DANCERS DESERVE MORE RESPECT

Re: More regulation for "adult" businesses, letter, July 3.

I wonder if the letter writer thinks dancers are "worthless sex
objects" just while they are dancing or all the time? If she considers
dancers "worthless sex objects" it says more about her lack of respect
for herself as woman than it does about dancers.

"All too often, they turn to prostitution and drugs," she wrote. My
experience with dancers tells me there is nothing further from the
truth. Drugs and prostitution are a societal problem and are in no way
indigenous to adult businesses. Dancers have no more of a drug problem
than the general public.

Most women who come to dancing were already in situations where they
had no way to pursue higher education or worthwhile careers and use
dancing as a catalyst to reach these goals if they so desire. Women
who have children and not much education or skills end up in fast-food
restaurants or other such places making minimum wage. For a young
woman this is a never-ending quagmire that is hard to get out of.

Most of the dancers I have experience with keep their respect and are
trying to help themselves.

Joe Redner

Tampa