Stripping the Illusion Lap Dancing: Exposing the Reality of ... - Object

Object: Challenging Objectification
“For every Jordan there are millions of girls who will never become famous, and will
either: go into prostitution as they get older or give up the industry and do something
else, but be emotionally and even physically damaged by the industry.”
„Alexandra‟ 43
“On the one hand, I think there are many performers who see the business as being
genuinely positive e.g. empowerment, finances etc. On the other hand, I think many
of the performers exaggerate their opinions to help justify their choice to themselves.
As this is something that constantly goes on between performers – a sort of mutual
appreciation and encouragement for having found themselves in the business (which
is a necessity for morale and strength, which speaks volumes in itself) it is easy for
some people to gloss over any reservations or negative opinions they may hold.
I do believe it is also only possible to have a really clear, independent opinion on it
when you have actually left the industry. If performers were performing whilst
consciously agreeing with arguments against the industry, it would make life very
difficult for them mentally, so I think many of them block it out until they know they
are close to leaving.”
Ex-Waitress at Lap dancing Club 44
“When you‟re actually working as a dancer, you‟re not going to admit that you‟re not
making loads of money. If you do, then you‟re basically admitting that you‟re not very
good at your job – and part of the whole act is making out that you‟re desirable and
every man wants pay to spend time with you. And aside from all that, everyone has
their pride. Who‟s going to admit that no-one wants to see you take your clothes off?”
„Jacqui‟ 45
43 OBJECT interview
44 From the forthcoming book Stripped: The Reality of Lap Dancing. Jennifer Hayashi Danns with Sandrine Leveque.
45 Ibid
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