The Reality of Strip Clubs

The Reality of Strip Clubs

Through popular music videos and television shows, strip clubs are shown in a glamorized light with sexy exotic dancers, filthy rich bachelors, and plenty of cash. However, with the flashy perception of the clubs, little knowledge is given towards the treatment and rights of strippers. 

With its existence, beginning in the 18^th century by London elite gentlemen, it was made purposeful for the entertainment of men. It was not until the 19^th century’s Reform Acts, in which the clubs became more popular. ^[1] During such era, the establishments were called gentlemen’s clubs and had strict memberships, intended for men who shared similar interests. In addition, the clubs were intended for an environment for men to interact with each other rather than for sexual entertainment.

Today, there is a distinction between strip clubs and gentlemen clubs. A major difference is the upper clientele and more expensive prices that gentlemen clubs have, in comparison to strip clubs. ^[2] Nonetheless, both clubs serve a purpose as “a harmless environment for men to be entertained by women.” ^[3] Some even claim that the clubs help to avoid adultery and allow an outlet for sexual yearnings, while others criticize that it gives men the power over women.

Regardless of its purpose, less emphasis is given towards the employees: the exotic dancers. Given their misconceived image of high, yet easy income, strippers are often placed in mistreating work environments. With the high risk that comes with being a dancer, it is assumed that numerous protection laws and rights would be placed for the stripping industry. However, while laws do exist, many of them pertain to age limitations and alcohol intake. For instance, full nudity strip clubs often prohibits alcohol, while semi-coverage allows for the serving of alcohol. ^[4] Although the laws seem reasonable, there are no harsh laws given in place for the contact of strippers and patrons. Strippers face risky interactions with customers daily, hence some statistics include: 61% have been spit on, 72% have been punched, 89% have been called a bitch, and more than 60% have faced sexual abuse with customers grabbing their breasts, butt, or genital, at least once during their careers. ^[3] Based on the statistics, I do agree with the argument stated previously, that men do act as an authority over women while at strip clubs. With their disrespect and nonchalant attitude toward the well-being of the entertainers, many customers treat the women as though they are worthless. Despite the ill treatment, some dancers remain dedicated to their careers, as eight percent of dancers have worked for over twenty years. ^[5]

            The stripping industry has various misconceptions that often strippers fall victim to belief of. According to the U.S District Court of New York, strippers are employees and not independent contractors. ^[6] While strippers are thought of as being their own contractors, a management still exists as it controls and watches over the working conditions.  Strip club employers are subject to pay for worker’s compensation, social security, and minimum wage for dancers. However, it is illegal for employers to take any of the stripper’s tips or require them to tip other employees, although it is ^[7] Despite the negative truth behind the industry, there are positive truths to the workers, in which 1 out of 3 dancers are in college, while 91% of strippers raised in a religious homes continue to have close relationships with their parents. ^[5]

expected for strippers to “underwrite the remainder of [their coworkers] wages.”

            Furthermore, as the industry is often perceived as a way to get easy money, it still involves the risk of harmful consequences, such as sexual abuse. While strip clubs remain popular, it is clear that they are not going out of business anytime soon. However, I do feel that it is necessary to implicate more restrictions and laws for the industry, in order to protect the well-being of the dancers.

[1] "Gentlemen's Club History." Gentlemen's Club History. http://www.gentlemensclubreading.com/gentlemens_club.html (accessed January 31, 2014).

[2] "Strip Club Vs Gentlemen's Club - What's The Difference." Strip Club Vs Gentlemen's Club - What's The Difference. http://www.slideshare.net/flag3stone/strip-club-vs-gentlemens-club-whats-the-difference (accessed January 31, 2014).

[3] Holsopple, Kelly . "STRIP CLUB TESTIMONY." Object.org. http://www.object.org.uk/files/Strip_club_study%20Holsopple.pdf (accessed January 29, 2014).

[4] Thomson Reuters. "Strip Club Laws and the Regulation of Sexually Oriented Business." Findlaw. http://smallbusiness.findlaw.com/business-laws-and-regulations/adult-entertainment-law-zoning-and-other-regulations.html (accessed January 30, 2014).

 [5] Greenpson, Sam. "11 Eye-Opening Statistics About Strippers - 11 Points." 11 Eye-Opening Statistics About Strippers - 11 Points. http://www.11points.com/Dating-Sex/11_Eye-Opening_Statistics_About_Strippers (accessed January 29, 2014).

[6] Cook, Dan. "Strippers are employees, not independent contractors." Employee Benefits News & Data for Benefits Brokers, Benefits Managers & Retirement Advisors. http://www.benefitspro.com/2013/10/15/strippers-are-employees-not-independent-contractor (accessed January 29, 2014).

[7] "Stripper Labor Rights 101 « License to Pimp." License to Pimp RSS. http://licensetopimp.com/stripper-labor-rights-101/ (accessed January 30, 2014).