A Geisha is known as an Asian prostitute, but the history of Geishas is more complex than that. They were known as female entertainers, who would dance, sing or sometimes recite poetry to men. Historically, Japanese wives were expected to keep the home and take care of their husbands; they were not expected to provide sex. Men were expected to look outside the home for sex and sexual pleasure. By the 1800s, to be a Geisha was considered as a female occupation or profession. There were many different ranks and classifications of Geishas. Some would have sex with their male customers while others would only entertain them through their art forms. Some would do both. In Japan, prostitution was legal up until the 1900s.
World War II impacted the Geisha profession because many Japanese women had to leave their Geisha work in order to work in factories. In 1944 all teahouses, bars, and Geisha houses were shut down and all employees were put to work in factories. A year later these spaces reopened.
In modern Japan, Geishas are not sold into service or expected/forced into sexual relations. They may choose when they engage in sex and it is at their discretion that they do so. In modern Geisha society, the women are in charge of everything.
Historically, formal licensed districts existed for legal prostitution in Japan. For a time, officials believed that all prostitutes should be called Geishas because they worked in a similar arena of sex work. However, there was a distinction made between Geishas and prostitutes, mainly that Geishas were considered refined and artistic, and were considered to be gifted with talents unlike regular prostitutes and therefore should not be painted with the same brush.
1. Take that kimono off, Matt said. You look like you’re trying to be a Geisha or something. Melanie glared at him and tore off the gown to reveal her pale slender body. Do you even know what a Geisha is? She snapped. Yeah, it’s a hot Japanese prostitute. He grinned. You’re a fucking douche packer. Melanie grabbed her clothes. I’m sorry, but I just can’t bring myself to fuck someone as stupid and ignorant and racist as you. She marched into the bathroom. What are you talking about? Matt yelled after her. I’m Japanese!!
2. I can’t believe you dressed up like a friggin Geisha for Halloween. That’s totally racist. Gemma said when she saw Julie’s costume. But I just finished reading ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’, Julie said. I feel like I have a real connection to what these women have experienced. I mean, I’ve been oppressed, you know. I am bisexual after all. Gemma rolled her eyes. You’re also white and your family has enough money to send you to university and pay for all four years of your undergrad degree. The two women stood in silence for a moment. Then Julie piped up. But I took Women’s Studies. I KNOW about oppression! Gemma glared at her. I can’t do it. I cannot go to this stupid party with you dressed like that. Julie sighed. Okay okay, I’ve got a backup costume. I can go as Aunt Jemima.
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