2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Gerda was considered a “Charity Girl,” the term given young women who trade favors for gifts. Had you heard of this term before? These girls are adamant that they’re not prostitutes and that there is a distinction. Is there a difference?

I hadn't heard of the term before in this context. I think there was a very fine line between what they were doing and prostitution.

I hadn’t heard the term either. It’s a real fine line between what they did and prostitution. The difference is they didn’t require it but granting favors what sort of understood. No money changed hands but...

I never heard of that term either. I agree with both of you. It's a very fine line between doing what these girls were doing and prostitution.

I had never heard of the term either prior to this. I understand why the girls didn't want to view it as prostitution but it was basically bartering sex in exchange for goods. I can't help but think of all the risk of STDs.

Especially having sex in dirty alleys.

I had never heart it in this context before either, but I am thinking about whether there was a double meaning in the musical, Sweet Charity.

Remember Shirley MacLaine belting out "Big Spender"? Or am I showing my age here....

Oh, Charlene! I think you’re right!!! (I’m a big Shirley MacLaine fan)

That sounds like a real possibility! "Hey big spender, spend a little time with me..."

The term was new to me as well although I wasn't surprised by the concept. Women have been doing that for ages and some women even marry their sugar daddies.

Apparently, some of these girls married these men.

I didn't know the term, even if what they did was nothing new. I agree with you about the fine line between these girls and prostitutes.

I also hadn't heard the term. I kind of saw the shop girls as prostitutes even though they didn't accept money. Their outrage on being compared to prostitutes seemed silly as there isn't much difference other than in their own minds. Society viewed them as prostitutes too.

It was all they had to hold on to. The whole situation was sad.