"Respectable"

An open letter from the webmistress, in response to complaints (23/8/06)

Following the publication of this article by columnist Kira Cochrane in last weeks' Guardian, there have been a number of complaints about Respectable, and some calls for it to be banned on the grounds that the premise of a sitcom about women who enjoy sex work is degrading, and ignorant of the many who are forced into prostitution against their will. I have also received some angry emails to that effect through this site. It is not my job to defend the programme, but as these grievances were addressed to me, at my email address, I am responding to them personally here.

Whilst your trepidation about the programme is understandable, I would politely suggest you see it for yourself - or at least read some comments from the actors and programme-makers on how and why it was made (you can start doing so here) - before condemning those involved in it, or calling for it to be taken off air.

Similarly, get your facts straight before you assume anyone who isn't going along with your actions is a political opponent: I have a social science degree with a component in sexuality and gender studies, and am a contributor to The F Word. I would be the first to agree that concern for the plight of unhappy, ill-treated sex workers is an honourable cause but berating the cast and crew of a fictional sitcom (who are probably as concerned about the issues at stake as you are) is not going to do anything towards it - especially if you are doing it without having seen the programme.

The Poppy Project is an organisation dedicated to helping victims of sex trafficking in the UK - it welcomes donations and volunteers. If, rightly, this is an issue you feel strongly about, please register your support with them.

Sincerely,
The webmistress.