SWM Seeks Live-In Whore, Libertarian Atheist Preferred
The Miami Herald has a good article on the rising number of craigslist.com ads offering really cheap rent in exchange for sex. Example:
Prudes, feminists and police have their panties in a bunch, of course. But, not as much as civil rights activists who don't like the fact that people put discriminatory language in their ads, like "no minorities", "non-women of color need not apply" and "Christian seeks Christian roommate". The Herald reports that there are several legal suits involving activists trying to force craigslist.com to censor housing notices.
Not only do I think that craigslist.com shouldn't be held responsible for these ads, I don't think the people who place them should be either. They have a First Amendment right to place whatever kind of ad they want. This is no small matter. As James Bovard lays out in "The Growing Farce of Fair Housing" civil rights organizations are increasingly punishing newspapers and real estate companies that print ads saying "discriminatory" things like "scenic view" (discriminates against blind people), "walking distance from subway" (discriminates against people in wheelchairs), "across the street from a synagogue" (discriminates against non-Jews) and "adults preferred" (discriminates against families). Some have went bankrupt from lawsuits.
Beyond the obvious First Amendment right of Americans to say whatever the hell they want, it's in everybody's best interest - including minorities and non-Christians - to allow the free-flow of discriminatory ads. If it becomes illegal for notices to contain discriminatory statements, then a lot of people will end up wasting their time applying for apartments or jobs that they will never get. Imagine if ads couldn't list the rent amount because it was deemed discriminatory against poor people. Millions of people would show up to apartment viewings only to find that the apartment was out of their price range. What a waste of time.
Strangely, the article doesn't discuss the growing tendency (especially on the left) to put politically discriminatory language in housing and personal ads, like "progressive household seeks roommate", "liberal-minded roommate wanted", "if you're a Republican, don't apply to my personal ad", etc. (I've never seen a housing or personal ad that discriminates against progressives). I support people's right to make such statements, but it's a little hypocritical. Especially if they want to turn around and say other people can't make their strongly-held preferences known.
Upscale executive seeks beautiful female 18-24 to live in his luxury condo in Coral Gables for $1/month in exchange for some light duties. Help take care of dog, cook occasionally. Sex 2x/week. Serious inquires only. Please email a picture for consideration.
Prudes, feminists and police have their panties in a bunch, of course. But, not as much as civil rights activists who don't like the fact that people put discriminatory language in their ads, like "no minorities", "non-women of color need not apply" and "Christian seeks Christian roommate". The Herald reports that there are several legal suits involving activists trying to force craigslist.com to censor housing notices.
Not only do I think that craigslist.com shouldn't be held responsible for these ads, I don't think the people who place them should be either. They have a First Amendment right to place whatever kind of ad they want. This is no small matter. As James Bovard lays out in "The Growing Farce of Fair Housing" civil rights organizations are increasingly punishing newspapers and real estate companies that print ads saying "discriminatory" things like "scenic view" (discriminates against blind people), "walking distance from subway" (discriminates against people in wheelchairs), "across the street from a synagogue" (discriminates against non-Jews) and "adults preferred" (discriminates against families). Some have went bankrupt from lawsuits.
Beyond the obvious First Amendment right of Americans to say whatever the hell they want, it's in everybody's best interest - including minorities and non-Christians - to allow the free-flow of discriminatory ads. If it becomes illegal for notices to contain discriminatory statements, then a lot of people will end up wasting their time applying for apartments or jobs that they will never get. Imagine if ads couldn't list the rent amount because it was deemed discriminatory against poor people. Millions of people would show up to apartment viewings only to find that the apartment was out of their price range. What a waste of time.
Strangely, the article doesn't discuss the growing tendency (especially on the left) to put politically discriminatory language in housing and personal ads, like "progressive household seeks roommate", "liberal-minded roommate wanted", "if you're a Republican, don't apply to my personal ad", etc. (I've never seen a housing or personal ad that discriminates against progressives). I support people's right to make such statements, but it's a little hypocritical. Especially if they want to turn around and say other people can't make their strongly-held preferences known.
posted by Cicero @ 3/21/2006
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