To start webcam modelling even though I have radical feminist views?

[h3av3n]

So in the past when I needed money I would do webcam modelling/camshows/whatever you want to call it. I could make decent money from it and also get items bought for me from my Amazon wishlist. During the time I would become really uncomfortable with it, disturbed and disgusted by the men etc, I would feel so sick and empty after a while.

I'm a radical feminist and don't believe things should be like this whatsoever but my hours were recently cut at work and I simply need the money, the times in the past were due to being desperate for money for rent, food, bills and necessities. It makes more money than any job I can do, at my job I get £8.71 per hour but an hour of cam modelling can make hundreds on a good day plus collecting fans which gives the opportunity of additional money and gifts.

It's going to make me feel like shit, also I feel like I'm letting women down by choosing to be part of this and to serve men who are disgusting people. But at the same time I need money for me and my kid. I just wonder if it's unethical from a feminist point of view to do this.

[Rightbutno]

I'm more concerned it makes you feel like shit. What are your other options for increasing your income? Could you do it and just work a few evenings a week and study?

[emz771]

I don’t think so

[Pixiefringe]

You feel bad doing it because it goes against your conscience. The more you override your conscience the more dull it will become, to the point that cam shows (and a lot of other bad things) wont bother you any more. And that's REALLY not a good thing.

Apply all the benefits you can and a new job if you're that desperate. There are ways other than this. And more money doesn't necessarily mean it's good for your daughter. She needs a strong example of a mum who puts her principles before money.

[Moonmelodies]

I guess if the men customers are disgusting you could just perform for women maybe?

[Ajollygoodwrap]

Your body, your choice. How you feel about it is what matters. I have no problem with someone doing what they can if they can live with it. It's your mental health you should be caring for.

That said, I always have a problem with double standards. The men (who you're supplying) are disgusting, evil, etc...knowing fully well that without suppliers.......

So if you don't want these men to pay you (and you take their evil disgusting money by the way), then don't enable the behaviour you so abhor. I think that's where your issue lies: the fact that you see this as sleazy and demeaning and have no respect for your clients, yet you do the job willingly (regardless of your reasons. So many people are in dire straits and wouldn't even consider it, so it's still a choice. You're not being forced or coerced by anyone).

If you choose to do it, do it with your head held high. If that's a problem, don't do it. You'll feel better either way.

[AgeLikeWine]

You are free to choose to do whatever work you want to, within the law. If you choose to do this work, and you consider the potential earnings adequate reward for tolerating the customers you so obviously despise, crack on.

Much of the judgement and criticism of your employment choices will come from women who argue that your line of work should be banned because they would not themselves be able make money doing it or they can’t stand the thought of their husbands wanking over cammers.

[RuffleCrow]

Can't you apply for income support, tax credits, housing benefit instead?

[Iwalkinmyclothing]

Your body, life and choice.

Yes, the decisions we make affect others. But your priority is your DC and you. Only you can judge what this work might do to your wellbeing. I have no judgement to make.

A woman who does this with no other choices is a victim of a terrible system and I don't blame victims. I have no idea who you are or what your circumstances are other than the info you have given here so I don't know what other choices you may have. I hope there are more than you think right now though.

[Lifeisabeach09]

Emz771, the word was uncalled for and just reinforces the idea that women cannot do what they want with their bodies (even on webcam!) without being shamed for it.

[MegaClutterSlut]

I personally wouldn't do it, to start with I'd hate for something like that to be around forever that my dcs could potentially come across one day. Especially if I hated doing it, it's not worth it

[BubblyBarbara]

I do not support the smut but as a old school second wave feminist I believe you should have the freedom to do what you want. If a man wanted to strip on camera then he would. So can you. The ethics are your personal business.

[Puds11]

@h3av3n why can’t you claim benefits instead of doing something you despise?

Or is that actually you want the money and gifts 🤷‍♀️

[eggandeggy]

Do it. You can wear a wig, good makeup and cover any tattoos.

If you can make money, maybe something niche, then you're all set.

[emz771]

I noticed not one person answered the question about their daughters.

[FloraFox]

What would you do right now if (like most women) you didn't have the type of body that can make money doing this?

By choosing to do this, you are perpetuating this industry. When your daughter is older, will you be glad you contributed to this "opportunity" being available for her?

