28 June 07
Prostitution
During our lunch one day, I raised a question to my colleagues: 4 men and 1 woman – all married.
So I asked them, “What do you think about single men visiting prostitutes? Is this act acceptable?
A: Why single man? What difference does it make if he is not?
Me: Well, some may argue that if the man is not attached to anyone, why not?
B: You know anyone who visits prostitute?
Me: I hope not.
A: No matter he is single or not, he shouldn’t have gone for prostitution at the first place, isn’t he? It is morally WRONG!
The rest: It is funny that you even raised the question…
The reason why I asked this is because I have learned a whole new perspective about prostitution. Some said that it is not our stand to judge if he has done the right thing or not. It is a demand and supply thing. After all, it is HIS life and business.
I feel like banging my head when I heard this. Suddenly, I felt like I didn’t fit into this society. I felt like I have traveled from the past.
One thing that I have observed is the society no longer knows what is right and wrong. It has become, as long as it is a personal affair, what are we to judge?
If a close friend of yours told you about his “experience” in prostitution and even, his plan to visit one, will you stop him?
Do you think prostitution is acceptable as long as he is not hurting anyone?
Note: I don’t need a politically-correct answer.
Posted under Thoughts & musings | [9] Comments
June 28th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
You know my point of view on this matter but anyhow, here goes again (in case you forget – hehe).
Yes, I am of the opinion that paying for sex is morally wrong. But so is stealing from an elderly lady or raping an 11 year old. Would you put visiting prostitutes in the same league?
In prostitution, as you have written, it is a demand-vs-supply thing. Someone willing pays the money, someone willing has sex.
Simple, no?
My point is, if your friend (or anyone else) chooses to visit prostitutes, it is not my business to judge. He makes his own moral call, he makes his own decision on what is right/wrong.
If it is my friend, I may (a BIG may) bring up the whole STD danger, why-pay-for-sex, arguement, etc etc but will I say “DO NOT VISIT PROSTITUTES BECAUSE I THINK IT IS MORALLY WRONG AND YOU SHOULD NOT DO IT”?
No.
Because we are all adults and everyone has their personal beliefs and makes their own choices in life. Who am I to tell them what to do/not do?
As I have said, people do not write “I visit prostitutes” on their foreheads. It is difficult to tell who visits prostitutes, who does not. What makes you think people who outwardly tell you “Oooh, I think it’s morally wrong!!” do not pay for sex?
People are hypocritical and because of the simple fact that everyone is afraid of being judged, do you think it is easy to find a man who stands up and says pointedly that he pays for sex?
I think not. Face value is very important in our society.
June 28th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Your entry had set me pondering about what do we mean by saying that it is “morally wrong” to visit prostitutes.
What are moral values?
In the thoughts of moral relativism, moral values are framed by the contemporary “wisdom” and it’s arbitrary. This means that moral values can change with time and context. For example, slavery was once considered morally right but not in today’s context.
If moral values can be capricious, can we be so absolute in telling right from wrong? Right can be wrong later and wrong can be right later.
That leaves me to think that there is no absolute right or wrong. It is only your choice and its consequences. Therefore, we have to choose wisely and bear full responsibility the consequences of that choice we’ve made.
Similar to how Miss ene may convince her friend not to visit a prostitute, the relevant question should be “Are you ready to be infected by STDs?” The answer to this question should be pretty logical and obvious.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:49 am
Imo, it depend on each individual mentality and preferences. Its like alcohol, drugs or even a normal chocolate.
What would you think about a person when they share their weed rolling experience with you?
sex is overated, its like just think whatever you’re comfortable as long as you’re not against the law hehz.
June 30th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I feel it is wrong bcos he’ll be supporting the flesh trade. These women who turn to prostitution for a living are often initially tricked or forced into it. So does he want to be a part of the network that has brought about the horrible situation that these poor prostitutes are in??!
June 30th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Very interesting question, Cherry. Ewse is right to say that morality is not absolute. In my Christian view, going to prostitutes is morally wrong because sex outside marriage is morally wrong. It’s not the act of paying for sex. It’s the fact that the sex (paid or not) is outside marriage that makes it wrong in the eyes of Christianity.
But let me say this. If this guy chooses to go to a sex worker who is in the sex trade by choice and not being exploited (yes, there are women who voluntarily become sex workers!), then I will not treat him any differently. I will still see it as a wrong choice and if he comes to me, I will discourage him. But he will still be my friend.
Compare these two guys. One has one night stands with hundreds of women. The other pays for sex but just with one woman. Which is worse?
July 1st, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I quote Helen:
I feel it is wrong bcos he’ll be supporting the flesh trade. These women who turn to prostitution for a living are often initially tricked or forced into it. So does he want to be a part of the network that has brought about the horrible situation that these poor prostitutes are in??!
I am assuming that men who visit prostitutes already do not see it as a ‘wrong’. Why then would they care whether or not these women are being forced or tricked into it?
But my point still stands that in prostitution, one is willing to pay and one is willing to provide the services (i.e. these women have made the decision – willingly or not).
Of course, the ‘tricked into it’ situation is a whole new discussion altogether.
July 1st, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Lyn: agree… as we are always taught..judge the act, instead of judging the person.
July 1st, 2007 at 6:02 pm
interesting topic that people rarely talk about.
honestly, what i think is, the world is never perfect to start with. as long as these people don’t cheat or do something stupid to begin with like stealing, i don’t see any wrong in earning their livelihood.
but of course, this type of ‘job/service’, clearly among all others, is illegal.
moral-wise, it is up to the individual to decide. i’m not encouraging, but rather condenscending the idea of prostitution. be it socially.
its just a way of life. whether you like it or not.
August 3rd, 2007 at 12:31 pm
prostitution is an enjoyment actually =)….