New information (UNCSW Day 2)

Fightress Stallworth '09
2008 UNCSW Participant

Call girl, scarlet woman, streetwalker, harlot, hooker, and lady of the night are all references to a prostitute. Webster defines a prostitute as: a. "a woman who engages in promiscuous sexual intercourse especially for money," b. "a male who engages in sexual and especially homosexual practices for money," c. "a person who deliberately debases his or her talents, as for money." Although I consult Webster to help clarify the meaning of many words, I must say the definition of a prostitute in this sense is not very accurate. Before attending the UNCSW I may have agreed completely with Webster’s definition of a prostitute. However, after having been enlightened to the many facets of prostitution and what all the word entails, my view has changed.

Webster’s definition does not accurately portray those people, mostly women, who have been forced into selling their bodies. In today’s society one must define a prostitute with those situations in mind. After attending a session on the trafficking of women, I realize that the number of women being brought into the US and forced into prostitution is increasing. Only with a greater understanding and acceptance that this is not only an international issue, but an American issue, will this be stopped. Attorney Scotto, the speaker at this session, stated that ads and phone numbers for brothels and "massage parlors" were listed in the yellow pages of New York city phone books. I was shocked that companies would even publish such advertisements. However, we do live in a society where money is everything, so my shock was short-lived. At this point, I must place this issue on the list of issues that I am passionate about....