| Dicks |
Prof. David Egert & Karrin |
Chicks |
| Black male: "I feel that strippers are no more than prostitutes in whom feel connected to their moralistic principles an account of their not allowing penetration, however the lecture was very informative." |
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Latina woman: "First of all, I would like to say that all the speakers you brought in were great. My favorite, and whom I got more info out of, was Karen. At first, before she came in I thought strippers & lap dancers were cheap stanks. Now I don't. Karen got me to understand her point of view and it changed mine. She was funny and made great points. Being a lap dancer, people look down upon them. I used to so I can say it's just cause we don't know them and communicate with one to know and understand that it is a job and a worthy one. A couple of things I learned from Karen was that just as men saw them as meat, they saw them as wallets filled with money. Also, not all lap dancers and strippers are white airheads." |
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White male (this guy was a jerk. Claimed he knew a lot of dancers - I believe it!): "Positives: 1. Self esteem through approval of body image 2. $$$ 3. Freedom/flexible schedule 4. $$$ 5. Assertiveness training 6. Female in control Negatives: 1. Unhealthful environment (dark, smoky - agh!) (not in this state!) 2. Self-esteem (stigma, approval as sexual object, not as person) 3. Spiral often leads to substance use/abuse 4. Difficult to leave lifestyle cuz of potential for addiction to $$$ 5. Work may affect one's sexual and other relationships 6. Work is seedy/unwholesome - must wear on one in negative way" |
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Asian woman: "Some positive things about the sex industry is that people can make good money, fast cash and have high self esteem when into the exotic lap dancing. The negative things is that men look down on them and they might not be able to move onto a lower paying job. I think it plays a negative role in our society, it presents women as objects instead of a person because, men throws money at them and pay for lap dancing. The lap dancer has to express herself sexually to the men she don't even know. With this around, children will always think it's an option to go work as a lap dancer. I think it is positive for the individual because, she can make good money and pay her bills and have high self-esteem." |
| Black male: "I believe that it contributes to the negative role in our society (US) because sex should be expressed in an intimate and confidential-type atmosphere rather than in a night club." |
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Black female: "I believe the sex industry & exotic & lap dancing has a negative effect on society & for the individual. It lessens their attitude for sex. Sex is something to be taken very seriously, valued, and cherished. People can and do die from sex. The individual and society are not going to take sex seriously if they can get it anytime. America has gone too far in terms of the 'sex industry'. We've lost all respect for ourselves. Sex is for your own bedroom, not TV, or the streets, or a club." |
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I musta deleted this, oops! - ed.) "I honestly think that exotic lap dancing not only demeans women, but also gives men a stereotypical view that sex is all men think about. But as long as there is money to be made and consumer interest the industry will be able to say that if it's such a negative thing why is it so popular among consumers. For the individual who gets involved and decides to demoralize herself for a dollar, she must have a self-image and self-esteem problem to have to go to these lengths in order to be financially adequate." |
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Middle-eastern female: "Exotic and lap dancing has a positive role for a person (who) wants to do that and that thing (dancing) makes that person happy, or if that person need money right away, like our guest said. There is also a negative role in our society. (If) kids think they can get enough money by being dancers why they bother themselves (to push themselves to finish school). So kids (children) drop out of class and be dancers. This affects the society for (the) next generation (in that) we wouldn't have educated people if children's being prostitute. For myself I guess I would do the same thing if I need money badly, but if I am OK. I wouldn't do dance unless it is a life and death situation." |
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Black female: "The positive aspects of the sex industry, specifically exotic and lap dancing are; the individual can make fast money, it can have a positive self-esteem effect on the dancer, and you know the money you made was based on your own performance. Exotic dancing can be a very sexy job or career which could turn on you and your partner if you bring some of your dance moves home. Some negative aspects of the sex industry are; an individual may come across stalkers, it is possible to become an alcoholic or drug addict (as with any job), and it can also have a bad self-esteem effect on the dancer. If the dance never really makes any money, she/he could feel sad or unhappy because of that, she may feel ugly or inadequate. I feel it plays a positive role in society because people enjoy watching dancers and that's the only way some people know how to make their money. I feel it plays a positive role for the individual because they're doing what they like and if they don't like it, quit!" |
| Asian male: "The sex industry plays a positive role in the country because I think it does make other people, male or female, satisfy their boredom and loneliness. Negative sides on people performing is that they can easily be hooked up on drugs and alcohol. This kind of job is not for a long term career, wherein they are not covered (by) any kind of insurance or benefits. Positive side is for them entertaining that people, making good money." | |
