Here is an abstract from Ally McBeal, Season 1, Episode 5. The scene happens in court. A call-girl is being trialed for "committing" prostitution, a crime in the United States of America.
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District Attorney : "Sitting over there is a prostitute. Proud and rich, I grant you. But still a person who gives sex for a fee. That's a crime. You all know it."
John Cage (defense attorney) : "Hypocrisy troubles me greatly. Today's biggest and brightest film actresses make upwards of $10 million per picture. They only rise to that level however if they are willing to simulate sex acts on camera. I say simulate. That's merely for the intercourse. They're kissing, nibbling on nipples, sticking their tongues in ears and mouths, groping of breasts and thighs, hands on penises, groins... that's real. That's actually going on. These actresses may tell us are doing it for some redeeming social value. Well, that and a million bucks.
It happens at lesser levels. Women employees sometimes gratify their male superiors in hopes that a promotion may ensue. It's not a noble thing, but it happens. Sometimes. We don't jail them.
I know many women who wouldn't consider a man marriage material unless his income's in a certain bracket. I know it happens. Women marry for money. We don't jail them.
The truth is sex has always been a currency for women. Always. Though often at a quid pro-blurry-quo, my client was honest. She told the truth to that man, and to you."
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John Cage's defense greatly impresses me. First of all, I do not understand why prostitution is considered as a crime in the US (and enforced), while not in most other developed countries (or at least not de facto, like in Japan).
I certainly agree with him that if it is a crime to sleep with someone in exchange for money, it is also a crime to do it in exchange for favours, presents, or a combination of these (like in a marriage). The problem is that if we go down that path, soon logic will demand that even marrying someone who makes or has much more money than oneself should also be considered as a crime. It is obviously not a practical path. So my question is : "Should prostitution be allowed ? Can sex be used as a currency ?". Think about the consequences of your answer.
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District Attorney : "Sitting over there is a prostitute. Proud and rich, I grant you. But still a person who gives sex for a fee. That's a crime. You all know it."
John Cage (defense attorney) : "Hypocrisy troubles me greatly. Today's biggest and brightest film actresses make upwards of $10 million per picture. They only rise to that level however if they are willing to simulate sex acts on camera. I say simulate. That's merely for the intercourse. They're kissing, nibbling on nipples, sticking their tongues in ears and mouths, groping of breasts and thighs, hands on penises, groins... that's real. That's actually going on. These actresses may tell us are doing it for some redeeming social value. Well, that and a million bucks.
It happens at lesser levels. Women employees sometimes gratify their male superiors in hopes that a promotion may ensue. It's not a noble thing, but it happens. Sometimes. We don't jail them.
I know many women who wouldn't consider a man marriage material unless his income's in a certain bracket. I know it happens. Women marry for money. We don't jail them.
The truth is sex has always been a currency for women. Always. Though often at a quid pro-blurry-quo, my client was honest. She told the truth to that man, and to you."
--
John Cage's defense greatly impresses me. First of all, I do not understand why prostitution is considered as a crime in the US (and enforced), while not in most other developed countries (or at least not de facto, like in Japan).
I certainly agree with him that if it is a crime to sleep with someone in exchange for money, it is also a crime to do it in exchange for favours, presents, or a combination of these (like in a marriage). The problem is that if we go down that path, soon logic will demand that even marrying someone who makes or has much more money than oneself should also be considered as a crime. It is obviously not a practical path. So my question is : "Should prostitution be allowed ? Can sex be used as a currency ?". Think about the consequences of your answer.