Love + Sex

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Women gone wild: Sex tourism in Africa

Getty Images

Getty Images

Sex tourism is usually associated with creepy guys and pedophiles, but it seems skeevy women have recently been getting in on the act, too. Apparently, Kenya is all the rage for (mostly Euro) ladies in their autumn years to pick up hot young African studs who are more than willing to hang out in exchange for the riches these women bestow on them (in the form of new clothes and free booze and food). While some of these women claim at best, everyone's all innocently having a fabulous time--"It's a social arrangement. I buy him a nice shirt and we go out for dinner. For as long as he stays with me he doesn't pay for anything, and I get what I want, a good time. How is that different from a man buying a young girl dinner?"--at worst, the scenario is mutually exploitative. Of course, not everyone is admitting that sex is part of the bargain, but well, it's obvious to all involved. "It's not evil," said Jake Grieves-Cook, chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board, when asked about the practice of older rich women traveling for sex with young Kenyan men.

"But it's certainly something we frown upon."-Reuters

Jeez, what the heck ever happened to going on a good old fashioned safari? There are so many elements of this scenario (AIDS, exploitation...) that fill me with what Reuter's calls a "vague unease," and please don't accuse me of being a crappy feminist for frowning upon the practice. Yes, women should feel free and comfortable to exercise their sexuality, but I don't support men who go off on so-called sex safaris either, and to be completely honest, I'm not too wild about old men robbing the cradle. (Maybe that means I don't love cougars? I'll have to think about that some more.) Then again, it's slightly different for women: After all, your average lady can't physically dominate or cause bodily harm to a male. Still, in the situation where poverty is a major factor, it's her financial prowess that puts her in the position of power. Maybe they should just open up one of those Hedonism vacation packages to elders. That might even out the playing fields.

What do you think? Is sex tourism between consensual adults okay?
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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 88
  • ronald m's Avatar
    Posted by ronald m Tue Aug 19, 2008 7:39am PDT

    go for it okay with meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

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  • jeanne.lees's Avatar
    Posted by jeanne.lees Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:25am PDT

    That's crazy - stay in your own country. We have plenty of dudes here who would love the action! Besides we need to keep aids and other venerial diseases out of the US...

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  • oluomoowo2007's Avatar
    Posted by oluomoowo2007 Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:02am PDT

    If men can do it, women of course should do it. Olu.

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  • lil_lady_354's Avatar
    Posted by lil_lady_354 Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:23am PDT

    um i guess people are stupid punk ass ----- s who wanna put racism s--- on the internet cause they know if they say it around some black people they ass gon be on the floor cryin for help

    Report Abuse
  • Chefzero's Avatar
    Posted by Chefzero Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:33am PDT

    Its more of racial exploitation. I hope they use some protection

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  • Ms. K's Avatar
    Posted by Ms. K Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:33am PDT

    Dave your comment is just completely racist. People are people and I think what the concerns should be is spreading STD's and not the color of the people skin. Ignorant people when will they learn....

    Report Abuse
  • SherE143's Avatar
    Posted by SherE143 Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:37am PDT

    Why not? It's their money, they can spend it anyway they want to. And Dave, that was really unnecessary.

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  • Chefzero's Avatar
    Posted by Chefzero Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:38am PDT

    And who says aids and venereal diseases are only found in Africa

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  • kelvin's Avatar
    Posted by kelvin Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:40am PDT

    I 'd be more interested in sex tourism in Europe and America, there are more unbelievable stuff going on there!

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  • LAURA's Avatar
    Posted by LAURA Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:49am PDT

    I THINK IS OK, BECAUSE MANY WOMEN DON´T ENJOY SEX WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG, SO IF THEY HAVE FUN IS OK, THEY DON´T HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE MARRIED WOMEN, SO THEY ARE SO HAPPY.

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Comments 1-10 of 88

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