Overview of Professor Valerie Jenness lecture by Student

    The Rights of Prostitutes and the Legalities of Prostitution- An Overview

Attending a lecture given by Dr. Valerie Jenness is an eye-opening experience. She has a way of opening your eyes to see the unseen and your ears to hear the unheard. Her latest lecture intrigued me to delve deeper into a topic I’ve often wondered about…the rights of prostitutes and the legalities of prostitution.

Should prostitution be legal in the U.S. like in Amsterdam? Let’s weigh it out. Prostitution is technically a business where supply and demand exists, money is exchanged, and “business” to consumer is observed. If it is operating as an actual business with an LLC or other official business license, then shouldn’t the workers have rights? One would think so. Prostitutes are people too and should not be tossed aside like they don’t exist. These people chose another path in life by using their bodies for money. Is it really that bad of a thing or is everyone else just jealous?

In ancient times, women in this field were called courtesans. They were some of the most intelligent women because they were the only women allowed into libraries and taught to read. The courtesans were often despised by females born into the wealthier families. They had freedom to do and say as they please and could influence the most powerful men of their time. Prostitution was treated as a legitimate business and was accepted by all.

If we are to treat it as a normal business today, then prostitutes should have rights as well. They should be able to have a say in their working conditions and pay. These people are still humans that live and breath as we all do.

A big thank you to Dr. Valerie Jenness for helping myself and others think outside of the box we live in.