A Red Light District in Atlantic City? Really? Really!?

Gloria Steinem, that historical bastion of second wave feminism, has a very simple test for whether or not something is sexist. When considering the situation at hand, ask yourself this: “Would a man be subjected to this? Would it be normal if this involved men and not women? Has there been any historical time when this was done to a man?”

Now comes the news that the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority is considering establishing a zone in Atlantic City’s South Inlet district for sexually oriented businesses. It leaves one to wonder if this area was targeted because of the presumption of a low NIMBY factor (NIMBY -- Not In My Back Yard). This may be a false presumption if the opposition to the Marina District tunnel is an example.

Unfortunately, this is not the only instance where Atlantic City has been sexualized. The city’s tourism slogan is “Always Turned On.” Some of the highest prostitution rates in the state happen in Atlantic City, including high numbers of sexual exploitation of children through prostituted youth. The casinos have capitalized on this by promoting the Naked Circus, the Angels – the list goes on and on.

A district specifically for sexually oriented businesses would be institutionalized sexism.

Don’t necessary buy that?

Consider Steinem’s test...would the city set up a district specifically for sexually oriented businesses that cater to women and use men as the strippers and dancers? Would the city open a shop catering to pornography that is primarily for women, showcasing men? Would many people come to a naked circus that had only men performers?

Or would the city be concerned that not enough revenue would come from such a venture? After all, the city has a big stake in any tourism venture—they gain 13% of each tourism dollar spent in Atlantic City. You know the saying, “Sex sells!” But is that really true? Or is it just that sex that exploits women sells? Would sex exploiting men and targeted to women still sell?

Probably not.

This makes the red light district that is being supported and codified by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the City of Atlantic City institutionalized sexism. The state sanctioned sexual objectification and exploitation of 50% of the population. Our tax dollars at work, helping to sell sex.