Asian female: "Exotic dancing has a lot of positives for society and the dancer: 1. a man can go to a place where he can be held and touched without force of commitment. (Some guys are touch deficient... just need someone to tell him he's still wanted.) 2. Guys getting a sexual 'high' without having sex. 3. Ladies who are dancers get to redefine their sexual boundaries: express themselves like they wanted to; build up their self-esteem. 4. Dancers get a considerable amount of money - one night performance can be more then a week's pay at a 9-5 job. Exotic dancing also has negatives: 1. Stigmas toward dancers: not intellectual ladies, lazy, sexually wild 2. Some ladies are stuck in the industry because they are not skilled in any area of work. 3. Men may think that all women are sexual objects 4. Very hard to change jobs if stuck for too long. Exotic dancing is okay if there are standard rules and regulations to follow. I think it's more positive than negative because of the reasons I've listed above." |
| Black male: "A positive thing to me about strippers and lap dancing is that the girls doing these lap dances can earn money to go through school or to take care of a family. Another positive aspect is that these men who come there can get rid of the sexual stress that they have in their life." | |
Black female: "Lap dancing or exotic dancing in my opinion is not a good or reliable profession to go into. The reason is because sometimes or days you do NOT get paid. You do have good days, but you also have bad days. When you have bills, you need something that is steady. Also, some women (dancers) tend to have a different outlook on men or personal relationships. If you choose this profession, of course, that is your business, but I personally feel that education is the best way to go. This is what I learned from the speaker! I also feel that lap dancing takes the intimacy out of sex. People also tend to look at woman as sexual objects instead of human beings. This in my opinion has a negative affect on the individual as well as society." |
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Latina female: "Exotic and lap dancing along with other aspects affects (the) individual more than society. Society as a whole can deem a norm either positive or negative. An individual however is the most affected because all social situations ultimately reflect on that one person. As far as lap/exotic dancers are concerned, the dancers have chosen to dance and their customers have chosen to go. That can be either positive (the dancers are paid) or negative [the customers (or dancers) leave broke with bills waiting to be paid]. Situation goes either way, up to the individual to determine whether it's positive or negative." |
| Asian male: "Our guest speaker enhanced our knowledge about the subject. I believe that (the) sex industry has its positive and negative effects on our society. For the positive, it provide the opportunity for many people to fulfill their sexual needs, since that's human nature. Many people want to express themselves or to have sexual contact without getting into relationships. Sex industry in this point has benefit to the public. But along with it, its negative side is misleading (to) some people. All their newspapers, outdoor posts, and other advertisements create negative influence on many people, especially the youngsters." | |
White female: "The sex industry plays a huge part in our society. Many negative and positive aspects come from the business. The sex industry can often times release sexual tension bottled up in people. It can help lovers spice up their sex life, and can teach people a lot of information about sex and how to please their partner. Many negative aspects also come out of the sex business. Often times many become too caught up in the industry, and it gives them a false outlook on the other men and women. Unprotected sex will be exchanged for money, and relationships can be harmed or ruined. Erotic and lap dancing is more harmful to the dancer than to the viewer. Often times the viewer will leave the club and return to their every day lifestyle. For the dancer, they return on a regular basis to dance nude in front of strange men. I see nothing wrong with this job as long as the dancers know that the career will not last forever, and they continue having more important goals. They need to know when to walk away from the job, but most important, they need to remember to be careful and stay safe. It is hard to say if the sex industry betters or worsens our society. I feel that both the pros and cons weigh out evenly. It really depends on the person and how secure they are with their sexuality, and what they feel is right for them." |
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Asian female: "I don't think that exotic dancing can lead someone to a happier life given the career has no positive effect, the money may be good but I don't think that most of the dancers have high self-esteem. Customers may think that the dancers are easy to sleep with. But if they choose to dance in clubs than that's their choice in life." |
| Black male: " I believe that exotic dancing plays an important role in our society. It is an art form, and adults can make their own decision about what they want to do in their lives." | |
Asian female: "I think lap and exotic dancers play a negative role for their daughters because that's not a lifetime job. When the dancers are old and fat they will have no more dancing job and men wouldn't want to see old women dancing. On the other hand, it's a good paying job. I think it's up to them to decide." |
