great works ii – 2850 jta 12:25-2:05: love letters from the world

To open the discussion I think it is important to clarify, recreational drugs are illegal in Netherlands, including weed.  The reason why it is legal to smoke and for coffee shops to offer marijuana products is because there is a 5 gram policy tolerance for marijuana and “magic mushrooms”.  I personally believe that countries or districts that have an open mind regarding sensitive subjects such as drugs and prostitution are improving the lifestyle of their citizens in a lot of ways.  In the case of drugs, by legalizing it, there is no more need for people to go to dangerous places or go through sketchy situations just to get a few grams of weed or a couple of mushrooms.  In the case of prostitution, by legalizing it, the government can force this workers to get checked constantly, and educate them with proper information in order to keep them and their customers safer.  At the same time, by legalizing the different activities, a lot of unemployed individuals are no longer considered unemployed and living out of governmental support.  Not only these but they now pay taxes what gives government the opportunity to improve other areas or invest in sectors that require more money.  

• Joaquin Azcue

Another aspect within the red light district in Amsterdam is prostitution.  Prostitution has been legal in the Amsterdam since 1830; minor laws were passed to try to regulate the profession however they were never enforced.  It wasn’t till October 2000 that a law was passed that protected prostitutes. This law prevented human trafficking, and stated that any sex business must have a license allowing it to operate. If a business breaks this law by hiring minors or illegal immigrants it can lead to a closure of business.  The Dutch believe that banning prostitution can lead worse criminal behavior, which is why they allow it.  Within the red light district there are sex shops, sex shows, window prostitution, peep shows, and brothels.  I always knew prostitution was legal in Amsterdam, however I was surprised to learn about the rules and regulations that control it. I also learned that the red light district is a very popular tourist attraction in Amsterdam.

• Katarina Stojanovic

Prostitution isn’t an ideal profession to most of us but it’s an accepted profession in Amsterdam where it’s treated as a regular employed job in the Red Light District. Prostitutes get full benefits from health coverage to being in a union. Although it may sound odd, it’s treated like any other job. Prostitutes and the brothels who employee them also pay taxes. The prostitutes themselves benefit from the health coverage and at least its regulated unlike other places where it’s surrounded by drugs and violence. Cops are everywhere to protect both the public and the prostitutes themselves from any and all casualties. The government is gaining tax money out of all this as well. Since the concept pimps are out the picture, the women feel like they are their own bosses with their own schedules creating a sense of ownership and pride. It’s profitable and convenient to the prostitute who doesn’t have a degree of any sort to have a good source of income.

• Onu Mezbah

Amsterdam’s red light district contains a vast amount of history behind it. Also referred to as the “De Wallen,” it’s ultimately the country’s entertainment center. Located in the heart of the city, it covers just over a few blocks and are crossed by several canals. The red light district itself is a region of alleys that contain cabins rented by prostitutes who offer their services. As prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, sex workers would advertise themselves along the windows of the street. However, taking photos of these women are strictly prohibited. and sex workers advertise their wares from inside red-lit cabin windows along the street. But just about a decade ago, Amsterdam’s City Council shut down 51 of the prostitution sites due to a fear of an increase in crime. This reduced the total number of windows by a third. This “red light district” began in Amsterdam as early as the 14th century. But it wasn’t till the 19th century that prostitutes had to have health checks at least twice a week to ensure that the country’s soldiers didn’t pass on any disease or health concerns. The government later tried to ban prostitution for good but they then realized that such laws could not ban prostitution for good due to the underground activity. Prostitution was then created legal again but without solicitation. Thus creating the “window trade.” But during the 1960s, the government entirely legalized prostitution which later sparked an uptick in tourist attraction.  

• Farhan Zaman