I have just been asked to take part in a sky-virgin tv programme about `sex & money`(UK).
Its on current tv...but sadly have had to decline.
I mused this invite over in my mind, weighing out the pro`s & con`s. Though I was assured that this programme would be a balanced view of the sex industry, I have my doubts.
Here was my `assurance`:
`The show is a serious and hard hitting look at various aspects of the Sex Industry aimed at 18 – 34 year olds. The show will comprise of a number of short films made by our producers which we will show to the audience and ask for comment and debate upon afterwards. We in no way aim to ridicule any aspect of this subject. There may be some lighter comment as some of the films deal with subjects such as sex toys for which the debate will be lighter than after the films which talk about prostitution etc. But the show as a whole is of a serious tone and aims to provide a balanced view of the sex and money industry in the UK.
I am in negotiations with various people at the moment but the studio audience is likely to be made up of some of the producers of the films we will watch, people who work in the sex industry, including some of those who appear in the films, and also those who campaign against or have strong views opposing the industry. A balanced audience to provoke conscious and informed debate`.
So taking in mind the above, I was concerned that this was yet another `seek the whore` campaign..or `seek the victim` campaign..rather than an intelligent look at the sex industry & its pro`s & con`s. I just felt that I would be spending most of my time..with others maybe..fending off the ignorant & niave. Wasting worthwhile air time explaining myself & justifying my rights in my choice of being a sex wroker. This tires me now..spent too many years doing that. would instead like to spend some time tackling any real issues at hand & discussing the positives & worth of sex work..we all know the shit..but until we stop talking about the shit, we`ll never recognise the good things & the value we as sexworkers have had to offer societies. Any opinions?
Its on current tv...but sadly have had to decline.
I mused this invite over in my mind, weighing out the pro`s & con`s. Though I was assured that this programme would be a balanced view of the sex industry, I have my doubts.
Here was my `assurance`:
`The show is a serious and hard hitting look at various aspects of the Sex Industry aimed at 18 – 34 year olds. The show will comprise of a number of short films made by our producers which we will show to the audience and ask for comment and debate upon afterwards. We in no way aim to ridicule any aspect of this subject. There may be some lighter comment as some of the films deal with subjects such as sex toys for which the debate will be lighter than after the films which talk about prostitution etc. But the show as a whole is of a serious tone and aims to provide a balanced view of the sex and money industry in the UK.
I am in negotiations with various people at the moment but the studio audience is likely to be made up of some of the producers of the films we will watch, people who work in the sex industry, including some of those who appear in the films, and also those who campaign against or have strong views opposing the industry. A balanced audience to provoke conscious and informed debate`.
So taking in mind the above, I was concerned that this was yet another `seek the whore` campaign..or `seek the victim` campaign..rather than an intelligent look at the sex industry & its pro`s & con`s. I just felt that I would be spending most of my time..with others maybe..fending off the ignorant & niave. Wasting worthwhile air time explaining myself & justifying my rights in my choice of being a sex wroker. This tires me now..spent too many years doing that. would instead like to spend some time tackling any real issues at hand & discussing the positives & worth of sex work..we all know the shit..but until we stop talking about the shit, we`ll never recognise the good things & the value we as sexworkers have had to offer societies. Any opinions?
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United Kingdom
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Re: programme on sex industry
Fri, July 18, 2008 - 6:10 AM
It is interesting how some industries are polarized in how people view them and it is hard to break. And how the media plays such a strong role in making sure that the views never change. Sex work is portrayed negatively. The financial industry is portrayed positively but the shit in that industry is never highlighted and there is a tone of shit to highlight.
I think you are right in turning it down. There needs to be more independent documentaries made that show the positives of the industry not more of the same stereotypes. -
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Re: programme on sex industry
Fri, July 18, 2008 - 7:33 AMyes I agree with you B...we add to both the sexual ignorances as well as the hatred of `sex for money` ethos...yet any other occupation apart from drug dealing (& that is selling a product `outside` of yourself)..mostly praises those who have used their own inititive & creativity in order to creat money to survive in life...yet prostitution or sexwork which ever you prefer to call it..still evokes huge stigma`s & social fears..even in this age of so called enlightenment. because no longer need we be ignorant..we have the internet to tell you any amount of things that you were not aware of before. Society is `supposed` to be more overtly sexy & willing to share that knowledge..yet still we are still in the dark ages about the stigma`s & the reasons for them as we ever were.
I have already been approached again by BBC3 on another docu..with no `show` added..so hopefully this may prove more friutful in what I am prepared to do or say.
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