Here’s something that I’ve been trying to wrap my head around since coming across it in the Weekly Feminist Reader: new security platform shoes for prostitutes. They’re called Platforms and are made by The Aphrodite Project. Says the copy from their website:
Platforms, the latest series of work in the ongoing Aphrodite Project, is a social sculpture: an interactive, wearable device that is a conceptual homage to the cult of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, a practical object for contemporary sex workers, and a vehicle for public dialogue. An integrated system of shoes and online services, Platforms draws on the innovations of the courtesans and professional companions of antiquity to improve the conditions of 21st century women who, despite advances in culture and technology, are now perceived to be outlaws by trade and are vulnerable to surveillance and violence. Platforms empowers all women with tools to stay safe, wherever they want to go at night, without having to hide.
I’m having a lot of trouble determining the level of seriousness. The shoes are billed as both a product and an artistic statement. But the shoes do actually exist, and they are going to be sold. The site is very positive towards sex-workers and seems to understand many of the issues that they face. And that’s what makes the damn thing so frustrating, because the actual product is completely impractical.
Firstly, placing security devices on a shoe? Seems like a watch or belt would be a lot more accessible and easy to use, particularly in a situation of imminent danger, which is the only time someone would use it.
Secondly, believe it or not, all prostitutes do not wear platform shoes. Thanks for noticing.
Thirdly, wearing the shoes would clearly indicate that one is a prostitute, and open the wearer up to harassment by authorities and actual arrest. The same thing goes for the loud alarm that is intended to scare off would-be attackers. Won’t that just attract police? And might the high visibility of the alarm scare off customers?
Lastly, though no price is listed as of yet, the shoes can’t possibly be cheap. And though many do make good money, prostitutes who work at the street level are not exactly a high-income demographic.
So what the hell gives? If this is merely an art project, I’m fine with that, but would appreciate the clarity and am definitely annoyed at the deception. If the makers are serious, which they seem to be, I think that they’ve taken a great, useful idea that could really help protect sex-workers and fucked it up big time for the sake of aesthetics.
What does everyone think?
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They don’t even look like platforms you could run in well without faceplanting rather painfully a few steps in. These seem very strange and at cross purposes with themselves. Does the conspicous panel with the lights detach?
call me naive, but… don’t prostitutes take their shoes off sometimes? Like, maybe if they’re in a bed? Maybe when they’d need a security device more than ever?
The whole thing seems extremely ridiculous…like you said, shouldn’t a security device be somewhere more accessible…like a wrist, maybe?
I’m utterly baffled.
This definitely seems more like an art statement than a usable tool. Also, they’re pretty ugly;0)
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