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WASHINGTON (CNN) — Another major American industry is asking for assistance as the global financial crisis continues: Hustler publisher Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis said Wednesday they will request that Congress allocate $5 billion for a bailout of the adult entertainment industry.
...
Flynt and Francis concede the industry itself is in no financial danger — DVD sales have slipped over the past year, but Web traffic has continued to grow.
But the industry leaders said the issue is a nation in need. "People are too depressed to be sexually active," Flynt said in the statement. "This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."
"With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind. It's time for congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America. The only way they can do this is by supporting the adult industry and doing it quickly."
-- CNN
Flynt and Francis are spoofing the bailout mania, of course, but the claim may be more reputable than that of many Wall Street and corporate execs - the greatest robber barons yet.
...
Flynt and Francis concede the industry itself is in no financial danger — DVD sales have slipped over the past year, but Web traffic has continued to grow.
But the industry leaders said the issue is a nation in need. "People are too depressed to be sexually active," Flynt said in the statement. "This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."
"With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind. It's time for congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America. The only way they can do this is by supporting the adult industry and doing it quickly."
-- CNN
Flynt and Francis are spoofing the bailout mania, of course, but the claim may be more reputable than that of many Wall Street and corporate execs - the greatest robber barons yet.
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Recession and the Sex Business
Date: 2009-01-08 03:38 am (UTC)From:It is very interesting to analyze if the profitability of the sex business is directly proportional to a nation's economic prosperity. I kid you not, some people have given this some serious thought!
Some guys believe this to be untrue, and posit an inverse relationship (At least when it comes to prostitution.) This is because they view it as a Giffen Good. Here is an explanation as to why this is so. And here is a good counter-argument to it.
Re: Recession and the Sex Business
Date: 2009-01-08 04:12 am (UTC)From:I think such low-price entertainment (not prostitution but porn movies and the like) keeps up during downturns. For instance, I take it that people still go out to see movies (regular, non-porn kind) as much if not more - looking for needed distraction that is at least within their modest budget. We need to live vicariously more than ever.
Lipstick Index
Date: 2009-01-08 07:15 am (UTC)From:There is already the Lipstick Index; where the sales of lipstick rise in a recession, because the chicks do not want to spend on more expensive dresses etc.
Sheesh! These economists seem to have colorful explanations for every damn thing. I have my doubts as to whether it is a ``science.''
Re: Lipstick Index
Date: 2009-01-08 02:16 pm (UTC)From:Re: Lipstick Index
Date: 2009-01-09 04:28 pm (UTC)From:Re: Lipstick Index
Date: 2009-01-09 05:59 pm (UTC)From:It is nice to treat yourself to an inexpensive pick-me-up, ever so often, in these times. I do that all the time as well.
Except that I ``pamper'' myself with books. Got myself a cute little algorithms book from the library, yesterday. I am looking forward to reading it over the weekend.
Re: Lipstick Index
Date: 2009-01-09 07:04 pm (UTC)From:a good book is a wonderful pampering thing. I would think of that as pamering myself too. or a new pair of shoes. don't know what it is about shoes that draw me sooo....
no subject
Date: 2009-01-09 03:37 am (UTC)From:I also want Wall Street to eventually return my money (maybe in the form of an investment account?), and the auto industry to make some durable, efficient, but no-frills cars to sell cheap to taxpayers who can't afford/don't want to shell out for more luxurious models. It's only fair, right?
no subject
Date: 2009-01-09 02:23 pm (UTC)From:As for the porn, notwithstanding child porn, I'd be happy if they would just stop trying to ban the racier stuff and respect free speech!
A little fairness, a little freedom - the American way!