Amsterdam Day 1: Changes in the Red Light District
Posted at 1:39 PM Jun 23, 2008
Upon my arrival in Amsterdam (and following a jet lag-induced nap), I took a walk to get my bearings and see how things have changed since I was here last spring. Of course this meant that I ventured to the Red Light District. Though prostitution is legal here, it isn't enthusiastically accepted by everyone, and the local politicians have a somewhat schizophrenic relationship to the sex industry. On the one hand, its a big part of the tourism industry, but on the other - the government seems to think that it makes the focus on Amsterdam kind of negative.
I discovered that there's a new initiative that I've got mixed feelings about. The tourism council that has developed the "I amsterdam" campaign (which even has commercials on American television) has been renting out windows in the Red Light District that previously would have been rented by prostitutes. In these windows, they are creating fashion displays, all the work of local designers. Seeing headless mannequins in windows dressed up in couture is a peculiar contrast to the living, lingerie-clad women in other windows - often the two are right next to each other.
--Audacia Ray
more: Global Naked City
