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Where do you draw the thin line between prostitution and pornography? Does the presence of a camera really make that much of a difference? At the end of the day, aren’t you still getting paid to have sex with someone? If a female prostitute films herself having sex and then gets arrested for prostitution, could she really get the charges dropped if she said she was an independent film maker? Seriously, what’s the difference? Why is one illegal and the other isn’t? Why is getting paid for sex okay when it’s on a film set, but not okay when it’s in the back of a car.
Why are “adult film actors” seen as stars while prostitutes are seen as dirty? Why has pornography become so mainstream and destigmatized while prostitution remains relatively taboo? Why is being a porn star viewed as glamorous (even a fashion trend) while prostitution isn’t more than skanky? Could it just be that porn “actors” make more money?
Also, are porn “actors” considered sex workers, and if not, why not? Why is Hugh Hefner a hero, but a pimp is a villian? Why do so many people know Jenna Jameson’s name? Why do porn stars get their own awards show while prostitutes get their own jail cell? What is the difference? Where do we draw the line?
I’m really confused and curious about this. Am I missing something? If someone can come up with an explanation, please tell me.
~ Samantha
Wow this is a great post and a provocative question. The best explanation that I can come up with is
a) I think some of it is an question of image. A 44 year old woman down on her luck is less easy for people to identify with than a young, blond "actress"
b) Integration into society - porn stars often live secret lives that some may not even know they are a porn star whereas prostitutes are targets
c) legislation - porn is legal and prostitution is still illegal. this may make it less easy for prostitutes to integrate themselves into society because they are decriminalized
d) sex positivity - it is viewed that prostitutes are more morally questionable because they complete the whole sex act whereas strippers and pornographers are offering a more visual product
Yes a camera does make a difference from a legal perspective in this country. It's based on "community standards," which has it's own set of problems, in my opinion. It's also based on capitalism and right now pornography makes more money for more people than prostitution does. After all, we live in a capitalist country where many of the laws are created to protect wealthy people with resources versus under-resourced and oppressed groups. Plus, a majority of people who consume and purchase pornography are not the people you think. Those people need to be "protected" from well judgment, other communities can be judged all the time (you can do the math to figure out which communities these are!).
PBS and Frontline had a great documentary that really highlights the connection between class, pornography consumption, and supply/demand. I suggest taking some time to watch it and check out the website they created for the program here.
Until people realize the inclusivity of the term "sex work" versus perpetuating a heirarchy there will be problems. Until people realize that there are some sex workers/specifically prostitutes who CHOOSE to be sex workers because they want to (not only because they have to or it is the only option for them but because it is the BEST option for them at this time and not vilifing them) and supporting people's decisions and meeting them where they are at (aka: harm reduction) there will be this issue. When people realize that it's not just women who are sex workers but people of all gender experssions and identities, then we can have a better conversation. When people are ready to realize the role racism plays in sex work as well as the intersectin of gender, disability, class, and ethnicity (i.e.the examples you used Hugh, Jenna et. al are all White people who are able-bodied) then a more fruitful discussion can occur.
I consider myself a sex worker. Not just because i'm in the sex field, but because I too have worked with pornographers and major pornographic magazines in the US. I don't think there is a difference between the work I do and the work that any other sex worker does, it's just in a differen form of work but sex is at the center and we get paid for services.