RobX 2084 Report post Posted March 31, 2010 Iceland's strip club ban: A feminist victory? http://theweek.com/article/index/201336/Icelands_strip_club_ban_A_feminist_victory Some commentators call Iceland's strip club ban a win for women everywhere. But what about the adult right to bare all? posted on March 30, 2010, at 1:18 PM Is Iceland's strip club ban a victory for women ? or a danger? Photo: Corbis Best Opinion: Guardian, The Frisky, Feministe, Jezebel The government of Iceland last week outlawed all businesses that profit off the nudity of employees ? strip clubs, most notably. Many feminists have cheered the move. Janice Raymond, a director of Coalition Against Trafficking in Women believes it is "a victory... for everyone worldwide who repudiates the sexual exploitation of women." But other observers eschew the idea that stripping is inherently exploitative and wonder if the ban won't backfire. Is Iceland's new law visionary ? or just short-sighted? Iceland has become a beacon of true feminism: This small nation of 320,000 people "is fast becoming a world-leader" in feminist politics, says Julie Bindel in the Guardian. Why? Thank "a strong women's movement and a high number of female politicians" who worked together to pass this legislation. Hopefully, this ban will serve as a "shot in the arm" to other countries ? the U.K., most notably ? that should be doing more to stop the exploitation of women. "Iceland: the world's most feminist country" Wrong move, Icelanders: This is definitely "not a feminist victory," says Miriam at Feministing. If history is any guide, the industry will just be forced underground and that will "harm the workers more than anyone." The best option "would be a highly regulated industry that made sure dancers' rights were protected" ? think "good wages," unions, a safe work environment, and tough enforcement on human trafficking laws. "Iceland bans strip clubs..." Actually, Iceland is a unique case where this makes sense: In general, it's true that banning an industry just forces it underground, says Matt Yglesias at Think Progress. But that's "probably not true of Iceland" ? a country so tiny that people don?t even have last names. Here, "the authorities would find out about" any underground clubs ? after all, there are no secrets in a country of 320,000. From a U.S. perspective, this is more analogous to a small town banning strip clubs. "Iceland bans strip clubs" Don't forget, strippers are people too: It's true that stripping isn't all "glitter and fun" and third-wave feminist empowerment, says Jill Filipovic at Feministe. "I?d be willing to bet that most strippers strip because it pays pretty well." So, sure, some feminists are declaring victory because Icelandic frat boys won't be able to "male bond over seeing naked ladies anymore." But keep in mind: "the ladies will be the ones who are dead broke because of it." "Iceland bans strip clubs" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Megan'sTouch 23875 Report post Posted March 31, 2010 Feministing wrote a very good response: http://www.feministing.com/archives/020546.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BownChickaBown 4829 Report post Posted March 31, 2010 Can they now be officially called 'Frigidland' instead? (haha, Sorry. As a not-so-starving comedian, I couldn't resist.) . o O ( I also know where NOT to go for a bachelor party.) :boobeyes: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cato 160314 Report post Posted March 31, 2010 I can't stand puritanism, whatever political coloration it gives itself. You'd think Icelanders would have other things to worry about since their economy collapsed last year. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
etasman2000 15994 Report post Posted March 31, 2010 There are no male strippers in Iceland ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
