Introduction
In "Playing the Whore," author Melissa Gira Grant challenges our preconceptions about prostitution and sex work. This eye-opening book invites readers to reconsider their views on what is often called the world's oldest profession. Grant argues that our moralistic attitudes towards sexuality have marginalized sex workers, denying them basic rights and protections that most of us take for granted.
The book takes a fresh perspective by examining sex work from the point of view of those actually involved in the profession. It sheds light on the complexities and realities of sex work, dispelling myths and misconceptions along the way. Grant's work is a call to action, urging society to grant sex workers the respect, consideration, and rights they deserve as human beings.
The Dangers Faced by Sex Workers
One of the most startling revelations in "Playing the Whore" is that the very people meant to protect sex workers often pose the greatest threat to their safety. Contrary to popular belief, it's not always the clients who are the most dangerous - it's frequently the police.
Grant presents some shocking statistics to support this claim. A 2003 survey by the Sex Worker's Project in New York City found that over two-thirds of sex workers face daily harassment from police officers. Even more disturbing, 30 percent of sex workers have received violent threats from law enforcement, and 14 percent reported being victims of police violence.
These findings challenge the common assumption that the police are there to help and protect all citizens. For many sex workers, the reality is quite different. They often feel they can't rely on law enforcement for protection, even in dangerous situations. This lack of trust has led many to stop calling for help altogether, leaving them vulnerable to violence and exploitation.
The problem isn't limited to New York City. Grant cites a survey from West Bengal that found police were responsible for the majority of violent attacks on prostitutes, not clients. This global trend highlights the urgent need for reform in how law enforcement interacts with and protects sex workers.
Historical Context and Progress
Grant provides historical context to show how attitudes towards sex work have evolved over time. She references the character of Fantine from "Les Misérables" as an example of how prostitution was once viewed as a desperate last resort that led to social ostracism.
The author then traces the positive changes that began in the 1970s, coinciding with the sexual liberation movement. This era saw some of the first positive portrayals of sex workers in popular culture, such as Jane Fonda's Oscar-winning role as an empowered call girl in the film "Klute."
This period also marked the birth of the sex worker's rights movement. In 1973, the first US prostitutes' rights group was formed, led by Margo St. James. Two years later, sex workers in Lyon, France, organized a sit-in protest at a church to fight against unfair prison sentences.
Grant notes that while progress has slowed in some areas, international bodies continue to advocate for sex workers' rights. The United Nations, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and various UN committees, have called for the decriminalization of sex work. The International Labor Organization has also taken steps to recognize sex work as legitimate employment, advocating for structured benefits and protections for workers in the industry.
The Silencing of Sex Workers' Voices
One of the central arguments in "Playing the Whore" is that sex workers are routinely excluded from discussions and decisions that directly affect their lives and livelihoods. Grant points out the irony of this situation - in any other profession, it would be unthinkable to make policy decisions without consulting the workers themselves.
The author cites several examples of this exclusion. At the first world conference on human trafficking in 1983, prominent anti-prostitution activist Kathleen Barry refused to consider the perspective of Margo St. James, founder of a prostitution rights group. Barry's reasoning was that prostitutes couldn't have a valid opinion on sex trafficking due to their supposed bias.
This dismissal of sex workers' voices extends to lawmaking as well. Grant discusses a 1999 Swedish law that made it illegal to buy sex, rather than sell it. While some hailed this as a feminist victory, shifting blame from female sex workers to male clients, the law was passed without consulting any actual sex workers. Those in the profession have since criticized the law, arguing that it has made their work more dangerous by forcing clients to rush transactions and making it harder for workers to assess potential risks.
The Dangers of Criminalization
Grant dedicates a significant portion of the book to exploring how the criminalization of sex work creates dangerous conditions for those in the profession. She argues that making prostitution illegal leads to a hypocritical system that puts sex workers at risk.
For example, high-class escort agencies often make their workers sign contracts promising not to have sex with clients. This allows the agency to maintain a facade of legality while shifting all responsibility (and risk) onto the individual sex worker. As a result, agencies can't develop policies to protect their workers, such as teaching them how to negotiate terms and conditions safely.
The author also highlights the absurd and dangerous practice of using condoms as evidence of prostitution. In some major US cities, police have used the possession of condoms as grounds for suspicion and even arrest. This policy not only violates privacy rights but also discourages safe sex practices among sex workers, putting them at greater risk of STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
The Visibility Dilemma
"Playing the Whore" explores the complex issue of visibility in sex work. Grant argues that society often prefers to keep prostitution out of sight, focusing more on its visibility than on the safety and rights of sex workers.
