Response to “The Hustlers at Scores” by Jessica Pressler [Daniela Guichardo]
In Jessica Pressler’s article, “The Hustlers at Scores,” she interviews multiple people regarding the case of drugging and robbing of men by former strippers that had occurred in the early 2010s. Throughout the essay, Pressler portrays culture information from the stripper subculture: Age ranges in the 30s, are considered ancient in the field. Dancers work in groups as it yields a grander payoff. Customers, mainly men, handle money without much concern. Workers in the subculture are looked down upon, only adding to their own dissatisfaction with their situation. Dancers are also expected to pay the establishments that employ them for allowing them the opportunity of dancing. All these events are standard for every day of a stripper.
Pressler also provides background information that further allows the audience to understand the stripper subculture. She enlightens the reader on how there was a change in perspective, – during the specific years relevant to the story – sex work being sexually liberating rather than degrading. As well as letting the viewer know who the dancers were catering to. Providing crucial information, such as the market collapse affecting those who are vital to the subculture, gives the audience further access to comprehending why these women acted a certain way.
Pressler creates vivid pictures of those being interviewed and their background, enabling the reader to imagine the story. By giving sketches, for example, of Rosie’s physic, her surroundings, and attire, we can get a more well-rounded picture of who Rosie is and how she carries herself. The descriptions also trigger us, the audience, to feel for them or try and relate to them. When illustrating these, as a reader it leaves you questioning whether what she did was okay. Seeing her surrounded by luxury items, seeing how (relatively) well she is doing, leaves room for justification of her actions. As Pressler refers to the entire event, it is reflective of the same themes held in Robin Hood.
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