EXOTICURIOUS

A History Lesson and Lady's Perspective on Strip Clubs Across the Country

- Ashley Hlebinsky

Previous articles I've written for RECOIL have included countless histories on firearms plus a little on bourbon, so why not branch out to another topic I know something about: the history and culture of strip clubs. It's basically an unholy trinity of my purely academic knowledge.

Perhaps that knowledge isn't entirely pure. However, you probably wouldn't be surprised at how many times these areas of study intersect throughout history. Exotic dancing dates back thousands, if not tens of thousands of years. There are countless styles, names, and cultures in which it appears. Although it's interesting that despite having a vast historical lineage around the world that continues through today, it's still considered taboo in the 21st century.

There are almost 4,000 clubs in the United States alone, and while clubs are still seen as fringe in culture, the art form has hit mainstream acceptance. Pole dancing as a sport hosts national and international competitions. And people flock to group and private pole dancing classes all over the country. Yet the paradox here is that it's the 21st century, when body positivity and support of women's choice on all fronts is supported - even soccer moms are dipping their toes into the artform — so, why is it still considered so distasteful in the United States? Of course, there are the obvious concerns of women being trafficked and forced into this industry as well as the prevalence of drug addiction within the community, which are serious and shouldn't be overlooked.

However, there are clubs out there that employ professionals who make a good living, support their families, and yes in some cases are actually paying their way through college.

STRAIGHT-UP BIBLICAL