Grand Rapids City officials announced last week that they cannot deny a building permit to Mark London, a man who is planning to open a new "adult entertainment business" called Showgirl Galleria in downtown Grand Rapids. The City has exhausted all of its legal options--even denying a liquour license to the project failed to stop it--and indeed London seems bolstered by the denial of the liquour license enthusiastically proclaiming that his new "business" can feature totally nude dancers as Michigan law restricts establishments serving alcohol to only topless dancers. Showgirl Galleria will combine live "entertainment" with two store-fronts selling "toys" and "hardcore videos." The opening of London's Showgirl Galleria and Tini Bikinis this summer are a sign of demand for "adult entertainment services" generated by the opening of the new DeVos Convention Center and many of the business travellers who pass through town.
London claims that the debate is one of free speech and argues that the free speech protections in the Bill of Rights allow such a business in the downtown area. However, London's claim ignores the potential negative impacts of such a "business" both on the women who work there and the men who attend. The viewing of pornography distorts sexuality and creates a world of male-dominance in which women are objects that exist to fulfill the needs of males. A study on pornography and violence found that there are three basic themes of pornography that reinforce misogynist and patriarchal views of women--that all women want sex at all times from all men, that women enjoy all sexual acts that men perform and demand, and that any woman who does not realize this can be convinced by force. While there is some debate as to what extent viewing pornography creates the potential for violence against women, it certainly contributes to unhealthy views of sex and sexuality. Moreover, views within the feminist movement have also varied, with some defending pornography and others arguing that pornography is one of the central ways in which men subjectify women and one of the key tenants of patriarchy.
With the city unable to do anything to stop the project, it is hoped that community groups and residents of the downtown area might do something to stop the project. In the past activists have used a variety of tactics in confronting such establisments.
London will begin renovating the former "Senette Building" located at 234 Market Avenue. London also owns Sensations at the Centerpointe Mall.
