Prostitution is the practice or occupation of selling sex for money. Elizabeth Johnson talks about the history of prostitution; starting during the Progressive Era. Prostitutes began to be seen as carriers of incurable disease this caused the Federal Government to pass the Mann Act, which happened in 1910. After the Mann Act was passed prostitution became criminalized throughout the entire United States. These new laws did not affect consumers of sex they affects the sellers and providers. Nobody fought against these laws. The few who did; saw no progress. This article recognized that the courts needed to recognize prostitutes and the “johns” equally at the very least (Johnson). Although many people oppose prostitution because they say it is degrading, morally wrong, and dangerous that is not the entire story some women choose it as a way of life not because they have to but because it is the lifestyle that suits them. Women who choose to be prostitutes should not be denied their rights as human beings.
First, prostitutes should not be denied their basic human rights just because of their chosen occupation. Many people are, “dismissing the entire sex industry as abusive and immoral which only exacerbates existing problems and tosses the concerns of sex workers aside”(Klinger 3). Although many people degrade sex workers there are organizations that help protect their rights and fight against the majority. One of the organizations that protect sex workers is called COYOTE meaning, “Call Off Your Tired Ethics” which promotes legalizing prostitution along with gaining basic human rights for prostitutes (Coyote). There are also organizations and groups against prostitution that say no matter what prostitution is unwanted and intrusive....
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...s support decriminalizing prostitution in order to protect prostitutes from, “fraud, abuse, and coercion” (Klinger 3). The concluding argument that Klinger makes is that women should be able to choose because that is the best choice for that individual woman. In Klinger’s concluding paragraph she states that these arguments are not just for women but, for all sex workers, male and female along with exotic dancers.
Although many people oppose prostitution because they say it is degrading, morally wrong, and dangerous that is not the entire story some women choose it as a way of life not because they have to but because it is the lifestyle that suits them. Women who choose to be prostitutes should not be denied their rights as human beings. Altogether all prostitutes should have the same rights and be abele to live under the same health care and protection as others.
Kelly’s article has raised valid points regarding safety to the prostitute within a brothel, but there is so much evidence that proves the ill effects of this experiment in other countries that the evidence cannot be ignored. Although, parts of the sex trade industry may initially see positive results for some of the workers, the majority would end up worse off than before. Due to the illegal nature of this industry and the control exuded by the pimp, the physical and psychological risk to the prostitute, the highly addictive nature of sex, and the organized crime behind the scenes orchestrating and controlling ever aspect of the industry, it is clear that decriminalizing prostitution would result in significant negative affects on society, prostitutes and those with sexual addictions.
As prostitution is criminalized, this profession is driven underground which undermines the safety of prostitutes. Legalizing prostitution would provide sex workers with regulatory protection and allow this form of work to be recognized as legitimate. As the author of “Think Again: Prostitution” states, “evidence shows, that criminalization of sale or purchase (or both) makes sex workers-many of whom come from marginalized social groups like women, minorities, and the poor-more vulnerable to violence and discrimination committed by law enforcement. Also, criminalization can dissuade sex workers from seeking help from authorities if they are raped, trafficked, or otherwise abused.” Therefore, sex workers are subjected to unfair treatment that could be prevented if this work was legalized and safe conditions were enforced. The author of "Counterpoint: Prostitution Should Be Legalized” states, “prostitution is legalized and regulated in a variety of developed nations throughout ...
Esselstyn, T. (1968). Prostitution in the United States. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 367, 123-135. Retrieved February 21, 2014, from http://ann.sagepub.com/content/376/1/123.full.pdf+html
In summary of reading this article, there are two sides; Dianne Post and Bishakha Datta. Dianne Post states her view on prostitution is that it absolutely needs to be stopped and banned. Prostitution goes against women’s right and degrades us as women. Legalization gives approval for men to have control and devalue women. Also that women deserve to have fair work environments. where Bishakha Datta understands a different views of why women do it, In her country, India, where jobs are scarce and only making maybe $2.00 a week in different jobs women have turn to sex as a trade. Also she stated that many women enter sex work trade willing, therefore it’s their right to decide for themselves. Women pick their profession for a means of living
Catherine Smith is a single 42 year old woman with two children. Her job as a secretary is no longer sufficient enough to cover her bills. She does not have a college degree and her job will not cover any part of tuition if she does decide to attend college. One night, while coming home late from work, she noticed women walking around on the street counting their earnings for the night. That is when she acquired the idea to become a prostitute. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines prostitution as the act or practice of engaging in promiscuous sexual relations in exchange for money. These type of situations occur on a daily basis. Some women really enjoy having sex, so why wouldn’t they want payment for it as well. Prostitution should be legalized in the United States.
