It was wrong to joke about the Louisiana stripper bill

The nature of politics and law making has never really sparked an interest in me. I know what I support and what I do not, but when it comes to the actual processes I prefer to leave it up to those that I have trusted to represent my voice. But recently I watched a video that was truly disturbing. It made me so, so angry, that someone in power would think it appropriate to abuse the voice they had been given to turn a serious issue into a laughable subject.

A short while ago the Louisiana House of Representatives was voting on a bill preventing strip clubs from hiring dancers under 21. The purpose of this law was to create change in the human trafficking industry. Its intention was to protect young women from exploitation and fight against those who might take advantage of them.

Though the intention of the bill was clear, there were a few representatives who turned it into a joke, placing dollar bills on the podium and such. The video I watched made me sick to my stomach. One representative, Kenny Harvard, proposed an amendment to the bill… that strippers should only be between ages 21 and 28 and not be over 160 pounds, presented with the attitude that this was somehow appropriate.

When I first watched the video, I was so outraged. Young women’s appearances are constantly dictated and judged by the media and the last thing we need is for the government to be adding fuel to this already out of control fire. We live in a society where strong women are fighting for the right to wear whatever they want, be whatever they want without judgement, regardless of their appearance or any other factor for that matter. Law makers and representatives have been chosen because voters believe that they will carry their best interests in the formation of policy, that is not happening in this case.

Since the amendment was immediately withdrawn, it was clearly meant in jest, a statement on overregulation according to Harvey. But this must be taken seriously. Somehow, these politicians will use the façade of policy to undermine the integrity of women. A satirical proposal, a joke, used women as the punchline, suggesting that women older than 28 and weighing more than 160 pounds are not attractive enough to be strippers. If our lawmakers think it’s appropriate to joke about subjects like these, then there is a huge problem. Harvard took a bill intended to protect women and turned it into a farce, he made it into a new version of the exploitation they were trying to prevent. If he was trying to make a statement, he should have done it in a more tactful, respectful way.

As we seek politicians and representatives that respect us and hold our best interest in mind, this event raises a lot of red flags. What stands out more, and is perhaps more powerful, is the response that Representative Julie Stokes had. She utilized the conversation as a platform to discuss the political environment, and the lack of respect that occurs among her fellow representatives. She took it upon herself to scold those who chose to disrespect those who needed their protection.

Yes, when it comes to choosing politicians to represent us, their stances on issues such as the economy, education, and immigration are important. However, we should also take care to select those who will respect those whose voices they represent. What should be taken seriously is if we want people in office who turn issues into jokes, something to be scoffed at at the expense of those they are attempting to benefit. Most importantly do we want people to represent us who recognize injustice and disrespect and stand up for those that have given them their position.