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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Should the terminology to do with forced prostitution change to describe what it really is?

31 replies

Creeping · 10/01/2014 23:09

Somehow, when I read this today, it dawned on me that the terminology to with sex trafficking and forced prostitution is all wrong. The use of the terms prostitution and sex is I feel a euphemism for what is really happening, possibly enabling society to close its eyes to it. Isn't it time to change the terminology?

Forced sex is rape. It's as simple as that.

I think if we used terms like "organised rape", "rape ring" instead of "sex ring", "rape trafficking" instead of "sex trafficking", "rape slavery" instead of "sex slavery" it would become a whole lot more difficult to ignore what is really happening and it would gain more of an urgent, serious crime association when we read about it in the media, thereby possibly helping an attitude change towards these crimes.

Thoughts? Which terms are "wrong" and what would be better?

OP posts:
ArtetasSwollenAnkle · 11/01/2014 11:14

Would such a separation of descriptions between forced and unforced prostitution indicate that some forms of prostitution is acceptable? Would this not conflict with the beliefs of some feminists, who think that all prostitution is unacceptable?

Creeping · 11/01/2014 11:01

Glad I'm not the only one!

It's true that rape probably doesn't cover all of the abuse that may happen, so sex abuse might be more correct.

I am wondering though if on some level the word sex abuse suggests that rape doesn't happen? I know that sexual abuse can imply rape as well, but I'm just thinking of the assocations that will be made unconsciously. Like how I think when I hear the term sexual assault that there hasn't been a rape, but perhaps an attempted rape or other forced sex acts. Not that those aren't serious crimes, and to the victim there may not be a difference in the felt violation, but in the eyes of the public rape is probably the ultimate sexual crime...

Just thinking out loud here...

OP posts:
mydoorisalwaysopen · 11/01/2014 10:12

couldn't agree more.

NeoFaust · 11/01/2014 09:06

It makes sense. It ends the conflation between legitimate voluntary prostitution and rape slavery.

horsetowater · 11/01/2014 09:06

I think they hae changed terms regarding child 'porn' to child sex abuse images.

The trouble with using the word rape is because rape imples intercourse, where as sex abuse or assault can cover varous things.

I think they should use the term 'sex abuse ring / trafficking would do the trick.

sashh · 11/01/2014 08:59

absolutely.

Also 'child prostitute', no such thing, just because someone pays doesn't stop them being an abused child.