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Asian female "Given the things that I've learned in this class from our reading and guest speaker, some of the positive things about the sex industry is that it can help boost your self-esteem and it brings in a good amount of money as income. Some of the negative aspects are that it can also bring your self-esteem down as well as boost it up and it can lead to drug addictions for some. There is also a safety issue as well because you never know, someone might have liked the way that you danced for them and stalk you. I think that the sex industry may play a positive role for the performer because it's a good source of income and it helps you with self-esteem like our guest speaker said. I taught her to look at men differently and helped her make better decisions of who to sleep with. I think that the sex industry plays both a negative and positive role in our society, but mostly negative because I feel that the sex industry exploits these women, even though they chose to be in the sex industry. Also, it is unhealthy and bad for children to see this because I don't think a child should be able to walk down a street like Broadway in SF and see all these advertisements for naked showgirls and lapdances. This shouldn't be in the open view for children who happen to walk home that way or for children to see - period. I mean, maybe it would be okay if they were in their adolescence." |
| Asian male: "Positive: provide entertainment to both females and males, quick cash. Self-esteem. Negative: provide negative images to youth, indirectly encourage them to join the industry when money is concerned while other options are available, self esteem. I think it plays a negative role in our society. Because it does provide an image that money is everything, and getting into sex industry can be the fast way to get cash. It also affects society's stability." | |
Black female: "The sex industry of exotic dancing and lap dancing has many pros and cons. Some of the bad side is the life long stigmatism, the huge dance fee charged by the club, and self esteem issues of the performers. Some of the positive elements are the large income potential, the exercise, and the self confidence some people gain. The effect on society from exotic and lap dances is a mixed bag. In one perspective it is fun adult entertainment, the instant guarantee you can get sexual attention and the variety it adds to expression. These aspects are often overlooked but are quite true. On the other hand, it reinforces certain stereotypes like objectifying women/men, and the stigmatism can not be lived down and morally challenges most people involved. Society on a whole does not see sex as recreation first so it is hard not to embrace common views of the bad side. For the individual, it is hard to say because most people go into the life for one reason and leave for another reason." |
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White female: "A major positive aspect to the sex industry is that it gives people a place to go to get casual sex or have casual sexual interaction. Another thing is that many sex workers educate their clients on sexuality during performance (I've heard many sex workers say this). A general negative aspect is that sex workers are often abused physically or economically (by pimps, club owners, clients, etc.) I don't think this would happen nearly as much if prostitution was legal and other forms of sex work got more respect. Exotic dancing and lap dancing I think ultimately play a positive role in society because it involves freedom of sexual expression, for the patron as well as the performers. But it's important that the environment it takes place in shows respect for women and doesn't degrade them (women have the power to say 'NO' if they want to and they lay the rules for what they'll engage in)." |
| Asian male: "Positive aspect of sex industry: To give possibility and space for individuals to seek economic independence; to fulfill the sexual (needs) of patrons; to create jobs; possibly to decrease serious sexual assaults. Negative aspect of sex industry: Deteriorates social orders and moral standards; (may) induce aggression toward another human being; (may) reduce sensitivity of how others feel and should be treated. Ultimately, I think it plays a negative role in the society as well as for individuals. It doesn't help people to have a positive attitude toward their life, to understand that other possibilities involve more effort, but are better for them, for children and society. It sets a bad example for the youngsters that to think one can always have what they want (material wise) just by selling their body. But not taking greater effort to live a life with righteousness and decency." | |
White female: "Our speaker on the sex industry hardly gave an accurate portrayal of the positive and negative aspects of the sex industry. I observed her discussion to be extremely biased and to merely serve her ego. (!) The positive after positive reasons she was listing off included its obvious financial rewards, the ability to express one's self sexually without having sex, and the boost to a dancer's self-image (the most laughable as explained as being positive). As far as I'm concerned, seeking a positive self-image, dignity, and respect through exploiting your body parts is ignorant and would actually stunt personal development - sexually and otherwise. She also neglected to mention the possibility that, outside of the apparent gated fortress of the club she works in, the industry was dangerous in many ways - especially as far as personal safety goes as well as the high occurrence of drug dependency (which was mentioned but giggled at). Another topic neglected by the speaker was the effect that the form of pornography can have on a society. Patting men on the back for objectifying women's body parts only helps to create a sexually unequal society. Opinions that men form while observing women who exploit themselves can ,and most likely does, transfer over to personal relationships, the work place, etc. From how the speaker explained it, many women go into the stripping industry either for economic gains or self-esteem issues. It is unfortunate that many of these girls are not able to value themselves and seek endless justifications for the love of money. Of course they have the right to make themselves physical commodities, but I lack respect and, in a lot of cases, pity the women who have chosen this lifestyle and justified it under the framework of calling it 'feminism' or sexually powerful." |
