The modern day “floating world” (better known as a red light district) that I would like to discuss is The Block, Baltimore. The Block is only one of the two remaining red light districts left in the United States. The rest, such as The Deuce in NYC, The Combat Zone in Boston, The Sporting District in San Antonio and may more, have long been eradicated and closed down by their respective cities. The aspect that I wanted to take into consideration is the lack of law enforcement in the area. Despite the fact that the local police precinct is merely steps away from the alleged red light district, enforcers of the law choose to turn a blind eye to the illegal acts that take place. Supposedly the argument is that rather than choosing to fight the problem (and perhaps inciting more aggravation), they maintain and contain the crimes to the one specific area. This makes it easier for the police to keep an eye on what goes on. However, I imagine that this must be quite inconvenient and uncomfortable to the neighboring communities simply due to the close proximity to the criminals.
- Aly
Great choice of a city Aly. The example you give on the law enforcement choosing to ignore what was going on around them is important as it helps highlight the way the city took action on this red light district. The aspect that I would like to focus on is the importance this “floating world” had on the city of Baltimore. The atmosphere of the Block started off as a friendly, exciting, and as an entertaining area where people would come together to attend some of the entertainment that was offered. The different sorts of entertainment that was offered in the 1940, 50’s, and 60’s included comedians and Opera shows that sold out quickly. The Block became well known at an international level due to word of mouth throughout WWII. However, this changed quickly as a less exciting and friendly way of entertainment came about. Over the years, the Block transformed both physically and morally, affecting the reputation of the city of Baltimore. Not only did the Block become smaller in size, but the Block became uncontrollable. Nowadays, the Block is not known for the right reasons. As opposed to the 40’s and 50’s where great things were heard, now things such as “Night Clubs facing $20,000 in fines for employing dancers as young as 15,” are the things that are heard about this area.
- Jorge M.
Aly and Jorge makes great points about the different aspects of the Block. The one aspect I’d like to discuss is how all the clubs and bars contribute to the surrounding neighborhood. Within the radius of the neighborhood of the Block is at least 20 strip clubs and bars. Because there are so many of them in one area the venues don’t have any cover charges which brings more people into the neighborhood. Although the people that it attracts have been noted to affect the neighborhood in a negative way. The entertainment within these clubs were changed drastically from a form of art to stripping and prostitution. These clubs also promote the use and sale of drugs which is openly seen throughout the neighborhood and the police do nothing about it. All of the good memories people had of how the Block used to be are quickly fading and although many people are speaking out about it, there isn’t much action being taken. These are also some of the main reasons why the Block is so infamous and well-known.
- Preston
4 responses so far ↓
MEZBAH ONU // Mar 3rd 2017 at 8:56 am
I honestly didn’t even realize the United States still had anything like this around still, but I’m not surprised. It’s an interesting way to look at things how the police officers look away but keep it controlled in a sense versus trying to shut it down. Almost making it seem that the lifestyle over there has been working like this so why stop it at this point. However clearly Jorge & Preston indicate that it’s not what it used to be, instead of art, it’s sex, drugs and bad headlines follow. Glad I learned a thing or two.
dy154836 // Mar 3rd 2017 at 10:35 am
I am also surprised that there are red light districts in the United States that authorities have turned a blind eye to. Unlike other countries, I feel that (especially on the surface) many people in the United States frowns upon prostitution and paying for sex. We do know that these things happen all the time but mostly because we hear about it on the news, not many of us have actually seen prostitution first hand.
Aly said that instead of dealing with the problem the authorities confine the crime in one area. Does this cause problems for the prostitutes that work there? What do authorities do to keep them safe if they try to contain crime in the area that prostitutes work in?
r.klamen // Mar 3rd 2017 at 12:13 pm
What I thought was especially interesting about your posts was the details about how The Block impacts the surrounding neighborhoods in both positive and negative ways. For example, that the Block brings more people to the area, but that the people that it is bringing are impacted the are in a negative way. There is a lot to say about a Red Light District in it of itself, but it’s easy to think that it exists on it’s own and doesn’t impact more than itself. It’s great that you showed that this is not true.
f.zaman1 // Mar 3rd 2017 at 12:42 pm
It isn’t surprising to me that some of the authorities in this country are turning a blind eye to crime that is occurring in their backyard. Not only would this increase crime but it would also send them a message that they infect can commit such crimes without being prosecuted, giving them more motivation. All in all, it defeats the entire purpose of their job. Although they believe that they can contain the crimes to one area, there will be a much larger issue at hand. Nonetheless, it shows that there is still some sort of corruption in law enforcement which can be very problematic.
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