With the economy worsening, many women are turning to desperate measures to make ends meet: taking their clothes off. An article on MSNBC explains that, "The tough job market is prompting a growing number of women across the country to dance in strip clubs, appear in adult movies or pose for magazines like Hustler."

While I believe that a woman should have the choice of whether or not to pursue a career that involves getting naked, it really angers me when people try to argue that strippers and porn stars are only in their professions because they chose it and they enjoy it. Some might, yes, but there are many more who turn to it out of desperation. It's upsetting that these women feel as if their only option is to take off their clothes and be ogled. I was mildly surprised by the quote from an adult film giant, who wants to warn women against rushing into something they might regret:

"Once you decide to be an adult actress, it impacts your relationship with everyone," said Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of adult film giant Vivid Entertainment Group. "Once you make an adult film, it never goes away."

But the stripping industry? Not so much.

"You're seeing a lot more beautiful women who are eligible to do so many other things," said Gus Poulos, general manager of New York City’s Sin City gentleman's club.

Why thank you, Gus, I'm so happy you have faith in "beautiful women." The article also stated, "Some performers said they were initially so nervous that only alcohol could calm their nerves."

That's wonderful. Nervous, desperate women are being fed alcohol to "loosen up" enough to take their clothes off for men. I don't deny that stripping can be empowering for some women, I just cannot stand when people try to deny the "other side" of stripping. A few months ago, I went to my first strip club with some friends out of curiosity. One of my friends, by request of the owner and some customers, was asked to dance. She did, but only took off her top. The owner came over, while she was dancing, and removed her pants for her. Later, when he offered her a job, he was sure to give her a large cup of alcohol to "loosen her up" before she signed her soul over to him. She declined.

If I had things my way, strip clubs wouldn't exist. If I had things partly my way, only strong, independent women who want to feel "empowered" would be stripping, and would know when to tell a man to back the fuck off. But I don't have things my way at all, and so desperate impoverished women are entering strip clubs, and never coming back out.