She cites the example of a petition by the humanitarian group Equality Now, which asked The Village Voice to stop publishing ads for escort services featuring nude photos of women. The compromise reached - requiring sex workers to use simple headshot photos - actually made advertising more problematic for workers who prefer anonymity and less appealing to potential clients.
This incident, Grant argues, reveals society's true concerns about sex work: a desire to avoid confronting the realities of sex in our society, rather than a genuine concern for the welfare of sex workers.
Interestingly, the author points out that while society may prefer to keep sex work invisible, the legal system has often defended sex workers' right to advertise. Grant discusses several cases where state attempts to ban sex work advertising were struck down by courts as overly broad and potentially infringing on free speech rights.
The Moral Judgment of Women's Sexuality
Grant draws a clear connection between society's moral judgment of women's sexuality and attitudes towards sex work. She argues that the same mentality that leads people to blame rape victims for "asking for it" based on their clothing or behavior also informs negative attitudes towards sex workers.
The author references the 2011 SlutWalk protests as an example of women pushing back against this kind of moral judgment. These protests, which began in Toronto, advocated for sexual freedom and the right of women to dress as they choose without shame or fear of violence.
However, Grant points out that women themselves often reinforce these judgments, categorizing other women as either "wholesome" or "whorish." She argues that this binary thinking fails to recognize that what some label as "slutty" behavior may actually be an expression of sexual liberation and a rejection of oppressive, outdated ideas about female virtue.
The author challenges readers to extend this understanding to sex work, arguing that the decision to use one's sexuality to earn money should be respected as another form of sexual liberation and personal choice.
The Empowered Reality of Many Sex Workers
Contrary to the common perception of sex workers as victims, Grant presents examples of sex workers who are empowered, independent, and in control of their work. She describes a high-end establishment where dominatrices have the final say in approving or vetoing client requests, inverting traditional power dynamics.
The author also shares the story of a friend who runs a successful porn website from her apartment, recruiting models through online forums and expanding her business as her membership grows. This example illustrates how many sex workers are young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs running their own businesses.
These stories challenge the stereotype of sex workers as helpless victims, showing instead a diverse industry where many workers exercise agency and control over their work conditions.
The Complexity of Sex Work
Throughout "Playing the Whore," Grant emphasizes that the world of sex work is far from black and white. She presents a nuanced picture of an industry that defies simple categorization or blanket moral judgments.
The author argues that being a "whore" is not an insult, but a right. Whether chosen for pleasure or money, sex work is presented as a valid choice that a sexually liberated person can make. However, Grant also acknowledges the challenges and dangers that sex workers face due to unfair legislation, misguided moral judgment, and gender inequality.
Conclusion
"Playing the Whore" is a thought-provoking exploration of sex work that challenges readers to reconsider their preconceptions. Melissa Gira Grant presents a compelling case for recognizing the rights and humanity of sex workers, arguing against the criminalization and stigmatization that puts them at risk.
The book's key messages include:
- The greatest dangers to sex workers often come from law enforcement, not clients.
- Progress has been made in recognizing sex workers' rights, but there's still a long way to go.
- Sex workers are routinely excluded from discussions and decisions that affect their lives.
- Criminalization of sex work creates dangerous conditions for those in the profession.
- Society's desire to keep sex work invisible often conflicts with sex workers' rights and safety.
- Moral judgments about women's sexuality are closely linked to attitudes towards sex work.
- Many sex workers are empowered, independent entrepreneurs, contrary to common stereotypes.
- The world of sex work is complex and defies simple categorization or moral judgments.
Grant's work is a call to action, urging readers to advocate for the rights and protections of sex workers. She challenges us to move beyond outdated moral judgments and recognize sex work as a legitimate choice deserving of respect and legal protection.
By presenting the perspectives of sex workers themselves and highlighting the complexities of the industry, "Playing the Whore" offers a fresh, nuanced take on a often misunderstood and stigmatized profession. It's a valuable read for anyone interested in issues of sexuality, gender, labor rights, and social justice.
The book leaves readers with much to ponder about our societal attitudes towards sex, work, and personal freedom. It challenges us to consider how our laws and moral judgments might be putting vulnerable people at risk, and asks us to imagine a world where all forms of consensual adult work are respected and protected.
Ultimately, "Playing the Whore" is not just about sex work - it's about human rights, personal autonomy, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in our society. It's a powerful reminder that behind every label and statistic are real people deserving of dignity, respect, and the full protection of the law.