The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize was today awarded today to Muhammad Yunus, a microcredit pioneer who founded Grameen Bank of Bangladesh. He loaned very small amounts of money to destitute women there, and helped them become entrepreneurs. Some women bought mobile phones and provided phone service on that shared phone in remote rural areas, for a per-call fee. Link to NYT story.
I blogged about the "phone ladies of Bangladesh" in 2003 (link to BB post), and the story of how these women created sustainable cottage industries is fascinating — but to me, equally fascinating was the odd fate that befell the messageboard we set up for that post (back then, each BoingBoing post had open comments). It began as a perfectly on-topic discussion of the transformative power of microcredit and internet loans, but about 50 posts in, all hell broke loose.
Perhaps because the post title contained the words "ladies," "phone," and "Bangladesh," a lot of horny guys looking to hook up for phone sex with Bangladeshi babes climbed on and never let go. A taste:
* SHAGOR: I will help you to feel a complete women from head to toe. I am looking for girls/women to have free sex from any where any age. Only for babes want to have alternate harmony. First I am not sure if you going to get this mail. I am looking for a person who is understanding and likes to explore the fantasy of life. Have you ever wanted to explore your fantasy? Have you ever thought about having a wild erotic experience of wilderness? This is only for woman seeking erotic experience head to toe and feel the aroma of life. This change is to fulfill your inner desire & feel complete women. Explore the unsaid of life. I will surely come over to your dreamland.
* RATUL: I am also available for chatting…..Oh one thing, mind that I am direct, no hunkipunki.
* R: i want sex and willing to do it. it will be safe. no body will know about it. i am very excited and neavous
* RAHMAN: I want to make a top secret physical relation someone who is unhappy like me.
* MONIM: mwah.mwah.mwah.mwah.mwah.mwah.mwah. And lot of kisses for ur hot lips.MWAH
* MITH: I am boy , who want to enjoy sexy girl. I will give 110% sattispection.
Link to QuickTopic forum: "Wireless cottage industries: 'phone ladies' of Bangladesh"
