Sex & the Cigar

11/13/08 - Dear Sex & the Cigar,
I just lost my job and my parents aren't helping me pay for college at all. I've tried applying for jobs to help pay my tuition but have had a lot of trouble getting one since it's mid-semester. Also, a lot of places aren't hiring. I know that on Craigslist, and in some personal ads, there are men who are looking to "help out" college girls with their bills. I've given this a lot of thought, and it goes against a lot of my morals - but I am desperate for cash. I don't want to have to drop out, but I don't want to have to whore myself out for money. What should I do?


- Achin' for the Bacon


Dear AB,


As a college student who doesn't come from the wealthiest family, I know exactly how you feel. Honestly though, I think meeting one of those guys would be a bad decision.

First and foremost, you don't know these people. You know nothing about their medical history.

It takes absolutely no effort to type into a Web site that someone is disease-free, when in all honesty, they could have all sorts of diseases. Sometimes people don't even know they have an STD until an unsuspecting victim like yourself catches one from them.

Do you remember when Myspace first came out? It was like a pedophile's dream come true! Na've teenagers were meeting people who weren't who they said they were raped and killed.

Heck, I remember one girl at my high school jumped on a plane one night without telling anyone to meet this boy somewhere in Ohio or something. Luckily, he was who he said he was. But still, everyone thought she was stupid for putting herself in that situation and for scaring the town half-to-death searching for her. This is the type of situation you would be putting yourself into.

If you are seriously considering prostitution, take a look at the article in the Cigar on Nov. 7 about prostitution in Rhode Island. It details what can happen if something were to go wrong.

If something happens and you go to the police, you will get in more trouble for prostitution than they will for hurting you. I don't think it is worth risking your life or your reputation.

Although it may help you pay for school now, later on, that information may somehow end up in the hands of a future employer and prevent you from getting a job. Or worse, maybe the guy you met is that future employer. However, in that case, at least you have blackmail.

Personally, I disagree with the whole idea of prostitution but, as it is pointed out in the letter to the editor today, to illegalize prostitution would be to regulate a person's liberties. Although prostitution is not looked upon highly, it is not necessarily bad money. However, it is not a safe "profession" and until it is, which I personally cannot see happening anytime soon, I would not recommend it to anyone.

If you're really strapped for cash, go through your stuff and sell it on eBay. It worked for a few friends of mine. It may not get you through college but it might help you get back on your feet until you find a job. Honestly, I would keep trying to find a job. Apply everywhere in the Kingston Emporium and around campus. Try looking for a work-study job through RhodyNet. There is always another option...

Have you seen the movie "American Psycho"? What if the guy you meet is like the guy in the movie? You are screwed.

Do you want to be the girl at the bottom of the stairs with a chainsaw sticking out of you? I don't think so.

So try and come up with more creative ways of making money and continue to search for a job because what good is a degree if you're a known prostitute?



- Scarlet Buns