| Black male: "From our guest speaker I learned primarily that the sex industry is positive and from the book I learned that if you legalize prostitution the STD count might be lower." | |
Black female: "I do think that exotic dancing can be a positive thing in our society because men can explore their sexual desires and fantasies by looking at the dancers and day dreaming about what would they like to do to them sexually and get that release without going out and raping and hurting others. I think that it's an excellent idea!" |
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Black female: "I think the positive aspects are that so many people get to fulfill their sexual fantasies. I think it's safe and okay as long as both parties agree. People have all kinds of different sex fetishes, appetites and fantasies, for our sex industry. Exotic dancing and lap dancing to me is just another way to be f-r-e-a-k-y! for both people involved. I think it can also be a little dangerous as well. I'm pretty neutral on what role it plays in our society. I think it's everywhere and if people are truly against it, they wouldn't patronize the industry and probably wouldn't subject themselves to be in those types of environments. For people who like lap dances and erotic dances, more power to them. Individually, if the money is good, goooo for it - if you like that type of thing!" |
| Asian male: "The sex industry has both good and bad aspects. It can provide good income for those in need of it (i.e. runaways, college students). It is an outlet for people who can't get sex otherwise. It can be an enjoyable personal experience. However, I do not think this negates the bad aspects. Many view the industry as the degradation of morality. It can act as a catalyst for STDs (especially prostitution). I personally think that overall it plays a negative role for society because it is a sign of degradation of morality. As for the individual, I do not consider it to play a negative role, since it is up to the individuals to pick up a pornographic magazine, give lap dances for money, receive lap dances, solicit a prostitute, or visit an adult website. I do not agree with legalization or decriminalization. I do not agree with censorship either." | |
Black female: "Some of the pros our speaker discussed, specifically regarding lap dancing were as follows: self-esteem, confirmation, pleasure and number one pro was money. The cons were again, self-esteem and then addictions. I was not surprised that our guest attempted to make sex for sale look almost glamorized. Some of the statements she make like 'men look at women like meat and women look at men like wallets' and 'all men lie', do not point to a very glamorous nor healthy profession. She also said that the profession caused women and men to place 'a dollar value on intimacy'. This is NOT good. She 'danced' (pardon the pun) around the question I had about women in transition out of lap dancing and exotic dancing into 9-5 jobs and doing so powerfully, especially in the face of the stigma attached. When finally pinned down, she made it VERY clear that it is very 'shaky' making the transition; it is very hard, but it can be done, especially if the woman is willing to go to school or learn a trade. The best thing she said about her lap-dancing experience is that it made her more conservative about casual sex. I admired her courage and honesty. It provided an environment where we could all ask frank questions about a controversial issue." |
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Black female: "Positive: the sex industry is lucrative for women who work as strippers, prostitutes and lap dancers. The work may be enjoyable. Negative: Clients are potential stalkers. STDs are a high risk. The sex industry offers an outlet for people in society who may not be able to receive closeness and intimacy in personal relationships." |
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Black male: "Exotic and lap dancing, I think,
is good for our society because when it all breaks down, it all becomes
entertainment. The only reason I can see it not being productive for
our society is when a person within a unit acts on his/her impulse from
this entertainment and does an untrustworthy act." |
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Black female: "The sex industry serves two purposes in our society. There are people who actually make and finalize deals in this atmosphere where lap dancing takes place. And then there are the people who would not even think about taking a client to a strip bar. The sex industry serves a negative and a positive standpoint. Me personally, I feel that sex and sexual encounters should be shared between people who appreciate and respect each other. On the other hand, I feel it is perfectly fine for people who are interested in this type of behavior. The only problem I have with the sex industry is that it promotes sexual fantasies that the majority of women in the society can not comply with. For example (a homemaker who was) 50 pounds overweight and tired because she is a housewife and takes care of the kids and (her) husband comes home and compares her to a woman he had an encounter with at the (club). This would indeed jeopardize a marriage." |
