Love + Sex

Friday, December 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 81-88 of 88
  • Chainey A's Avatar
    Posted by Chainey A Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:18pm PDT

    Guess what, people, sex tourisum has been practiced for THOUSANDS of years. BY MEN. What's the difference in women doing the same damn thing that men have been doing since the begining of time? Why is it not frownd upon when men do it with young girls and women who are FORCED into it? Why get so upset about women makeing arrangements with WILLING men? Let me guess, you bleeding hearts say "Oh, they're just exploiting these poverty stricken people..." Guess what. Poverty is everywhere. You know what, nevermind the risks of STDs, that's everywhere. It's not even about race. It's about attitudes and preceptions about men and women. You know, "Oh, women aren't supposed to act like that, it makes them skanks, w----s, or whatever." and "Dude, how many of those dumb bitches did you score with? You're the man!" Women aren't supposed to sleep around cause it makes them "sluts", while men are supposed to be with as many women as they can because it makes them look macho. Here's a hint. Open your eyes, you'll see the double standard everywhere you go. I say, if these women have the financial power to do what they want with who ever they want, more power to them. Why should they be looked down upon for something they're doing that has been going since time began? And just an afterthought.... Howcome racial slurs are horrible and taboo, but words like "slut, w----, b---- , and c--- " are used every day. Not just by adults, but teen and preeteens of both sexes? Think about that.

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  • kolawole's Avatar
    Posted by kolawole Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:22am PDT

    I LOVE THE STYE

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  • Don's Avatar
    Posted by Don Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:52am PDT

    Most women that goes to Africa young or older are taking a big risk of geeting AID'S. Some of the men go with both gender's, that how we got in America, stop and think!

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  • Dude's Avatar
    Posted by Dude Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:45am PDT

    sex iz sex. . .desperate peolpe will do nethng 4 it. . .an i aint judging dem. itz ur life, ur body, do wut u will.

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  • sweetheart's Avatar
    Posted by sweetheart Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:37am PDT

    WOW I'VE READ MANY OF THE COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG AND MANY PEOPLE ARE VERY IGNORANT AND IT MAKES ME WONDER IF THEY HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN TO KENYA TO DETERMINE THE THINGS THEY ARE SAYING OR ARE THEY JUST GOING ON WHAT THEY SEE ON TV! IGNORANCE AND RACISM IS DEFINATELY AMONGST US!

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  • Garry's Avatar
    Posted by Garry Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:38pm PDT

    Its only wrong if you are white and a man... In fact, its almost illegal to be proud yourself and be a white man.

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  • morad's Avatar
    Posted by morad Fri Sep 19, 2008 6:12am PDT

    hello

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  • glocktwentyseven's Avatar
    Posted by glocktwentyseven Wed Oct 8, 2008 7:09am PDT

    I don't have a problem with it.

    I don't believe in punishing people for just trying to get by or get their jollies.

    If you have a serious problem with the situation, maybe we should use government to step in and regulate it.

    If we can better ensure that there are no human rights or civil liberties being violated, and if we are doing what is necessary to lessen the negative sociological impact of the sex trade, then it may even, one day, be seen as a benefit to society.

    More understanding and oversight.

    Less knee-jerk, hypocritical moral bullying.

    Report Abuse
Comments 81-88 of 88

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