Comments on: Do you know whether or not you are a prostitute? asks a Shanghai sign

By: Lilly

Lilly — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 02:27:20 +0000

This makes the most sense. Could you really feel comfortable doing business here after reading the sign? Sometimes pointing out the obvious is the easiest way to enforce the rules.

By: Jack Jones

Jack Jones — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:57:36 +0000

I think saying Chinese culture is relatively reserved is just playing to a stereotype. China is so vast and diverse, there are many different cultures and even sub-cultures. I don’t think the sign is that surprising.

By: laura agustin

laura agustin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:33:02 +0000

did you read the article? those are the questions addressed and answered in the post!

By: Jason Sikes

Jason Sikes — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:59:45 +0000

Is this sign serious? Can someone not know if they are a prostitute or not? Why would security guards need to sort out such ambiguity? Isn’t that the role of a counsellor? I think that this is a prank…

By: Sofia Thresher

Sofia Thresher — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:24:39 +0000

I don’t think the sign funny at all. It’s indeed quite cynical. Why can’t one be sure whether or not she’s a prostitute or not? And that the security guard should sort it out for her, way too offend.

By: Laura Agustín

Laura Agustín — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:46:32 +0000

I do think there’s a good bit of irony involved here!

By: Kathy Anderson

Kathy Anderson — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:21:05 +0000

This is really funny! To ask the bouncers of a restaurant whether you are prostitute or not is the best joke I’ve ever heard! I suppose everybody have a different opinion about prostitution though.

Kathy

By: ben coach

ben coach — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:00:22 +0000

Your comment here is actually deeper than it appears at first glance

“Presumably a professional knows that the sign refers to her or him-self and has no need to consult anyone about it. Which leaves whom?”

What would they expect to gain out of that? The sign being effective to only honest prostitutes with a conscience? Or just the really dumb ones?

Lots of insights here on cultural anthropology, especially what makes the difference in an action- taking money for it being the defining factor.

By: Auto Dialer Software Guy

Auto Dialer Software Guy — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:28:13 +0000

Fascinating post. Knowing that the Chinese culture is relatively reserved compared to ours, I am amazed that any establishment in China would actually put up a sign like this which would draw attention. Wow.

By: Programs

Programs — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:31:16 +0000

Who needs a psychologist or sex therapist? Just stop by this Cantina and get diagnosed by the bouncers and security guards. Seems a little sexist to me.