New Internationalist

Simply… Strange Behaviour

Issue 252

new internationalist
issue 252 - February 1994

Simply...[image, unknown]
strange behaviour
Prostitution has always generated strange and hypocritical responses
from male-dominated society. As a result prostitutes, throughout history,
have found themselves in some bizarre situations...

Cartoons by ANGELA MARTIN

[image, unknown] [image, unknown] [image, unknown]
Prostitutes in Ancient Rome had their 'cells'
hidden away in the back of bakers' shops.
[image, unknown] [image, unknown] [image, unknown]
In medieval Europe, the Church often had
a controlling financial interest in brothels.
[image, unknown] [image, unknown] [image, unknown]
The sight of 'indiscreet' women would provoke uncontrolled verbal ejaculations in the fifteenth century English cleric, Bishop Aylmer. He proclaimed them: 'fond foolish wanton tattlers, triflers, wavering, witless, feeble, careless, rash, proud, tale-bearers, eavesdroppers, rumour-raisers, evil-tongued, worse-minded, and in every way doltified with the dregs of the devil's dunghill'.
[image, unknown] [image, unknown] [image, unknown]
Punters' precise preferences were revealed when the detailed price list from Charlotte Hayes' brothel was printed in a 1779 issue of Nocturnal Revels. She retired with a fortune of $20,000 - a millionaire by today's standards.
[image, unknown] [image, unknown] [image, unknown]
Brothels in Tibet were painted yellow to signify
transferred holiness after a Dalai Lama had visited.
[image, unknown] [image, unknown] [image, unknown]
The State of Nevada, US, has legalized brothels. But prostitutes are not allowed
to use certain shops, and must be chaperoned whenever they go out.
[image, unknown]
Self-acclaimed prostitutes and those with 'criminal' convictions are
still barred from entering certain so-called 'developed' countries.
[image, unknown] [image, unknown] [image, unknown]
Prostitutes, in all parts of the world and in all times,
have found themselves performing the role of therapist.

previous page choose a different magazine go to the contents page go to the NI home page next page


This first appeared in our award-winning magazine - to read more, subscribe from just £7

Permalink | Published on February 5, 1994 by | 0

Comments on Simply... Strange Behaviour

Leave your comment