"While there are “good women” and “bad women”, there is also within “bad women”, the “good prostitute” and the “bad prostitute”. The good prostitute is one who says she did not choose to do sex work, but was forced or coerced into it. The bad prostitute is one who says she does it out of her own choice."
-"Who Says We Do Not Work?", Sujata Gothoskar and Apoorva Kaiwar.
The inspiration for this project comes from the lines above which are from an article by Sujata Gothoskar and Apoorva Kaiwar that looks at the different characteristics, notions, perceptions and technicalities of sex work, not just in India but, around the world as well.
Disclaimer:
This pack of cards is meant for ages 16+. Minors, open at your own risk. The creator of these cards does not hold any responsibility for your actions.
Humans tend to perceive many things and situations from a binary lens as either black or white with nothing in between. We’re influenced by many factors, most prominent of which are our moral and ethical beliefs. We forget that not everything is simple enough to be divided into two distinct categories and, as a result, judge people and circumstances from where we stand rather than from their position.
One of the many things that have been subjected to this binary perspective is prostitution. In our country, prostitution is rarely spoken about in the open. The word “prostitution” itself is considered a taboo. Getting money in exchange for sex is seen as an immoral act. Not only do prostitutes bear the harsh judgment and attitude of society, they also have to face other serious problems of trafficking, STDs, lack of sex education, violence and abuse, sexual abuse of minors, financial crisis, etc.
A lot of women sex workers in India come from minority communities and castes. Some are sent to brothels to provide additional support to their families or are the sole “bread-winners”, some become sex workers to earn a supplementary income apart from their daily wage jobs and some are born into brothels. Out of an estimated 2 million sex workers in the country, only 6 lakh are “registered”. About 4.9% are HIV positive. 2 out of 5 could be suffering from an HIV- infection.Over 35% of the sex workes are under the age of 18.
The Wish inside the pack
"Gasp" is a 1st edition prototype set that wishes to do exactly what the picture above says. It's not an attempt at telling people what to think but, an attempt at asking people to think.
Media Plan: These cards will be distributed as collector's editon cards on the purchase of products like condoms, sanitary napkins, lingerie, etc.
The GOOD Cards
The BAD Cards
Colour palette
