Serge Kreutz Articles

Sexual exploits

Men are in search of sexual exploits. But bear in mind that “exploits” is not equivalent to “exploitation.”

Black Africans were exploited as slaves in the Americas. Children are exploited when they are forced to work in sweatshops. Women who are forced into prostitution are exploited.

Men who pursue sexual exploits do not automatically participate in the sexual exploitation of women. If the women with whom they have sexual relationships engage in them of their own free will, even without the knowledge of their fathers, mothers, older brothers, or husbands, the term exploitation does not strictly apply. In many cases, it is implied that family members or spouses would oppose the relationship.

The motivation of the woman with whom a man has sex may not always be sexual desire alone; it may be a mixture of desire, a protest against her elders, or transactional considerations (wealthier men may be generous). However, if the relationship is definitively based on the free will of the woman, it may be considered an exploit, but it is not exploitation in a sensible interpretation of the term.

One should not overextend the meaning of words, as this can lead to a dogmatic, scholastic dead end. Not every interaction between a rich man and a poor woman, or a socially powerful person and a largely powerless one, is inherently exploitative, even if the interaction is not between equals.