The Slavic Connection

[luvsrubs]

Hope this is ok here, but this is a question of general interest to me, and I'm hoping some of our learned and more experienced than I members might shed some light on something I have been curious about for some time. It seems to me, at least in NYC that more and more masseurs are from Slavic countries. Sometimes I can't differentiate the accent so I am afraid I tend to label everything slavic, which is probably not correct. I recently asked one potential masseur if he was Russian, and he said Slovenia. In NYC, niche professions tend to be taken over by the latest immigration wave. Back in the late 70's and early 80's it was Korean groceries with large salad bars for take out. Those disappeared. Recently I've noticed that a great number of barber shops, no matter their location here are manned by men and some women whom I perceive, at least, as Russian. And on the website Chaturbate...( ok sometimes I'm addicted to that one) there are many young men of slavic origin. It's fascinating to me that this particular wave of newcomers has chosen massage and escorting here in the land of "freedom". Any thoughts as to how and why this is happening? This topic may not spur your interest and that's totally fine, but any thoughts would be welcomed.

[frame123]

Actually, that's a good point. I was thinking about the same thing. Perhaps it's linked to the fact that some jobs are easier to get for immigrants who arrived recently and that Slavic immigrants are comparatively recent. But I dont know any evidence to back this claim so it's just a supposition!

[+ Truereview]

Two thoughts, just based on guesses and what I gleaned from massage therapy school.

1. Massage therapy has some of its origins in China and India, but also in Egypt, Greece and Rome - a significant cultural & historical triangle. Slavic countries are smack in the middle of that triangle. As a matter of, I understand massage therapy was re-introduced to the Middle East throughout the Middle Ages with most of it coming from Rome - right thru the Slavic countries. I think commerce and a heavy focus on healing and indulgence have made massage therapy an attainable trade for men and women across the eastern Mediterranean. That coupled with immigration challenges in the US and the culture of homosexual repression in some Slavic countries, I think you have a recipe for many Slavic masseurs working in NYC. Bottom-line, I would not attribute it to a single event, but to the layering of historic events, cultural norms and social-political challenges.
   
2. I think your thread should be moved to The Lounge to benefit from the wider audience it deserves
   

[luvsrubs]

Two thoughts, just based on guesses and what I gleaned from massage therapy school.

1. Massage therapy has some of its origins in China and India, but also in Egypt, Greece and Rome - a significant cultural & historical triangle. Slavic countries are smack in the middle of that triangle. As a matter of, I understand massage therapy was re-introduced to the Middle East throughout the Middle Ages with most of it coming from Rome - right thru the Slavic countries. I think commerce and a heavy focus on healing and indulgence have made massage therapy an attainable trade for men and women across the eastern Mediterranean. That coupled with immigration challenges in the US and the culture of homosexual repression in some Slavic countries, I think you have a recipe for many Slavic masseurs working in NYC. Bottom-line, I would not attribute it to a single event, but to the layering of historic events, cultural norms and social-political challenges.
   
2. I think your thread should be moved to The Lounge to benefit from the wider audience it deserves
   

Very astute observations. Thanks. I have no idea how to move this to The Lounge, but if someone knows how and wants to do it....feel free.