermore, sex between strangers would be safer since the government (as in Nevada) would require regular medical examinations to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The problem facing this country is that we haven't reconciled these two definitions thus creating the existence of a double standard. We are quick to arrest and condemn the street walker/escort but would never think to shun a sexual opportunist. In many ways, prostitution already is legal in our society. People pay to watch two people have sex with each other but yet cannot pay each other for sex. I recall two people comparing their lifestyles while waiting in line at the airport. One person told the other "the difference between you and me is that you pay for your sex with cash and I pay for it with dinners, clothing and jewelry". The problem with this country today is not that we are a nation of laws but rather a nation that continually contradicts itself when it comes to morality.

[JSE]

Ah, what the heck, I will give it a try. An answer that is!

I do think that "some" people who simply marry or date purely for financial reasons are really no better than the average street walker. BUT, what about the women with 2 kids on her own making little money who marries a man to provide a better life for her kids and herself. She does not really love him but they are friends that care for each other. Is she any better? Probably so, but there are some many grey areas and variables that there is not clear vut way to answer this. What a about a failed marirage that started out with love. What if the wife stays with the man due to financial reasons, kids, etc. Is she any better than a streetwalker? In my book, yes. But again, there are a ton of variables.

A buddy of mine made good money during the whole Dot.com era and had a trophy girlfriend. He smothered her with gifts, a car, home and jewelery. He went bust and she was gone. He told her she needed to pitch in to pay some bills, like her car. Man, she was gone the next day. She did leave the car though. It was in his name. So, was she a Hooker. I think so. I never did like her. From what I have heard, she is with a new man now that is very well off. An attorney I think.

It goes both ways. Men do it to. Hell, I have been accused of it by some former "friends". My wife makes far more money than I do. But, I am hardly a trophy husband. Far from it. My wife defintely married down the gene pool. I had a AVATAR up for about a day with a picture of me. Maybe cartman can rest for a couple of hours one day and I will come out. Maybe.

As far as prostituion. I don't think it should be made legal.

JSE

[mtrycraft]

As far as prostituion. I don't think it should be made legal.

JSE

Why do you think this?

[JSE]

Why do you think this?

Hey mtyycraft,

Good to see you over here in this neck of the woods. Why do I think this? To be honest, I really don't have any specific reasons as to why. I guess it's more of morality issue for me. I just don't believe selling your body is the right or moral thing to do. Sure, I agree that prostitution "may" bring a criminal element to communities and would possibly increaese STDs but if it were done right, no pun intended, I think that could be avoided. I just don't think it's right on moral grounds. It's not really a religious issue for me as much as a moral issue. Not to get off on a tangent but, I am a big proponent of keeping the family unit together. I think that is one of the biggest problems with America today. I can't see how legalized prostitution would help that.

JSE

[mtrycraft]

Hey mtyycraft,

Good to see you over here in this neck of the woods. Why do I think this? To be honest, I really don't have any specific reasons as to why. I guess it's more of morality issue for me. I just don't believe selling your body is the right or moral thing to do. Sure, I agree that prostitution "may" bring a criminal element to communities and would possibly increaese STDs but if it were done right, no pun intended, I think that could be avoided. I just don't think it's right on moral grounds. It's not really a religious issue for me as much as a moral issue. Not to get off on a tangent but, I am a big proponent of keeping the family unit together. I think that is one of the biggest problems with America today. I can't see how legalized prostitution would help that.

JSE

I drop in and look, from time to time, to see what is going on.

From what I read you state is that it is OK to give your body away free is OK? Actually it is very lawful, thank goodness But to get reimbursed for it is not? I cannot fathom that, unless it is forced on one. Why does exchange of funds makes such a difference and an issue of morality? Isn't that based in a religios thought process? While it may not be with you, that is where people come from. But, what if your moral issues are differtent from others? You will force it on them?

How would this affect the family unit? You think if it was conducted free of charge, it will save the family unit better, more? But if money is exchange, it will not? Doesn't make sense to me. Illogical. Does not compute

STD is an issue regardless of the money exchange, right. So, that is not a good excuse. Actually, in Nevada, where there is better control on this, I believe protection is a rule?

[JSE]

I drop in and look, from time to time, to see what is going on.

From what I read you state is that it is OK to give your body away free is OK? Actually it is very lawful, thank goodness But to get reimbursed for it is not? I cannot fathom that, unless it is forced on one. Why does exchange of funds makes such a difference and an issue of morality? Isn't that based in a religios thought process? While it may not be with you, that is where people come from. But, what if your moral issues are differtent from others? You will force it on them?

How would this affect the family unit? You think if it was conducted free of charge, it will save the family unit better, more? But if money is exchange, it will not? Doesn't make sense to me. Illogical. Does not compute

STD is an issue regardless of the money exchange, right. So, that is not a good excuse. Actually, in Nevada, where there is better control on this, I believe protection is a rule?

