Asp-Z wrote:
Prostitution = illegal
Porn = legal
So, prostitution + camera = legal
Argue with that
Oh yes I will argue with that, thank you.
First of all, I make no judgments against people who choose to work in erotic film or sex trade, as long as they put some thought into their decisions and some care into what situations they place themselves into. There are plenty of people who don't, but there are also people who do. Both porn and sex trade are risky businesses, but not impossible to maneuver oneself through wisely. There are some individuals in both professions who actually enjoy their work, and know how to stay reasonably clear of the risks (much like you'll find in any other line of work).
That said, and while there are similarities, there is an important distinction between the two professions, erotic film actor and prostitute.
An erotic film actor performs alongside other professional performers in front of a camera, to inspire sexual arousal in a viewing audience (this is comparable to how a comedic actor performs alongside other comedic actors in front of a camera to inspire laughter in a viewing audience).
A prostitute sells sexual favors directly to customers (this would, again replacing the sexual aspect, be more comparable to how a therapist works than how an actor works).
It's a completely different set-up. There are of course situations where the line can be blurred somewhat, and there are people who work in both professions, but the two professions are quite different on the whole.
Regardless of what your opinion is of either profession, it is unfair to say that they are the same thing.
Vince, excellent point.
I think anyone who is a connoisseur of adult material (I'm anonymous here, so I'll admit to it) can really tell the difference between an actor/actress doing a genuine effort to portray themselves as turned on, enjoying the experience vs. a prostitute who was paid some money and happened to be filmed during their act. Some of the niche material that comes from companies that go out to the 3rd world, like Thailand and the Philippines, utilizes prostitutes, and their performances are definitely underwhelming, if they actually do try to act.
That being said though, technically the OP is right. There are some retired porn professionals who essentially prostitute themselves out under the auspices of being the talent in amateur films for paying customers, meaning you as a regular person could pay a fee and have intercourse with them, as long as a camera is around and pointed in somewhat of the right direction.