The hooker, the victim

The stereotype of prostitution and the hooker being a victim may be outdated, but has been prevalent in many films over the years. Much of the movies that women portray in these roles finds themselves victims of the world. Thus, having to result to prostitution for survival. This incorporates the sexualized woman ideas: selling their bodies, sex as a commodity, women subservient to men, etc. A prime example of this is the movie Pretty Woman and the role of Julia Roberts as Vivian. Vivian is a working girl on the streets of Beverly Hills. Clearly new to the game and taking tips from her other hooker friends, she lands a man (Richard Gere) who shows her that she is more than just a hooker. Her character finds herself realizing throughout the film that being a hooker is no life for her and she deserves better. She says in the movie that she got pretty good grades in high school, but got mixed in with the wrong crowds, doing drugs, etc. But with the help of someone from the "outside world" she realizes that she can do more with her life and that she is a victim of life's ups and downs. The role of the hooker is generally portrayed as a victim. These women are dancing and/or selling themselves for sex to survive, to provide for their children and themselves, etc. They don't actually want this life. They feel they have no other choice. Here's the trailer for Pretty Woman :) my fav!