I guess I was a little unclear. When I said selling your body for money, I was really talking about the profession as a whole, not the actually exchange of money. Your right, the actual exchange of money really is not an issue in the big picture. Although it is in terms of the laws we have today.

How does this effect the family unit? The family unit is fast becoming a thing of the past for many. How many family's will be torn apart because Dad or Mom can now go pay for sex with no fear of being arrested? How much of an impact will it have? I don't know but any negative impact can only make the situation worse.

STD? Actually this can be a major factor. Your right in that Nevada has done what it takes to control this. Will every State do the same? I doubt it. Your also right in that STD is an issue regardless of prostitution. But, if uncontrolled or poorly controlled prostitution is legalized, then we have created a "hub" for the disease. How many different people does the "AVERAGE" person have sex with. Not many. How many people does a Prostitute have sex with? Get the calculator! If prostitution is legalized and under strick control like it is in Nevada, then no it's not that big of an issue. But, prostitution in Nevada is an attraction for people around the country, just like Vegas. Nevada has to control it to keep people coming, no pun intended. If every State or many States have it, it's no longer an attraction and the need to control it is diminished.


JSE

[karl k]

Referred to as the world's oldest "profession," prostitution is defined as the act or practice of selling oneself for sexual purposes. It is also defined as an unworthy use of a talent, quality, or the like, especially for personal gain. What's interesting is that the former is illegal in all states except Nevada while the latter has been morally and culturally accepted since the beginning of time. This begs the question: is there any difference between a street walker/escort and a person who uses their physical beauty to attain a lifestyle that others labor very hard to attain? Too often in our society we see evidence of the "trophy spouse"; a reward received by those who achieve success in business or entertainment. The marriage consists of a person who sees a beautiful spouse as something to obtain and a person who deliberately shops lifestyle by any sexual means necessary.

Some would argue that prostitution should be made legal so that (just as with drugs) it can be regulated by the state and become a source of revenue enhancement. Furthermore, sex between strangers would be safer since the government (as in Nevada) would require regular medical examinations to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The problem facing this country is that we haven't reconciled these two definitions thus creating the existence of a double standard. We are quick to arrest and condemn the street walker/escort but would never think to shun a sexual opportunist. In many ways, prostitution already is legal in our society. People pay to watch two people have sex with each other but yet cannot pay each other for sex. I recall two people comparing their lifestyles while waiting in line at the airport. One person told the other "the difference between you and me is that you pay for your sex with cash and I pay for it with dinners, clothing and jewelry". The problem with this country today is not that we are a nation of laws but rather a nation that continually contradicts itself when it comes to morality.

To me, there's little difference between the "streetwalker" and the "golddigger" I look at them in the same way and to the same extent... personally speaking. While I do think it's sad what women will do to men for the luxury and security(in this case a form of greed) by being with someone they don't love... at the same time, one must consider the addage "let the buyer beware". IMO, there are some very clear differences between the golddigger and the hooker. One very big difference is the golddigger is mooching from one guy till he's dry while the hooker mooches to a lesser extent but with more guys. How is that relevent? The hooker gets involved with single AND married guys where the golddigger is married to the "victim" This is part of why it is acceptable to be a golddigger. Because she isn't messing up anyone elses relationship but her own. You can't just go around telling someone they can't marry because she's in it for the money... how would you prove it? That's why it's not illegal.

In short, the local hooker, while providing a service, does so while potentially destroying existing relationships between their "Johns" and the wives and we can't have that. We as society label the profession as degrading to women, a health risk, as well as contributing to drug abuse and increase in crime and the result is no more sex for money.

The golddigger on the other hand, while morally questionable, doesn't directly result in any of the afore mentioned situations.

For quite some time now, it has been societies outlook that having sex is immoral... unless you are married. And if you're married, almost anything is legal and acceptable.

As far as making prostitution legal... if you could keep it from being criminally organized(Uhuh-huh-huh... organ) where the hooker makes all the profits and there's no pimp, madaam, or mob, I say go for it! I know I make it simpler than it would be but my only point here is it could be done safely if enough people found it acceptable to do so.(ever see "Nightshift" with Henry Winkler and Micheal Keaton?) Luuuuvvv Brokers!

Can you imagine the day where your single, getting off from work and there's nothing on TV so you pick up the phone and call in an order to go? Made to order? Delivered to your home in 30min or less or your next one's on us? Satisfaction guarenteed or your money back? Price matching? And yet most would grow tired soon for there would be no challenge... no chance you would be turned down... and little chance she would enjoy it anyway. I suppose there are pro's and con's to everything.

Interesting topic though... good job!