Margaret Atwood defends women's right to work in strip clubs because she thinks it's 'empowering'

[stumbledin]

Speaking to Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 5 Live's Headliners, the 79-year-old said women who work in strip clubs can 'feel in control of the room' and earn more money than coffee shop staff.

Ms Atwood, whose new book The Testaments was published this week, told BBC Five Live that people protesting against the clubs should 'put their energy somewhere else that's really really important – like with environmental protests.'

The author said it was important to ensure women were not exploited, adding: 'Some of the most empowering women in the American West were the madams who were running the brothels because in that era they were saving up the money up for the girls, they were setting them up after they made that money they were taking care of them and it was much better than having a pimp.'

Ms Atwood also spoke out about different kinds of feminism, adding: 'I don't refuse the label of feminism, I say, 'which kind are you talking about?'

'I am the kind that endorses organisations like Equality Now. I am not the kind that says things like all men should be pushed off a cliff or all that all male babies should be killed at birth.'

(This is the Daily Mail so not sure if accurate transcript. Did anyone listen to the interview?)

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7457063/Margaret-Atwood-defends-womens-right-work-strip-clubs.html

I think a large part comes down to women's insecurities/jealousies/competitiveness.

I really don't agree. Feminists in particular don't want to see women being objectified and abused.

You are the expert on your own experience, but I don't think you should dismiss the many differing accounts as hysterical journalism flowing from the pens of unattractive middle-aged women. Are you saying that they are inventing these stories? Or that the women recounting them are lying? Or do you believe that professional reporters just dismiss 99 'happy hooker' tales just so they can publish one disturbing testimony?

@BitOfFun don't go falling into the stereotype...

I don't believe that I do fall into your stereotype. I just disagree that your feelings represent everybody else's experiences.

I'm also finding it quite disconcerting that you are posting in Feminism Chat, partly about the joys of female comradeship, while denigrating other women's contrary opinions on the basis of their age and/or looks.

Ah, twisting things to suit, I see. You're perfectly aware of what I mean, just acting professionally offended for the sake of your arguement. This ain't mamas first rodeo with this nonsense.

The only unpleasant, abusive women are the ones coming into our clubs spouting off under the guise of feminism. If 99% of them happen to be middle aged, middle management, and overweight, I can't help that. That's what they are. If another common factor was that they were all blonde, I'd say so too. If you pretend to find those things offensive instead of descriptive then that's down to you. But then you know that already.

Feminists in particular don't want to see women being objectified and abused.

Problem is, they decide we're being abused on our behalves. And concoct sensationalist tripe to support their own misguided opinions and one poor soul of an ex dancer out of a thousand.

Interesting it takes one tiny little note to point out it's largely down to women's insecurities, to touch a nerve and for you to start the "happy hooker" name calling. Definitely not diving head first into that stereotype at all

I'm also finding it quite disconcerting that you are posting in Feminism Chat, partly about the joys of female comradeship, while denigrating other women's contrary opinions on the basis of their age and/or looks.

Halle- fucking -lujah

I don't fit the stereotype that was set out either. And I am irritated that someone speaking of empowerment would seek to invalidate other women based on patriarchal stereotypes of being a mature woman (insecure, jealous, unattractive, overweight, nasty attitudes, etc). No one spoke of Courtney's presumed attractiveness or lack thereof (I mean who gives a fuck?) but Courtney was quick to show the depth of her internalized misogyny - at least it is here for all to see as they consider her glorification of exotic dancing.

And while not important to my perspective the comments made by Courtney on this thread (directed at me specifically) attempted to invalidate my firsthand experience of attempted sexual exploitation. That recounted experience came years after rejecting the label "victim" and the comforting peace of incorporating being a "survivor" into my self-awareness. My response to the advance was only possible because I had moved beyond the past and found in myself a strength beyond reproach.

Invalidate other women based on patriarchal stereotypes of being a mature woman (insecure, jealous, unattractive, overweight, nasty attitudes, etc).

