A souvenir postcard of local celebrity Nuala Rachorska
Sex
Trades
[including 'Hunters']
[Mature content warning- Adult
situations]
A souvenir postcard of local celebrity Nuala Rachorska
| Hunting
Licenses and Joy Hotels – Sex on Spontoon By Dr. Naomi Osthauser Sociology Department University of Woolamaloo, Australia 1936 Being largely of Polynesian stock, the native Spontoonies have a very different outlook on intimate matters than Europeans or Americans (“Euros” in Spontoonie parlance). Thousands of tourists come to these islands each year to enjoy the tropical climate and the open nature of the native population. Many efforts have been made to regulate the occupation (or avocation) of prostitution throughout the world, but in several places it is well-regulated. Spontoon, with an eye toward the overall health of its own people as well as the health of its many visitors, is no exception. The discerning observer will note that the Althing’s Ministries of Tourism and Health are the principal guardians of Spontoon’s ‘working girls’ (the euphemism is essentially correct, although there are male prostitutes in the islands as well). Each new worker must be approved by the Tourism Ministry (prerequisites include age and citizenship) and receive monthly inspections by the Ministry of Health for illnesses such as venereal disease or mange before being issued a permit. This is sometimes jokingly referred to as a ‘hunting license.’ Those attempting to work without such a license face arrest and possible deportation. There are several types of prostitute licensed to operate in the Spontoon Island Independencies, beginning with what are known as ‘street girls’ that may require as little as fifty US cents for their services. Higher in status are those workers who ply their trade in houses of ill repute, or bordellos, followed by ones who work from private homes and apartments. The highest class prostitutes can be equated to the Greek hetairai or Japanese gei-sha. These women are usually highly educated and well-trained in the amorous arts, and therefore command a much higher price for their services. Some can be seen escorting a millionaire tourist on Casino Island, or serving as a local ‘star’ in a Hollywood picture. The services offered by these workers vary, from simple escort service (a bachelor wanting some companionship at dinner) to a longer-term contract (a wealthy tourist needing a housemate for a month). Other services include the entire gamut of intimate relations (for references, see Krafft-Ebbing; although there are some services offered that furs only whisper about). The bordello (or Joy Hotel) has a long history on Casino Island, starting with Madame Wu’s Lotus Palace, first located at the Old China Dock on the western end of the island and later relocated (following a fire) to a post near Pier 1. Madame Wu’s dates back to 1914, and although her daughter now runs the establishment (the elderly Mrs. Wu died in 1930) the business is still running. The other oldest brothels still operating are Jumping Jimmy’s Joy Joint and the poorly-spelled “Hos R Us,” both located near Pier 1. Other establishments extend south, past the power plant and toward Pirate’s Cove. However, with the opening of the Treasure Point Amusement Park, the Althing has ceased the licensing of brothels in the southeast corner of Casino Island. All brothels are licensed and inspected by the Althing. The trade in intimate relations is a thriving business on Spontoon, with some bordello employees making nearly one thousand Spontoonie shells a week (1937). Of that money, their guild exacts a share, followed by the madam of the establishment, the actual owners (who sometimes exercise extreme discretion to prevent unwanted attention) and the Althing. This is not to say that a professional prostitute has as much or more social cachet as a doctor or attorney. Many people still harbor deep prejudices toward those whose only trade is their own bodies; this attitude is reinforced by a native perception that their young women (and men, in some cases) are being exploited by “Euro” tourists. Nevertheless, as tourism grows and more people arrive to enjoy the pleasant climate, the sex trade in the Spontoons is expected to expand and flourish. (edited by Walter D. Reimer) |
