Abosolutely, perfectly put. Thank you.

XX

I’m not a sex worker. In the context of that community, I’m a “civilian.”

However I *am* an ex-submariner, who served on active duty in the U.S. Navy for a number of years. I earned my dolphins, went on patrols, and did the other stuff that submariners do. It’s 95% boredom, 4% excitement, and 1% terror, even in peacetime. The sea does not forgive mistakes.

So when I read something by an author who claims to be a submariner but who pulls dumb-ass boners, I’m … critical. If he talks about the reactor “going critical” as if that’s a bad thing, I’m … super-critical. You get the gist, I’m sure.

There are people who envy those who do dangerous things. Out of envy, some of these people pretend to be one of them. Some buy police uniforms and carry little flashing-light “bubbles” that can go on the roof of their cars, so they can pretend to be cops. Some buy military medals that are awarded for acts of heroism, so they can pretend to be heroes.

And they are bitterly resented by many of the people who *really* do (or have done) those dangerous things.

And perhaps some of them pretend to be sex workers, online. Where “no one can tell that you’re a dog.”

Such poseurs are often very convincing, very articulate. They may be very bright. They may themselves resent having lives that did not turn out to be as dangerous and exciting as the ones they envy. Doesn’t justify what they’re doing; it just makes it harder for the rest of us to figure out what they’re doing.

It also doesn’t justify violence toward the poseurs, or threats of violence (of any kind of violence).

But it does explain (and, I think, justify) the strong feelings that the real-deal people have, about the posing.

My two-cents, from a “civilian” who doesn’t like poseurs either.

– RunSilent RunDeep

Thank you! And I enjoyed your essay.

XX

I just wanted to let you know I reference your blog in my own at http://fayegraydon.blogspot.com; feel free to check it out, and please take care of yourself as you gallivant across the globe!

Best,

Faye