Alphabe Thursday F is for Dolores French

Dolores French

Seems a little churlish not to mention prostitutes while considering the walking of streets.  For centuries until the 20th century few women walked the streets with or without a companion, fearing they were thought to be a prostitute. In most cities whores were confined to their homes or gated areas.  It was however impossible to confine them; they would venture outside the bounds and find their way into the most fashionable parts of town.

Prostitutes walked; not just to find customers, but to relieve boredom, keep warm and safe and away from the police.  

Women would gather in small groups in accessible green areas for companionship. It is suggested that same walk or stroll infused a regularly into what was an illegal and dangerous environment.  Dolores French; a street worker and an advocate and activist for the rights of prostitutes says that her fellow street walkers “ thought that women who work in whore houses have too many restrictions and rules” while the street “ welcomed everyone democratically, they felt like cowboys out on the range, or a spies on a dangerous mission. They would boast about how free they were. They had no one to answer to but themselves”.

I suggest that the same arguments for ‘freedom, democracy and danger’ come up in other ways for those on the street too.

Please note, this is  an illustration for my Alphabet of Walking ; not a comment for or against prostitutes and their business. It is a huge and complex industry, my inadequate view is romantic and questionable for, which I don’t apologise but just mention.