“Floating Worlds”
As many of you note, sustaining a red light district often has both positive and negative aspects. As some of you comment, legalizing prostitution might well eliminate several negative elements, although for many people, there is still an ethical issue to deal with. However, as others note, prostitution is the “oldest profession,” and will likely thrive, legal or not.
Question: should we embrace it, accept it, or eliminate (as best one can)?
Benefits: Revenue for the community (especially when legalized) from people working directly in the field, but increasingly, and more recently, from tourism; increase of business in the area (although not always savory); historical importance: whether arising seemingly on their own, near shipyards, or during a war, many of these districts are really old, and preserve an account of lifestyle throughout different eras; a source of income for people(mostly women) who have no other means of supporting themselves and their families.
Liabilities: Corrupt police and officials who are bribed to look the other way; abuse of prostitutes (including child abuse); sex trafficking; spread of disease (although as many observe, legalization and regularization would greatly decrease this); demoralization in the surrounding community; increasing crime (drugs, theft, even violent acts); increase of unsavory business enterprises in the area.