2. A Legitimate Business
The unfortunate souls we discussed in entry #4 are often forced into some manner of pornography or prostitution, the myriad results of which have been the basis for a lot of academic commentary on the problems of the industry that we shan't delve into here. Suffice it to say, they are authentic and significant. Far too often in the GTA universe, strip clubs and the like are presented simply as passive locations with no purpose besides catering to the player's base urges. All the employees there are servants devoid of personality, and the management of the business remains unspecified. Completely dehumanising the establishment and its workers makes it all the easier for the player to swagger in with a weapon of choice and do their worst. If the series ever wants to earn some respect, this must change. As horrifically classist as I'm entirely aware this sounds, the franchise might do well to swap seedy dens of vice in slums for private institutions catering to the affluent and sophisticated. This parlour might focus on BDSM and/or various fetishes, or just be a very classy venue to have intercourse. It will be explicitly stated in dialogue and scenery that the patrons and staff are there voluntarily to partake in their chosen predilections, and that they are otherwise entire unremarkable and even cerebral types outside the venue (or inside, if intellectual conversations are shown taking place during or outside of activity). Safe, Sane and Consensual shall serve as the law, with all those that violate it being unceremoniously ejected from the premises. The club should cast aside narrow notions of sexuality and feature out and proud gays, bisexuals and lesbians being involved at every level and generally having a good time in a safe space. No shaming, no humour, and no tastelessness. To be even better, the proprietor of this fine establishment should be an educated woman of elegance and poise, perhaps taking a few tips from Morena Baccarin's Inara on
Firefly, in equal parts serene and sensual, tolerant of all her employees' and clients' inclinations and running a legal enterprise with no underhand dealings. Just for once, let's have a business that really is legitimate. A bright spot in a horrid universe is significant, and with luck it'll open the audience's minds. Our heroine could very easily be employed by this establishment to do unremarkable legal things in side missions, such as couriering supplies and driving inebriated patrons home after a night out. The female 'Boss' of
Saints Row 2 was unpretentiously enjoying the view at her local club back when Niko stepped off the boat. It's time to play catch-up...