Eva Payne

Eva Payne, an assistant professor of history at the University of Mississippi and author of "Empire of Purity," discusses the complex history of America's war on prostitution. She explores themes like American sexual exceptionalism and its implications on global policies. The conversation highlights the troubling intersections of race, imperialism, and women's rights, particularly during the Spanish-American War and World War I. Payne also critiques modern perceptions of sex work, advocating for a more compassionate understanding of the industry's historical baggage.