Krystal Sykes

In the World today we have seen and heard an unimaginable amount of stories about prostitution that can either lead us to agree with it or be against it. Melissa Farley disagrees with the view that it is a free choice. She wishes people would see it for what it really is, “a particularly lethal form of male violence against women.” The truth behind prostitution is usually concealed and or accepted depending on the person or the country. Farley doesn’t believe it is a free choice because for numerous cases she has found that women and children are either forced into it, find it as a better support system, or are seeking escape from a “worse” lifestyle. In my opinion I think some may feel it is a free choice because they are brainwashed into believing it is their only option to a more “stable” life. After reading this article it is clear that more than 50% of prostitution comes from abuse as a child, force, or escape from a harder life; usually all three combined into one. They may feel that it is a free choice but that’s because they haven’t experienced something better. It is a very common thing that women partaking in prostitution are of a certain race and have a lack of education. Men have certain preferences, which affects many races such as Asian and African Americans. Also, some men desire a younger “women” which brings children into the picture. With a lack of education, it is easier to get into prostitution because they may feel they cannot move up to something greater and this in turn keeps them employed. Some also feel a sense of control because it’s their body but this usually isn’t the case. In most cases of the “sex-sellers” they have been mentally and or physically abused throughout life, have had a poor education, and ultimately feel wanted and in control leading them to ignore the real truth and consequences. By legalizing prostitution, “the state acts as a pimp.” Even if the act of prostituting was legalized, the women knew they would still be exposed to some sort of violence. The act of decriminalizing would just “remove the social stigma associated with prostitution.” Along with legalization, the trauma of the reality would still be there. The difference between the two is, decriminalizing would give a man “permission” to women and children. Farley disagrees with both because there would still be violence and many would be forced to deal with it. Legalizing or decriminalizing would just mean accepting something that is a form of abuse and there would never be a hope of escape. I agree with Melissa Farley because for many women and children it isn’t a “free choice” despite beliefs; it is a form of abuse that is ignored because of several reasons including the power of money.

BY KRYSTAL