poverty is the real issue here.

no, it’s not ok for someone who has money to flash it until they get someone hot to sleep with them for presents, regardless of race or gender

and yeah, i second the fact that there will be harm done.

Hmm. For a second, I thought we were talking about Elmo olympics. Shows how my day has gone so far.

And as far as the Kenyan issue goes, there has to be damage. Any time you have an inequity like that, it’s not healthy.

“That has to do some damage on some level, don’t you think?”

makes me want to go to Kenya and start telling random men they’re worthy of love.

-ec

The Reuters story, which was several pages long, only mentioned men in their 20s, Gwyneth. So the underage thing isn’t a factor (thank goodness). But you’ve articulated a lot of what bothers me.

It’s not the age-gap, per se, but you’ve hit on it with this: “But it still stinks of rich folk using young bodies of color for sexual pleasure and taking advantage of the poverty that they exist in…”

Yeah, pretty much. It also concerns me because I think we, as a society, are less disposed to feel for a man in this position. He’s a pimp! Getting both the loot and the booty (never mind that it’s old booty, it’s still sex!) That makes him the man twice over, right?

But what about the message he’s receiving? His body as his only valuable commodity. Maybe it’s overly emo of me (which also suits this post) but I can’t help but think of lasting self-esteem issues. I wonder how it makes these men feel to be used for sex, but they aren’t considered fit, suitable or good enough for a lasting partnership? Ouch. That has to do some damage on some level, don’t you think?

Interesting story about Kenya. I think it gives me the creeps because it reminds me of the rich men, mostly white men who have traveled to poorer countries and used their money to acquire sex from underaged women of color. These young men in Kenya seem to be at least at the age of consent as far as I can tell from what you’ve posted here. But it still stinks of rich folk using young bodies of color for sexual pleasure and taking advantage of the poverty that they exist in… It doesn’t stink any less to me now that it is women getting their groove on so to speak. Interesting story though. I had no idea this was happening.

And dangling dicks?? Now that would be interesting. LOL.

Gwyneth

Not me! I’m innocent, I swear.

I think they must want Lisa Andel’s blog.

*LOL* Dangling dicks? Where have you been hiding those pics, chica?

What would the Emo Olympics entail? 100 yard pout? Skinny-fit jeans long jump? Inquiring minds…