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I'm curious if you have a profession that is based on a certain assumption, do you forfiet your right to some legal liability? In this case, can a stripper sue someone for sexually harassing them? I mean, isn't their job description to be sexually harassed?
no, their job is to entertain, not to be fondled or pushed into doing something they dont want. Most strippers have some type of rules on where it is appropriate to touch. I think it is unfair to assume that those in the adult entertainment industry have it coming to them. (not that im saying you do assume that...I meant peoples assumptions in general)
Lets say you are in a strip club, following the rules, and not doing anything people don't normally do in a strip club. By normal, I mean slipping dollars into there fun parts, whistling, cheering, and in general just showing a little enthusiasm as though it was your favorite sporting team.
I think by definition they are exempt from sexual harassment. If you get out of hand, or they feel uncomfortable, the bouncer will break your legs. It is kinda like being a cop and getting shot on the job. You can't sue your employer for it, because it was a job associated risk that you knew when you signed on. I think strippers should know they are going to be objectified before they take the stage.
no I think that is wrong. When you sign up for a job as a stripper you are assured that your job will include nothing over those things layed out by the employer. Most cases will include exactly what you said, "slipping dollars into there fun parts, whistling, cheering, and in general just showing a little enthusiasm as though it was your favorite sporting team" but if your employer does not ensure there are boundaries, and a custmer gets out of hand, then that is sexual harassment, and I dont care what your profession is. It is the responsibility of the strip club owner to take care of his girls and ensure they are not being slapped around or raped in the next room. And you as a customer should be given the rules and if you choose to break them, you are liable.
I think you are attacking a different issue. I do not have a problem with strippers being able to sue for abuse and rape. My concern is that they are sticking their baby maker in your face and then suing you for making a derogatory comment about it. Sexual harassment, like the type in those sweet movies your employer makes you watch. Thats what I'm talking about. I don't think strippers should be susceptable to it based on the nature of their job. I shouldn't get sued for saying "shake it baby you won't break it" to a stripper, but I wouldn't complain if someone from work sued me for it.
I think strippers should know they are going to be objectified before they take the stage.
Hello U:
You're right. However, there's a big difference between being objectified in the customers mind (because that's what entertainment does), and physical assault. Unwanted touching is physical assault.
Your argument is the same one used by people who think that girls who dress sexily, are asking to be raped. I'm not one of those people.
The bottom line is, people can't take liberties because THEY objectify women, and think it means something.
I agree that the verbal comments should not really be considered sexual harassment in this case..but Sexual harassment is not only verbal. You needed to broaden your definition.
First everyone is missing the meaning of sexual harrassment in the work place, it is not from customers, it is from fellow employees and from management.
As for customers these are covered by law. Although it appears Universal Truth is going to some of the cheaper worst run places ( where you really don't want to see the strippers in the light of day) with properly ran strip clubs.
In most states these activities are controled by law and the customers are not allowe to touch ( period) now if the girls allow they are also breaking the laws
for example if you go into Walmart and make comments to the female clerk in the bakery, you will be asked to leave, this is harrassment of the worker, it is rude remarks, but they are not sexually harrassed as most states laws view it, since it has to be done by fellow workers and/or mangement. And the employee has to notify mangement of the action and tell the person doing it they do not wish it to continue.
Thus by pure use of the law, a customer may harrass, and that harassment may be sexual, but it does not fall under work discriminatoin of sexual harrassment.
Also most of the strippers at clubs are fairly nice ladies, many are college students who do this to pay for thier college, every few are "hookers" or pros. They are very professional and know just what to say and how far to go to seperate a customer from thier money.
So sorry but your misunderstanding of the law is the issue on this one.
This is by far the greatest discussion I have read so far.
In response to FR_Chuck- I have yet to meet an educated stripper. I've been to college, and everyone I work with has a college degree. They all swear they paid for college with student loans, not a fist full of singles smelling of cheap whiskey and stale cigarettes. I'm not saying strippers aren't smart, but how do they put that on a resume when applying for that after college job?
Chuck does make a great point, and probably the best one I have heard so far. However, I still think their pay scale increases based on the amount of harassment they take from the customer. So technically they are independant contracters working for the average customer. Wouldn't this make the customer the employer as well?
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