stevehottawa 196 Report post Posted October 16, 2015 Ok all. Please do NOT trash me for this and PLEASE understand I ask this with all the integrity possible. How do we know, as customers of MP, that the attendants are TRULY working because THEY WANT to and are not "forced". The unfortunate truth about this industry does connect it to human trafficking. I have asked many of my MAs if they "enjoy" working there, and do "they" (their bosses) treat them well. Of course, they have always answered yes. How can we be sure that when we visit our favourite MP, that it is NOT part of that world? I could never imagine myself enjoying my massage knowing that the woman that is "taking care of me" has been forced from her home and forced into this line of work. We can't be naive enough to think that this only goes on in other countries... Thoughts? 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterat 20911 Report post Posted October 17, 2015 I could never imagine myself enjoying my massage knowing that the woman that is "taking care of me" has been forced from her home and forced into this line of work. We can't be naive enough to think that this only goes on in other countries... I hear you brother! I know that horniness has overcome my better judgement before and may well do so again. Although I don't like to single out Asian massage/escort services they're the ones that I've felt less than comfortable with. When a provider has very limited language skills I have to think that they have few options for other employment. I tend to visit only verified independents and spas like CMJ, ALO group, Vibe. Given their turn-over in MA's I think there are plenty of options available to the ladies to do as they wish. I also find those spas and others 'appear' to be above board. This question also has me musing that C-36 probably made this situation worse: the anonymity of trafficked providers is in competition with the ones who may wish to avail themselves of an independent work place. Good question, a moral dilemma and one we should always think about. This thread may gain even more traction in the general discussion area..... but everyone seems to visit the ottawa postings! 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StefanieBell 240 Report post Posted October 17, 2015 When it comes to this line of work you really can never be 100% sure that women are doing what they want and enjoy it. This is especially true for MP's or street work. I have never worked as an MP, but my understanding is that often they are staffed by women new to the country, in those cases it is the risk you take as a client that you are supporting trafficing. I hope you are not, but in our world it exists. I try to believe that most of the women in this "world" are doing this the same as me. I really want to believe that, but I just don't know for a fact. I simply implore you, that if you have ANY reason to believe that a woman or establishment is a product of exploitation that you do not encourage it and even contact the authorities if you feel women are at risk. I love what I do, I had a little crisis at one point, but I truly love it....and only women that want to do what we do should be. If anyone is forced I want those women saved. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phaedrus 209521 Report post Posted October 17, 2015 It's a good - and fair - question. I've always worked on the basis that anyone at one of the spas with a good reputation is almost certainly there because she applied for the job, and is free to leave if she wishes; the frequency with which MAs tend to come and go (and come back again, sometimes at the same spa and sometimes at a different one) tends to make me think there's no coercion going on. I also think well-established and recommended indies are OK - anyone who's running a business herself is, again, probably doing so because she's chosen to. But in this case I'm thinking of the MAs that have been around for a while, who are active on the boards, and who may have their own website; not all of that is required by any means, but I look for more than just the occasional post on BP or wherever. As for whether any given person is really doing what she wants, or just doing what pays the bills... that's another matter entirely, and to some extent I think that's unknowable for us clients. But let's face it, there's a lot of people out there doing a job they'd perhaps not have chosen, but keep at it because it's better than the alternatives. I suspect most people in call centers, for example, would rather be elsewhere... 6 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Winnipegcub 21293 Report post Posted October 17, 2015 Agree with the other comments. Absolutely no guarantees. I too try and stick with reputable agencies or indies. I also do quite abit of research before I meet someone so look for patterns of reputability, some time in the business, and just the way the individual or company is presented. In fact generally with independent ladies they have a sense of professionalism, purpose and confidence that also seems to come through. And in fact that is a quality I find attractive so often draws me. I also generally tend to see ladies I've met and had a good connection with over and over again. So that does help as you get to know each other a little more and then for me - ensures they're doing it because they want to. Again no guarantees, but that seems to help me in my journey. Cub 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrgreen760 37785 Report post Posted October 17, 2015 It's a good - and fair - question. "As for whether any given person is really doing what she wants, or just doing what pays the bills... that's another matter entirely, and to some extent I think that's unknowable for us clients. But let's face it, there's a lot of people out there doing a job they'd perhaps not have chosen, but keep at it because it's better than the alternatives. I suspect most people in call centers, for example, would rather be elsewhere" Couldn't agree more and frankly it's something I think about each and every time. Here we see a teeny tiny representation of the trade generally and while some are running a small business others are clearly not. This is not the easiest gig and I do strive to ensure I'm a good guy/client but it's a question I ask myself and am I really helping or hurting? A dilemma for sure. Peace MG 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Warped88 5815 Report post Posted October 17, 2015 ...there's a lot of people out there doing a job they'd perhaps not have chosen, but keep at it because it's better than the alternatives. I suspect most people in call centers, for example, would rather be elsewhere... I think that's an important distinction that Phaedrus makes. The trafficking side of things, and all that entails, is one thing. And something that certainly needs to combated and curtailed. The other side of the forced coin is that of circumstance and opportunity. Circumstances and lack of other opportunities cause many (I'd argue the majority...that's another discussion) to work jobs they don't like. It's a simple fact of life...regardless of economic system. We do what we need to, honestly and with honour, in order to put food on the table and there's absolutely no shame in that. The opposite, in fact. And that's what the "Sex work is work" movement is promoting, in my opinion. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
