Take It Off!

Oh yes... that is Bettie Page and she has evidently been naughty.

Does me writing that make you uncomfortable?   Does looking at this picture disgust you?  I personally think it is hilarious.  I think that because I don't take things like sex or nudity all that seriously.  I am a 31 year old mother of three and maybe stereo-typically I should be a little more on the "prude" side.

Stereo-typically.  Let's go ahead and talk about stereotypes.

Women of "entertainment" are often called and referred to by many names.  Sometimes the names are correct, sometimes they are polite, but many times they are rude or hurtful.  Strippers, Exotic Dancers, Hookers, Burlesque Entertainers, Sluts, Dirty Ho's, "Working Girls", Women of the Night, ect...

To me, they are women who have jobs and are putting food on the table.  Then again, I am a mature woman.  Not just a mature woman, but a mature heterosexual woman.  I am adult enough that I can say when a man is attractive as well as a woman.  I think many times women who are of any of the "entertainment" professions are not given the credit they deserve.  They are working for their own money.  They are not looking for handouts, and they earn every cent and then some.  Not only to they work, but many times they endure a lot of verbal abuse both at the workplace and outside of work.  These women have a tendency to become secluded and secretive.  In my research I have also found that there is a higher percentage of women in this job field who suffer from depression and substance abuse.

I have heard the argument from people many times that these women could get a regular job if they want and that there is nothing wrong with flipping burgers.  That McDonalds is always hiring.  These statements are usually not coming from someone who actually works in a burger joint.  Here's the thing, if it were me and I had a chance to make $400 in a night instead of minimum wage for the same amount of hours... well guess what my pick would be.  Kids clothes aren't free and neither is gas or food.  Rent?  Not cheap anymore, nor are cars.

Besides, who really cares anyways?  Does another woman's job affect your lifestyle in any way?  Is her money worth any less than yours?  Negative.  She had to put in blood, sweat and tears (literally) to earn it, just like anyone else.

Often I think the reason these women are so disliked is because of the wives and girlfriends out there who blame the women for their significant others coming for a peek.  News flash... they do not force people to come see them.  They do not coerce folks into watching them or touching them.  If your significant other likes to go watch, take care of it at home.  It is in no way the fault of the "entertainer".  Maybe even consider going as a couple.  Many people have told me that it is arousing for both people involved and very entertaining.  I also have a friend that met her best friend of many years after visiting an establishment with her boyfriend.  I have never been, but would love to go to a burlesque place!  I think it would be a blast!

Another issue is envy.  People love to tear down what they are envious of.  A beautiful woman with a nice body and charisma... well she is obviously a whore with herpes.  She abandoned her kids and is a meth head.  Any of this sound familiar?  I have heard it all and then some.  No woman deserves to be talked about like this.  We should be proud of each other.  If I see a woman that has been taking care of herself or is beautiful, I tell her.  If she is working hard on herself, she deserves recognition; not to be cut down.  Not only that, but be open with her.  Does she do a certain work out to get her tummy chiseled   What is her favorite makeup?  Where does she get her hair done?  Many times, she will have awesome advice and tips she would love to share!  I have a good handful of ladies in my life who are dancers and I have gotten tons of tips over the years!  

Also, I think sometimes women lash out at these ladies because they are doing something that everyone would secretly want to do.  They have the confidence to get up there and dance like we do in the privacy of our homes... and they are doing it for appreciative eyes and a paycheck.

I think we as women have had it rough over the centuries, with things still dragging in terms of womens equality.  What we need to do is focus on supporting each other and not pushing each other down.  Appreciate the battles that our fellow sisters have to fight, whether it is being and Exotic Dancer, a Nurse, a Stay At Home Mom or a CEO.  We need to reach a point where we are all proud of each other and supportive of each other.  

On a personal note, my "entertainer" friends have been some of the most supportive of me and my family over the years.  Loving phone calls, donations, cards, visits and letters.  Much more involved and non-judgmental than many I have known over the years.  

Your profession is not what you are defined by.  It's the way a person treats others that shows what they are truly made of.

Peace Out