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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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 OPINION 
1

In Brazil, a Fine Line Between Sex, Romance

Are local women who 'date' tourists really prostitutes?

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(Newser) – Brazil’s reputation for sex tourism isn’t as straightforward as it seems, Seth Kugel writes for GlobalPost. Sure, lots of men visit Rio de Janeiro, in particular, “with one thing on their minds.” But “there are many gradations on the romance-to-prostitution continuum.” It’s common for poor Brazilian girls to “date” foreign men—not paid for sex per se, but dinners and gifts are expected.

“The material aspect is part of it,” said one girl who has dated tourists. “But it is pleasant to be with a man who likes me, who treats me well.” For many, the goal is to “go away to another place, to have a good life.” And it came true for one, who met a Belgian man who whisked her away and wants to marry her.

Tourists take pictures at the
Tourists take pictures at the "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio de Janeiro, July 29, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A prostitute wears a bikini during a fashion show at a bookstore in Rio de Janeiro, June 6, 2007.
A prostitute wears a bikini during a fashion show at a bookstore in Rio de Janeiro, June 6, 2007.   (AP Photo)
"I like to combine utility with pleasure," says a Brazilian woman who pursues relationships with tourists. "The material aspect is part of it. It is pleasant to be with a man ... who treats me well."   (Creative Commons)
Sure, lots of men visit Rio de Janeiro, in particular, %u201Cwith one thing on their minds,%u201D writes Seth Kugel.
Sure, lots of men visit Rio de Janeiro, in particular, %u201Cwith one thing on their minds,%u201D writes Seth Kugel.   (©borderlys)
A couple sits on the beach at Copacabana, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Dec. 22, 2008.
A couple sits on the beach at Copacabana, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Dec. 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Andre Mourao)
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Mad
Feb 1, 09 12:54 PM CST
Mighty fine line, in America, too. It's "Pay for play" everywhere Reply
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