Potential Difference between Aboriginal and Caucasian SexWorkers
For at least the past year I’ve been pondering whether there are
inherent differences between aboriginal sex workers, and those of us
with other backgrounds. And the differences I’m concerned about are
cultural ones, I think.
I first wondered about all this after attending various public
meetings about sex work, and related issues, and observing the comments
and concerns of our sisters of native heritage. ‘Comments’ is a polite
way of referring to many of the feelings that were expressed. Full-on
Rage ,as well as weeping and wailing were often the methods of
expression. I found this startling, as in a Caucasian culture, this is
not thought of as a good way to get your points across, and be respected
in the process. It seems that the Canadian mainstream have learned how
to remove emotion from the equation , and use a more logic based style
of communication in order to get to the facts first, and the trauma
later.
One wonders whether this method of expression, fully in place with
our Justice system, is at odds with the aboriginal outlook?
Or is it just that many of the women I’ve observed at these public
forums and protests, with their shouting and crying, and hysterical
accusations are wanting attention of almost any kind. They obviously
don’t feel listened to ,and don’t feel looked after, and maybe have
never had a sense of mattering to anyone, certainly not in terms of the
Canadian culture, or system ,as a whole.
All that being said, I know from other experiences, and gatherings,
that not all Canadian aboriginal women express themselves this way. I
have seen, and heard speak, many women of native heritage who express
themselves with dignity and careful words.
It seems that the hysterical ones, are also the ones who wish to
banish sex work altogether……. those we call the abolitionists. I’ve
heard that there is no prostitution in the aboriginal cultures, that
this is a ‘practise’ or profession originating from those of European
heritage primarily.
I’d certainly like to know more about aboriginal customs, and
lifestyles, how they differ from ours, and what we could learn from
their ways of life…….. I know the ways of the White Man have been
shoved down aboriginal throats, and much of their own culture, and
practises, and beliefs may have been lost, in the process.
For now, as someone who has made a success of engaging in sex work
for almost 3 decades, I cannot possibly entertain the concept of
abolishing the work I have so enjoyed. This profession has been very
good to me, and I know I’m not the only one. Certainly, while being in
this field, attitude is EVERYTHING. It’s very hard to feel good about
something that others will criticize you for , and stigmatize you for.
If there are aboriginal women out there who like sex work, and who
plan to stay in it, and are not ashamed of it, I’d love to connect with
them ,and their stories. If there are reasons, in their cultures, why
they cannot feel good about this work, I’d like to know more about their
early teachings.
