I go into Social Problems class and we watch a video from 20/20. Its about prostitution. In essence,it says that prostitution should be legalized because women "know what they're getting into". Other arguments include that athletes sell thier bodies and it is legal to get paid for sex on video. So we're having a discussion in class and I have my own objections. For one thing, legalization would then say that its ok to be a prostitute. I say that I know I wouldn't want my future daughter of thinking about the option of being a prostitute. So my professor in Amsterdam that women haven't exactly flocked into prostitution. So then some student makes a remark to me saying that "being a hochie in music videos is legal yet I don't know anyone that wants to be in a music video". I listen as the rest of the class seems to think that it wouldn't be such a bad idea since as legal workers, they'd have more rights and protection from violence. I fire back with, "They wouldn't be in that situation if we didn't objectify women" My professor says that the prostitute says it best when she says what she does in her bedroom should be alright. She then says, "There are housewives that stay with men just to help pay for expenses, what about that". *obviously I'm the only opposition in there* Some other girl says that "Plus there are gold diggers that get men to pay for their stuff and marry others to do that and that is legal."

I stop replying as I don't want to take on the whole class. I don't agree with women exploiting men either but obviously making a law against that would be impossible. So free will is the big thing they are saying. Victimless crime. I believe women would only have lower status if prostitution was decriminalized. Though I must admit some of the arguments are indeed strong. Still, if society provided better paying jobs to these unskilled women, would they still be prostitutes? If pay was not an issue, I suppose you shouldn't force your morality on them. The truth is though that many of the women rely on the money. I dunno, its a really complex issue. Stats do support that women experience less violence when prostitution is legalized. On this issue, I'm conservative. Something about the liberality of the Social Problems class ends up making me take the more conservative side on the issues presented. Its really odd considering I generally think of my self as more liberal than conservative. Anyways, I have to go. Would like to see what YOU think of it. Can you change my opinion? Or do you have something I should add in class for my argument?