Erica Obsession

This is an interesting article regarding dignity and human rights in Bill C-36: http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/views-expressed/2014/07/does-bill-c-36-really-bestow-dignity-and-human-rights-upon-an

here's the issue right here. I never said I was YOUR representative. I asked those who were likeminded to jump on board.

 

Believe it or not, I don't agree with many of the other groups and what they stand for. Do I insist they shut down? shut up? change their names?

 

Why isn't my voice and that of the hundreds of supporters of this movement as important as yours?

 

Did you happen to notice the number of thanks and nominations this thread received? I'm suggesting that indicates a great deal of support.

 

Just sayin'

Jessica,

A variety of perspectives in this industry is a wonderful thing. Your initiative to collect letters from both sps and clients is also a fantastic idea.

However, I fear that its the name that people will remember, not the good work behind the initiative.

In my opinion, all advocates in the industry, whether they represent small segments or an entire group, have only one responsibility: to progress the debate in a positive manner. Do you think that terminology such as "hooker" elevates the debate in respectful, public discourse?

Anyway, good luck to you on your initiative. My offer still stands regarding assistance with writing should you so desire. I am only a private message away.

All the best,

Erica.

Yeah, if other sex workers think your site is an abolitionist joke site, you've got problems.

 

But they want to make this all about the name "happy hookers." I don't care if you want to self-identify that you're a happy hooker. Cool. Go nuts. But again, the problem is that arguing that you're "happy" in your work and deserve rights alienates anyone who doesn't love this job and is doing it because it was the best available option, or people who are merely ambivalent--they do it because it is good money, etc. Not everyone loves being a sex worker but they still deserve rights.

 

And let's not forget, a sex worker recently testified at the JC and Conservative MP Stella Ambler said, "you sound like a happy sitcom hooker." Abolitionists use that language.

 

Sex worker orgs have all gotten together and we have a clear message that we are trying to send and it isn't "we're happy, so give us rights." It's "the laws harm us, don't kill us with your fucked up laws."

Well put, Berlin!

However, I do think that the name matters a great deal. You see, when I first heard about the organization, I didn't even bother to read any further as I immediately dismissed it - without even clicking on the link - as something to which I didn't wish to associate. It was only later, after reading criticisms about the divisions, that I went back and read it. And, yes, the wording on the website most certainly is divisive. I hope that it is changed; however, I will let others who have already made that point continue that specific argument.

I guess the point that I am making about the name is that any organization's name is a point of entry. Upon reading the name, the reader will decide either: (1) to learn more; or (2) to step away. Because the name reinforces a stereotype, it will put many people off and as such it is counter-productive.

Lastly, as Berlin has mentioned, and I have also mentioned on terb, Stella Ambler took the opportunity to try to humiliate a witness at committee by comparing her life to a "tv sitcom of Happy Hookers."

This is a link to the actual tape: http://www.cpac.ca/en/programs/in-committee-house-of-commons/episodes/34169014/ The specific comment was made just over ninety minutes into the committee (move the bar along the bottom) at about 90:50.

I think that anyone who wants to support this cause should see the clip and decide for themselves how they feel about a group appropriating an invective from the Conservatives. In my opinion, you are making it far too easy for them to attack you.

I have heard it mentioned several times that it is empowering to take back a term. This may be true in some instances; however, I do not think that respectable society outside of the industry is ready to hear the term "hooker" being used cavalierly. It will likely put many of them off - in the same way that it put me off - and they will simply shut out your message.

By using the term hooker, even in the playful way that you have suggested, seems to be a strategy that will only be effective with some supporters of the industry who already believe that Bill C-36 is a problem.

Would it not be a better strategy to elicit the support of those who are undecided - the all important centre voters, of whom there are many.

Please reconsider changing both the name and the divisive wording.

Lastly, I will leave on a positive note. Should you be kind enough to be willing to change the name and the wording, it would be my pleasure to assist you, should you require it, with some of the writing as I very much enjoy writing.

^^^ it wasn't just the conservatives that were rude to the anti-C36 presenters. It turns out that those same victim based rescue organization presenters spent some of their time making rude remarks as well

I have to admit that I am frustrated with the negativity on both sides of the debate. The anti-prostitution groups are negative but then again so is our side. At committee, I saw two pro-prostitution witnesses with a hostile tone. This really does not help the issue. Additionally, Twitter has been aflame with vitriol on both sides and it is just so unnecessary.

The industry would be better served if we demonstrated some class and dignity. Until the industry demonstrates that we are more than just our job then we will always lose.

The Kwetoday blog is certainly a step forward - I am delighted.

I completely agree with you that the argument is counterintuitive.

Yes, the police really do like their additional powers : )

FortunateOne,

I'm glad you brought this up.

Yes, it would seem as though the entire committee process disproportionately represented witnesses relaying stories where there is already legislation, i.e. rape, human trafficking, torture, and assault.

UPDATE:

I'm delighted to announce that my article regarding Bill C-36 has now been published on an independent media site.

You can find the link here: http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/views-expressed/2014/07/real-exploitation-sex-industry-its-distortion

I prefer Merry Christmas as well. In my opinion, the term has transcended its original religious connotation and, for me, is an all-encompassing term to describe the holiday season.

Besides, Merry Christmas is far more positive and festive than saying what Manitoba MLA Brian Pallister said. In an impromptu scrum with reporters, he wished holiday greetings to "infidel atheists" who "wish to celebrate nothing." Seriously, I have no idea what this political bonehead was thinking...

See the link here: http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/manitoba-tory-leader-wishes-infidel-atheists-all-the-best-for-the-holidays-1.1570662

Hello!

I was wondering how you gentlemen feel about using Twitter to meet ladies in the industry.

Do you find Twitter to be an informative resource for selecting a lady? Why or why not?

For the ladies that use Twitter, do you find it to be an excellent way to communicate with your clients?

Any comments or experiences with Twitter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Erica.

Just like Special Agent Dale Cooper from the television show Twin Peaks: "Black as midnight on a moonless night."

Recently I have been reading dystopian novels. I just finished The Chrysalids by John Wyndham (I can't believe I missed that one in high school) and I just started The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. The next on the list is The Trial by Franz Kafka.

My favourite all-time novels include:

1984 and Animal Farm - George Orwell

Lord of the Flies - William Golding

Watership Down - Richard Adams

Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

I have also been eyeing the book 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. Has anyone read this novel? Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Erica.

I have always believed that individuals look best when they dress in ensembles that exhibit their distinct personalities. For some women it may be a gorgeous cocktail gown whilst for others it is a casual sundress or even a nice t-shirt and jeans.

In my opinion, we achieve true beauty when our sartorial expression radiates our unique personality.

I love the soundtrack to the television show Twin Peaks and the prequel follow up Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.

Angelo Badalamenti is an amazing composer that has done not only Twin Peaks but also Mulholland Drive amongst others. Fantastic music to play in the background whilst entertaining : )

What a wonderful question : )

Ancient Rome - No one does power like the Romans. I would love to witness a triumphal procession in the streets of Rome or a fiesty oration in the Senate.

17th century France - I have long been fascinated with Louis XIV and I would love to spend time at the court of Versailles basking in the indomitable radiance of the Sun King.

18th century - I would love to spend time at a salon listening to the enlightened thinkers, especially Voltaire.

1920s - bobbing my hair and doing the fox trot sounds like a lot of fun.

1940s - I grew up on stories of World War II and I would love to go back to work in the war effort.