Gender

Philadelphia’s placement of its adult venues is a curious

one. It is right on one of the largest streets of the city and it is in no way

subtle as to the contents inside. It is even close to the rail hub that is 30th

streets, from which many a tourist will disembark. If nothing else, it speaks

to the freedom with which the sexuality of women is regarded and the relative

nonexistence of taboos dealing with the placement of such shops (or is it theaters?).

 

Attitudes towards the sexuality of women can act as a

barometer for how far a society’s influence has spread. The vastly different role

that women play in places such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, compared to those

roles played in places such as France and the United States, shows that while

globalization is a powerful force, it has not been able to eradicate all

cultural and traditional values. On the other hand, women in Burkas in

Philadelphia are not an uncommon sight, and provide an example of cultural

influence working from the East to the West.

Done