Why does the media repeatedly refer to those five girls as 'prostitutes'?

Question

It is as if they are defined firstly by that, then secondly by the fact that they are girls/ women. Is it just to sell more newspapers? or am I being a little too precious here about this? I just find it irritating and offensive.

Thanks for the responses and I accept what most of you are saying - that they are all connected by their profession - but are they not also connected in other ways? Women; drug addicts. I agree with Bubbles - there was almost a feeding frenzy at first with the on- the-spot reporter waiting at the edge of the wood in anticipation of yet more discoveries.

Yes ok, Emma C et al - I am well aware that it is 'FACT' - but you're just not getting it, are you? The media is prone to manipulation of the FACTS in order to sell papers. And my point is that perhaps we should question the ethics behind this. Oh, and I note from your progile, Emma C, that you are not keen on people who moan about things - I suggest a little compassion might improve your relationships with others.

Answer 1

The politically correct term for prostitutes is sex workers! The victims should be refered to as "women" not degraded in the way they are. After all, as stated, their profession is not the only thing to link them. Have you ever thought that this murderer could have had an addict mother and now wants to rid the streets of all heroin addicts. Surely, it is easier to spot a heroin addict who is working the streets. At the end of the day these were five women who fell into the trap of taking a highly addictive drug, began working the streets to fund their habit and then met their death. Surely their families do not want to be opening the papers and watching the news and have their daughters remembered only for what they did for a living. We should all remember that these were young women who died early due to their lives spiralling into desperation.

Answer 2

It's appalling that women feel unable to go out at night - let's hope this monster is quickly caught. BUT please stop referring to these young women as prostitutes. They are sisters, daughters, wives, loved ones. Referring to them only as prostitutes denigrates them in people's eyes as human beings and the young women cut down in the prime of life that they are.

Does anyone else find it disturbing that the media refer to the dead or missing women as Prostitutes first and women second? There is almost an intimation that they are a lower class of life.

Its about time the law was changed and prostitution was fully legalised and brought under the protection of the law.
These people need and deserve a safe enviroment to work in, we have health and safety laws in the workplace, why shouldn't those who work in the sex service profession have the same protection?
At least if its in a safe enviroment anyone wishing help to leave the pimp or give up drink/drugs can have access to the right services. Paying tax is better than paying a pimp.

Answer 3

Most of the media use the coy wording, Sex workers, but it does mean the same thing. They are called prostitutes because that is what they were, and by describing them thus, the media does give an indication of the type of people who should be taking more precautions about who they meet. It just shows that all victims were in the same type of work, would you ahve felt the same if they had been check out operators, and the newspapers described them as such, if that type of person was being targetted, no, but it's just the use of the word prostitute that upsets you.

Answer 4

largely because they were prostitutes, there's not much avoiding that. I think less reputable papers focussed on it because it can make a more sensational story. they can tap into the legalisation debate, both of prostitution and of drugs. they can tap into other serial murderers of prostitutes - the daily mail started the yorkshire ripper comparisons within minutes. and they can tap into the massive hypocrisy of people pouring so much scorn on named prostitutes and forgetting about the unnamed men who use them and keep the trade going.

actually i thought some newspapers covered it well - there was much more emphasis on them as women and family members than anything else. if anything, i think it throws more scorn on the murderer for picking on people who are already vulnerable. these women are already in a desperate situation, and not exactly challenging targets.

however - the amount of coverage there is, and the amount of emphasis being thrown on prostitution is probably going to make it much harder for the killer to carry on what they've been doing. the girls are staying off the streets (probably) and there's so many police in the area that they're not going to be able to get away with anything. the more newspapers are sold, the more their plans are thwarted. so i say keep it going.

Answer 5

Yes they were prostitutes - but that is such a horrible name. Working girls sound so much better.

The media loves a story and the more they can make of it the more papers they sell.

Most of the gilrs were drug addicts but they were still " Sumbodys Daughters".

They done the job they dun to fund there next fix or to help pay their bills.

3 of them were mothers themselves with media now sayin that the 3rd woman found was pregnant.

Most women in Suffolk are now very scared to go out.
His next victim could be anyone of any age!!

Answer 6

I know what you are saying. And you have a point. But with news, there always has to be a headline. A hook. This story brings "jack the ripper" to mind. It is also the circumstances in which they were found. That is the first thing with news. Who, what, when, and why? I think the angle is like I said above "jtr" but a modern day version. They are more likely aiming at that. I feel bad for them girls, and esp. because they are were so young. It is sad. I hope they get that sick bast--d.




love

Answer 7

Zoe...there's been quite a few 'names' for media have come up with...and I'd say 'prostitute' is by fat the more softer - the term 'street girls' and 'sex workers' makes them sound like either 13 year old hopscotch lasses or porn secretaries...and to top it off, throwing in the term 'drug addict' makes the stories all the more sexy.

What about the word 'ripper' - now that's one word/term that'll never be changed into summat else - all terms are used to sell sell sell!!!

Answer 8

Because they all were prostitutes. It's just easier to report that way. If it had been a mixture of girls, some prostitutes and some not then it would be different but as they all were prostitutes that is the defining connecting link between them all. It is still tragic and no one is saying they deserved it or they are worth any less than the next person just because they were prostitues.

Answer 9

I have found this really annoying and offensive too, when hearing the news reports on the telly all they seem to want to do is highlight that one fact, these women,girls, are some-body's daughter,niece, aunt, MOTHER, women, a human being and for whatever reason they have found themselves needing to put themselves through this way of "life" in order to survive. Nothing is ever said of the men that use the services of these girls....if there wasn't a demand for these services there would be no service to supply

Answer 10

It would be exactly the same if five of anybody from one particular industry were being murdered (i.e five male lorry drives/ 5 female teachers)

Its a significant part of the murder enquiry! It also reduces worry in the females living in the ipswich area!