but then why do so many other women in the trade claim that it makes them feel "empowered?" While I'm not doubting anything you're saying about your experiences in Skagway, there is always another side to the story. As the article mentions, Batts' belief is that the ability to 'disconnect' from their bodies is what allows most prostitutes to engage in such activity. But to what end? "One woman she worked with was a single mom, recently out of school, who needed to pay for a new car. Another loved shopping, purses, cars and gambling."