Speaking of objectification, a Sioux Falls smut shop owner is facing two lawsuits for sexual harassment and sexual assault. Two former female employees say David Eliason, owner of Annabelle's porn house in Sioux Falls and Olivia's pull-off-and-____-off rest area in Tea, tried to practice what he peddles with them, creating a less than optimal work environment. Last month, Judge Kathleen Caldwell heard from two women (likely the same, though I can't confirm that from my reading this morning) and found their stories sufficiently believable to grant a five-year protection order to keep Eliason away.
Eliason, of course, says the women's claims are "100 percent false."
Hmm... let's see: guy makes his living selling sex toys and portraying women as objects of sexual gratification. Guy gets sued for treating actual women who work for him the same way. Should we be surprised?
Eliason's chosen occupation makes clear his view of women's proper role in society. The trial and his lawyer's defense strategy promise to be equally disgusting.
And there are certainly plenty of women owned, feminist sex shops out there. Unfortunately, I think it's an industry that does attract a sleazy element.
ReplyDeleteGeez Kelsey, they must sexists too as Cory decries! But I'm guessing non-women sex shop operators are bad while women sex shop operators are good.
ReplyDeleteAlso, no decrying MBS's "Hunk of the Day"? Objectifying non-women is ok, huh? I'm saddened by the lack of consistency. Will I see Cory and the DW Fireflies all over that soon?
[technical difficulties... Cory Klumper provides the following comment!]
ReplyDelete"You're probably right, this guy is probably a scumbag. But I can honestly say about 90% of the products in both of those stores are for women. So the shops themselves are not in the business of objectification. If the places were nothing but blow-up dolls and S&M gear you'd be right on the money." [2009.06.12 10:18 AM]