Autorentext

With over 14 years in the US Army and as a Federal employee, Jose Rivera Neris is a political scientist, author, and military veteran. He earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Political Science with an emphasis on conflict studies, governance, and social justice from American Military University. His interdisciplinary master's degree combines professional security practice with critical, human rights, and historiographical theories. Jose is currently pursuing another Master's degree in Global History. Jose focuses his research on labor and culturally constructed social problems pertaining to, and the communities on, which there is minimal documentation. Jose's works are informed by the desire to help reframe problematic perceptions, particularly those pertaining to the dancers and sex workers. Jose comprehensively examines social problems and equips himself with academic knowledge, which ensures his writing is fact based, straightforward, and empathetic. Jose is also a member of the District of Columbia National Guard and is currently stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. He is still working on his provocative, informative, and inspiring essays. Jose aims to inspire judgment suspension through this book, one person at a time.

Klappentext

The Facts, Ethics, and Culture of Strip Clubs goes beyond the stereotypes of stripping, skillfully unpacking the intricacies of labor and artistry incorporated in the performances. This book challenges readers to enter the world of strip clubs not for voyeuristic purposes, but instead, in order to understand and appreciate the humanity within. In this work, Rivera compiles cultural critique, personal reflection, and ethical reasoning, as well as historical context, philosophy, and interviews with dancers, to illuminate Performance's moral complexities and debates surrounding power and autonomy. Rivera defines 'survival dancing' in juxtaposition with a society that monetizes sexuality while simultaneously condemning it. Stripping often straddles the thin line between exploitation and empowerment. The fantasy of the dancer and the reality of the dancer are oftentimes irreconcilable. Why do we consume these services, yet shame the labor? Such questions allow strata of exploration beyond the surface-dismissing the notion of objectification by offering the scantily clad women dignity, skill, and heart-wrenching narratives. The Facts, Ethics, and Culture of Strip Clubs is for everyone, a labor activist, a curious mind, or even a mere consumer of sociological literature. Urban neon lights often disguise deeper, darker truths, and this book seeks to unveil them. The narrative tackles not sex, but rather work and the lack of it. Very Respectfully Jose Rivera