The book “Revolting Prostitutes: The Fight for Sex Workers’ Rights” written by Molly Smith and Juno Mac illustrates how stereotypes, discrimination, legislation, and certain policies harm those working in the sex industry. With the examples of how multiple countries are handling the subject, the authors have illustrated how ignoring or blatantly fighting against women in the adult industry is not only harmful to them but also perpetuates the wrong values within societies.
The authors have made a parallel between the double standards when it comes to viewing migrants as those stealing jobs and prostitutes as individuals breaking marriages and seducing innocent men. Instead of treating sex work as a profession and regulating the industry for the safety of stakeholders, governments think that prohibiting it will eradicate it, which is not practically appliable. The authors have provided an example of sex work decriminalization and regulation by referring to New Zealand and New South Whales as relatively successful stories of handling sex workers (Smith & Mac, 2018). As a result, women in the industry are able to go to the police in case they are in danger, access healthcare, and not have the same difficulties and barriers as the ones in countries where prostitution is illegal. The book is a portrayal of the sex industry and those who are often ignored because of the sensitive subjects that are rarely openly discussed in society and people tend to be blind towards.
There are several questions that can give food for thought when it comes to some of the main points brought in the book. Firstly, why is sex work still a taboo subject despite being a prominent field in which millions of people operate worldwide? Secondly, how can governments handle the subject of sex work, and is its involvement crucial in regulating the industry, minimizing risks, and reducing the stigma?
Reference
Smith, M., & Mac, J. (2018). Revolting prostitutes: The fight for sex workers’ rights. London: Verso.