What do you think of this idea?

[lightningandsnow]

The latest issue of the school newspaper, with my article in it, came out today. Which means I have to start thinking about next issue...

I am thinking on doing an article about the cases for (and against) legalizing or decriminalizing prostitution. This has local relevance, as a group of activists from my city have launched an official court challenge to get current prostitution laws overturned. Some of the people directly involved in this are basically friends of a friend (I have interesting friends, what can I say), so I could definitely interview them. I could also ask students what they think about the issue. (i.e. a student who sees a lot of street prostitution in their neighborhood may be opposed)

I'm very interested in this topic, but will other people be? Or is it not relevant, really, to the people who will be reading the paper? Also... do you think the school would let me write about such an issue? (They did let me write about sex ed, after all...)

[fizzgig]

1. i think it's a fantastic idea

i think one definite question to ask is whether your peers feel it is corrupting them or making them want to go be prostitutes themselves (i'm sure that's one argument against it).

it might be controversial, but i say go for it

[qb]

2. I say go for it. I think you will write a fascinating article.

One thing this has in common with the legalized drugs issue is the ability to regulate it (and tax it) and protect the health of the workers & users.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

3. It's a good idea.

Go for it.

[FloridaJudy]

4. It would be a lively article

There are good arguments on both sides of the issue. I tend to favor decriminalization for harm reduction, but there are many I respect who disagree with me.

Damn! I wish they'd let us tackle issues like this when I was in High School: it would have been a lot more interesting. My school paper seemed devoted to subjects like the latest fund raisers for the pep club, the exploits of the football team, and tater tots vs. home fries in the cafeteria.

[IzaSparrow]

5. great idea...

you could try to find some current and historic cultural perspectives outside U.S./canada where no stigma is placed on prostitution.

I think I'd be thinking about another idea as well, though.

[TrogL]

6. Prostitution (but not solicitation) is legal in Canada

Amsterdam and other countries.

Seems to work here.

Excellent topic. Your school's adminstration is to be complimented for allowing outside-the-box thinking.

[Oeditpus Rex]

7. I wouldn't

First, I doubt the administration would let the paper print it — though maybe things are different in Canadia; I dunno. (For examples of things fuck-headed administrators have censored from school newspapers, check out the Student Press Law Center.)

Second, as you're wondering yourself, I don't think this would be of much interest to high school students. They don't solicit prostitutes (unless they're very advanced) and they can't vote on such an issue, even on the slim chance it would be on a ballot.

They'd read it, though — because it's "hot" and they could "Ooooooh!" at it — and, likely, at you. I'd be afraid some would taunt you along the lines of "Aspie wants to be a hooker!"

If you have the time, write two articles — this one, and another on a topic that has more of an effect on high school students. Whether because of the administration or your own second thoughts, you may need something else to turn in, and the worst time to learn that is on deadline.

[Jamastiene]

8. I don't know how your school would view it, but

I would be interested in reading it. I'm all for legalizing it, personally.

[DS1]

9. I think it would be tactically smart to give them a

soft article this time around, and then hit them doubly hard with your prostitution article in the next episode.

Write about something everyone can agree on, then hit them with the prostitution article. Also, take the extra week to really refine what you want to say.