Decriminalizing prostitution tolerates an industry that destroys and abuses people, particularly women. Keeping prostitution illegal in America has created an environment in which sex workers are subjected to violence, illness, mockery, and discrimination. Prostitutes are people and they have lives too. Banning prostitution will continue the allowance of hard-working citizens to be cheated out of their money his/her money through taxes. Just because some people are uncomfortable with prostitution does not mean that they have to partake in it. Today it’s illegal to prostitute, tomorrow it may be illegal to sell your own ideas and inventions. It’s time to stand up and stop letting the government control us
Author Lacy Sloan claims, “There is no difference in work in which a women sells her hands, such as a typist, and a work in which a women sells her vagina, as in sex work.” In today’s society many people believe that prostitution is an immoral act. It is the world’s oldest profession and due to the social construction of reality it has been long condemned causing sex workers to be stigmatized from mainstream society. The act of purchasing sex between consenting adults should not be prohibited by the government, but regulated for society's overall best interests. Prostitution is illegal and as a consequence prostitutes are often victims of violence and sexual assault; nevertheless, prostitution should be legalized and regulated to ensure the safety of sex workers.
... middle of paper ... ... Legalized prostitution would pay: We could tax prostitution in the same way we tax hospitality, often higher than normal sales tax. It can’t be prevented: There’s a reason it’s called “the world’s oldest profession”. It’s always been around, it always will be.
Prostitution is one of the most controversial subjects in the United States. There are many pros and cons to this subject. Should prostitution be legalized? Or should it stay illegal with no chance of becoming decriminalized? Some researchers confirm that prostitution is indeed the most ancient profession, while others argue with it; however, everybody agrees that trading sex for money has existed for quite a while. Prostitution is still a part of modern society. The fact speaks for itself, as there will always be a demand for the services that it provides, prostitution will exist in some form no matter what.
Little do most know, but on “[a]verage [prostitution] arrest[s], court and incarceration costs amount to nearly $2,000 per arrest. Cities spend an average of 7.5 million dollars on prostitution control every year, ranging from 1 million dollars to 23 million dollars.” Prostitution is the oldest known profession. Currently in 49 countries and counting prostitution is legal. Here in America there is a stigma following the label prostitute. We would rather resort to underground markets of sex labor. Endangering health, rights, and economics. Legalizing prostitution can reduce health hazards by giving heath care, also by giving rights to those that choose prostitution as their profession. In the long term this
When it comes to the topic of legalizing prostitution, most of us will readily, agree that prostitution is a human right. Where this agreement usually ends, however, in on the question of prostitution being legalized. Whereas some are convinced that it should be legalized, others maintain that it should remain illegal. I agree that prostitution should be legalized. A point that needs emphasizing since so many people still believe that the government should not interfere with their life choices. Considering that it goes against the 1st Amendment, why shall someone not do as they please. A portion of the United States believe that legalizing prostitution would bring down the percentage of people being raped. It can save kids’ lives that are being forced to be
Many people are so quick to judge a person by their actions and life style, but don't know the history. It is one of the worlds oldest professions and still stands strong in our country today. Prostitution has been around since the Sumerian times dating all the way back to 2400 B.C. Prostitution was first introduced to America in the 16th century during the Colonial times when the British invaded America. During the 1700s, prostitutes started to invade the cities of Boston and New York. On July 5, 1870, The Board of Health gained power through an act called The Social Evil Ordinance that allows and "requires registration" for prostitutes to be ...
The government Legalizing prostitution would be a horrible idea because crime rates and drug abuse would go up. “When a female or male is charged for prostitution the stigma is stuck with them for a lifetime”. With a charge of prostitution for female or male will not be able to find employment. Illegal prostitution causes crime activity because criminals look at prostitutes for rape, robbery and fraud.
According to ProCon.org, prostitution was a profession that dated back to 2400 B.C. Though many things since then have changed, the practice of selling sex has been more or less the same. What has changed is the way that people now view the practice. Throughout the years the debate has been whether prostitution should become legal or illegal. Organizations like Amnesty International want to push forward the idea of legalizing consensual “sex work” between two adults who are willingly participating because it would help keep those in that line of work safer than they are now. While on the other side of the issue there are
I know that prostitution is somewhat not a good working field, but for some people, it is the easy way to take care of their family and/or men and women have the right to make their own decision on being a prostitution. In addition, legalizing prostitution I say will help the government and people who choose to work in that particular field will give them the support and the protection they deserve instead of being looked at as a criminal for something that they are doing to make ends meet. No matter the choices some people make as a prostitute, they are human beings and they should be treated with respect and have protection from the government. Though the choices they make is not what people recommend, prostitutes have the right to make their own decision no matter what the case maybe we the people should support including the