[Nikhedonia]

Much of the judgement and criticism of your employment choices will come from women who argue that your line of work should be banned because they would not themselves be able make money doing it or they can’t stand the thought of their husbands wanking over cammers.

Oh fucking hell.

So the inference is that only ugly or insecure women have an issue with webcam work.

I despair.

[Carrie7469]

I wouldn't judge you at all, but I'd be concerned for your mental health as you've said that it's something you don't want to do.
If you do it, would you wish you hadn't? I suppose it depends on whether you can vote financially otherwise. I'm sorry you're in this position.

[QueSera]

Sorry if I've missed it above, but why are you choosing this rather than claiming benefits? Do you not qualify for any benefits and absolutely need the money to survive?

I just wonder if it's unethical from a feminist point of view to do this.
Well I would say doing this is certainly not consistent with a radical feminist (which you said you are) point of view.
Do you need this money/products that much?

[Lifeisabeach09]

A disreputable woman who engages in sex acts for promiscuity or money.

It's an offensive slur that is used to attack women (solely) who wish to have sex with singular or multiple partners for love, money or whatever the reason. Men, especially, like to use the term along with 'slut.'

[Ijustreallywantacat]

It's not wrong or dirty IMO. I know lots of people who do it. It all depends whether or not you can handle it mentally. It might also have consequences in your personal life. My mum would probably just giggle and move on if she found out I was doing it. Yours might not feel the same way. Up to you to weigh up the risks.

I'd jump at the chance to make so much, but cant do it given my circumstances. (And wobbly bod)

[amber763]

I worked very very briefly (about a month) years ago doing phone work. It had a terrible impact on both my mental health and on my views of men. I get needing the money though but it's not something I'd ever do again.

[h3av3n]

By the way viewers literally beg and beg and pressure us to hurt ourselves and have very twisted ideas, a woman died from choking herself on webcam once as the viewers kept pressuring her to do it more and more. I don't believe we can say the women doing the shows are just as disgusting as the men viewing and begging for humiliating or painful or harmful acts eg making ourselves sick, slapping ourselves etc. The position is very clear that men are the ones with the power in the situation, many women and teenage girls get into it out of necessity. I don't know anyone who does it just for fun and extra cash, I only know single mums and poor women who do it personally. Anyway, I am in no position to go to college or study, unfortunately I didn't get my gcses due to personal issues at the time, I have applied for some work but there isn't much at the moment and there are no full time supermarket jobs available only part time. I don't have stuff to sell on eBay but that's a good suggestion. I've thought about streaming gaming but when I've tried that I think I made about £10 after a few hours. I feel a bit stronger after reading some of these replies and maybe I can get through bit longer things will work out and I'll be glad I didn't go back to cam modelling. I also have trauma from the past which the camshows definitely don't help, last time I was doing them I was in a really dark place after a while

[Ginkypig]

No one needs to but I can understand the feeling that there is no choice. I say this as someone who has been homeless and properly poor eating out of a bin poor

You need to pull way back from this and look at it from your health and wellbeing point of view. The truth is you know it's not something you are ok with so whatever the outcome of not having the money is its not worth the damage you are going to cause yourself by going forward knowing that you don't want to. It is that simple.

In terms of bills and rent etc see if you can get in touch with local services like cab or other local charities who can help you access things to see you through. Food banks payment plans benefits and housing benifit etc
Even social services may be able to get involved to help if you contact them because they would rather refer you to help than you get into a situation where your child is at risk of homelessness etc which would cause them to step in in the future.

[MuchTooTired]

“Let me ask a question to those supporting it.

If your daughter was struggling would you encourage her to finger herself on cam for random men? I’m sorry to be crass - but let’s call a spade a spade.”

I hope and pray that my daughter is never in the position where this is her dilemma (absolutely zero offence intended @h3av3n) but if it’s her only option to keep the wolves from the door, then I would absolutely support her. I’d do it myself if I absolutely had to to keep my kids fed and the roof over their heads, or I’d do it (if there were a market) to save her from having to do it. Must admit, I’d be more likely to go shoplifting before getting my bits out on camera, but that’s because nobody’s likely to pay to see me.

Obviously whilst there’s breath in body, my kids can have whatever I have.

I do not suggest shoplifting, it’s illegal and wrong, I’ve never done it, but if the situation my daughter was in was that desperate I’d learn and take the consequences to protect her.