In da club

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

By Matthew Irwin

You may be offended by the contents of this week’s cover story on exotic dancing, but not only do we think it was well written and entertaining, but also that, in some small way, it opens doors on the extended culture of Jackson Hole. That one has to drive to Alpine to see a stripper, to begin with, speaks volumes.

In parts of Southern California, the term “sex worker” is preferred to “prostitute.” In progressive regions around the country, people advocate for legalizing the world’s oldest profession to protect and recognize these workers, among other reasons. In the West, we have a nostalgic affection for brothels past, even if we like to pretend that maybe something else went on in those rooms upstairs.

But . . . we are not talking about prostitution. Even if strip clubs and prostitution have been known to go together, we’re not talking prostitution. What we’re talking about is America’s unhealthy and unrealistic relationship with sex.

Some younger Jackson residents might argue that a Saturday night at 43 North demonstrates they are not so “prude,” but that young folks need to get so drunk to pursue their desires only proves my point.

Alcohol grants permission from oneself as well as from perceived social mores. Americans are conditioned to feel guilty about sex, especially about enjoying sex – I was raised Lutheran and Catholic, so guilt and moral instruction comprised the first couple decades of my life.

However, you might say that the DIY spirit of the West survives in the decision to seek this permission. Not ideal, as the potential then increases for deeper sensations of guilt, and alcoholism.

That folks attending the Men of Steel and Bare Necessities nights at the Bull Moose Saloon asked not to be identified in freelance writer Micheline Auger’s story (Adults Only, page 9) is not a surprise. They were pragmatic, acting out of self-preservation.

Even less surprising is that Bare Necessities hid behind company policy to shield its dancers from interviews. They don’t want to be recognized back in Idaho Falls.
Hang the human form in a museum, and it’s to be admired, but otherwise, it’s dirty and wrong. If we appreciate only the skill of the artist and not the subject of his work, then I’d say we also have some soul-searching to do about art, as well. I sadly think that former Attorney General John Ashcroft, when he tried to cover the Spirit of Justice’s breast, was one of the few people to understand there can be no separation between our attitudes toward sex and our practices.

Of course, my stance would be that the more we stigmatize and mystify sex the more unhealthy and possibly deviant our attitudes toward it will be. Do we find it surprising that some of the loudest guardians of moral behavior turn out to ignore their own decrees – Jim Bakker, Larry Craig, Eliot Spitzer?

Auger’s story is not about these issues. It’s about going to a couple of “dancer nights” at the Bull Moose with some friends, male and female – all of them enjoying themselves.

If you suspect you’ll be offended, then don’t read it.

If we are really concerned that these women and men are being exploited, then why not take more steps to protect them rather than shame them?  PJH
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In da club | Planet JH News Article: Editorial

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