The Imperfect Community

[Sewingsiren]

http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/en/shanghai/features/2005_05/S1110346975
Any thoughts?

[Scout]

I always find it ironic when "women's rights" advocates think women don't have the right to rent out their bodies if they want to, for whatever reason.

[Sewingsiren]

What about this though?

A few minutes later the phone rings again. It is a national women's magazine. Would Zhu be prepared to let his 20 charges pose topless for a cover photo? The terms, he is told, would be generous. He hangs up, promising to discuss it with the boss and call back.

He shuffles around the pokey office rubbing his hands together in glee. "Ha! Brilliant! We could make a lot of money out of this," he says.

But then the smile slides off his face; he sighs, shakes his head and slumps back into the chair.

"Or maybe not. I think we're in enough trouble as it is."

[Scout]

Well, clearly his motivation is questionable, but I don't think that changes the fact that these women have a right to choose to do what they want with their bodies.

[Sewingsiren]

I think it is a bit strange that a women's magazine is the one requesting a topless photo (of the wet nurses) and the fledgling women's movement are the ones that are supposed to be upset about the exploitation of women as wet nurses. Perhaps something is being lost in the translation?

[Scout]

yeah, that does seem odd. It's always hard to put things like this in the proper cultural context.