Except I'm not though. I mean keep pretending I am by all means, doesn't make it any more true.

I don't invalidate them. I pity them. Feeling the need to go online, go into our place of work, acting either like mouthy fishwives to spout abuse at us, or to promote themselves as "Captain-Save-A-Ho" the feminist hero. Because they don't like what we do, so they spout equal abuse and dress it up as feminism. Disgraceful hypocrisy.

Again, if most of these people are middle aged that's not my problem. Couldn't give a rats arse whether they're 18 or 80. They're nearly always 40-50. Pretend that being aged 40-50 is something to be offended about if you want It's about all you can do, straws... clutch...etc...

Interesting it takes one tiny little note to point out it's largely down to women's insecurities, to touch a nerve and for you to start the "happy hooker" name calling. Definitely not diving head first into that stereotype at all

Who said that? I didn't see that.

Even though you've called me a teller of tall tales (liar) I don't condone judgement of your experiences and don't I condone anyone calling you names. My experience is mine and yours are yours - they're both valid.

Who said that? I didn't see that.

Woman above.

You seem to think I'm addressing you when I'm not...

@Courtney555, yes the vast majority of strip clubs in Canada are owned by bikers. Anyone working in law enforcement will tell you this.

"Courtney555" married accountant by day, sexy pizza scoffing stripper by night.

What a woman(?)

PS. I didn’t post drugs are laundered there.

Tax evasion is rampant in the bar industry in Canada. Laundering the money is achieved by buying a club. That’s why most only stay open for short periods.

LOL @Sallycanwait1.

LOL @Sallycanwait1**

And she'd nearly 40! That's one special lady. I thought most strippers only lasted until they were mid twenties. And she managed to carry on after bf her child. No saggy tits for her. Who is this superwoman?

You forgot, she’s also an expert on strip clubs worldwide!

Courtney555" married accountant by day, sexy pizza scoffing stripper by night

Ok....

I like Margaret Atwood's books, this does not mean that I have to agree with her on everything. I will still read her books.

I like my Dad and I don't agree with him on everything either (Brexit mainly). He is still my Dad.

Society should be richer for different views.

I don’t like Margaret Atwood’s books.

Almost two decades ago, Canada had a visa program for strippers-oops, “exotic dancers”. It eventually was terminated due to a political scandal. The women on those visas didn’t view themselves as “empowered”.

www.google.com/amp/s/ottawasun.com/2012/07/05/former-sex-slave-applauds-stripper-visa-ban/wcm/d46d5ed5-6ac1-400f-92d9-4462aec695c6/amp

You forgot, she’s also an expert on strip clubs worldwide!

One of her two degrees is actually on the history, culture and traditions of strip clubs globally.

Her dissertation simply said: They're all good.

“I (used to) cost £480 an hour.” Very telling choice of words, that. You don’t generally find women in my profession (lawyer) describing their hourly rate like that. Nor do you find many of them working in strip clubs - they don’t need to.
The other observation I’d make is, if true, it proves a fool and his money are soon parted ....

If its all so empowering, how come male chartered accountants arent taking their clothes off and dancing around for money of an evening?

Oh, Margaret. Didn’t think you’d fall for the fools gold of “empowerment”.

And yes, exactly, josepheen. It’s not about what benefits might accrue to the individual stripping. It’s what the impact of living in a culture where women’s bodies are entertainment does to all women.

The strippers I have known have not been like Courtney, whose experience does seem quite...extraordinary.

Perhaps Margaret is generating material for her next book?

If its all so empowering, how come male chartered accountants arent taking their clothes off and dancing around for money of an evening?

This. With tassels on.

Money laundering is generally putting your unearned income through the books, so saying you had 50 customers spending a grand each when actually you had 5 spending a hundred.

It’s the opposite of not declaring the cash.

Are you quite sure you’re an accountant?