The Dirty Business of Prostitution

             In the short novel, Rent Girl by Michelle Tea we are introduced to the main character. Throughout much of the story, we explore the society of prostitution; its dangers, its consequences. Prostitution is displayed throughout the story as an unhealthy exploration of human sexuality. The main character, Michelle Tea, contracts pubic lice when she uses an unclean restroom. In addition to the unsafe environments, Tea is exposed to unsafe sex practices when working as a prostitute. Prostitution throughout the story is portrayed as a legitimate means of female sexual exploration.
            Prostitution is a business of sex, defined by women selling themselves to men. One of the major issues caused by prostitution is the infestation of pubic lice. By displaying inadequate hygiene, the main character and her lover/roommate Steph are introduced to one of the many dangers of prostitution; the contraction of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The main character is also very unhygienic in regards to her physique. In addition to the health dangers that a prostitute faces, the "john" or buyer of sex faces extreme danger as well. For instance, when the main character is visiting a "john" in Tucson, Arizona she remarks that "she wanted to beat up and rob John, but the most I got to do was humiliate him." (Tea 121). Being used for sex displays, the main character has lost some of her humanity when she wants more from these men. Michelle Tea begins to want "their blood, their homes, their self-esteem lying wet in the waste-bucket like a shucked condom." (Tea 129). Tea works to serve men by selling her body, but she is in a way selling her mind as well. Consequently, Tea also has major self-esteem issues.  Michelle Tea is very withdrawn from reality, stating " I was detached from myself, sort of split and watching it like a great movie: my life." (Tea 150). In order to establish an identity, Tea gets tattoo's to convey certain messages regarding her life. One of these tattoos is a bare heart on her chest. The tattoo is meant to portray a heart devoid of life. Prostitution is a devastatingly unfortunate career choice for Michelle Tea.