Pornography gets a pretty bad rap. It is seen as degrading, to mostly women. But pornography includes men, women, homosexuals, heterosexuals and different races as well. To say its influence ends with women is an unfair, sexist misconception.
Pornography is a healthy response to the current state of Americans’ understanding of sexuality. People have questions about their bodies and are interested in discovering more about what is sexually pleasing to themselves and their partners.
Pornography’s fatal flaw is no fault of its own, but rather our society’s fault. No one of any standing in the community will discuss it. Pornography is the elephant in the room that everyone sees but ignores. Those who do discuss it usually brush it off as garbage, but never state what exactly is wrong with it. We’re comfortable with advertisements picturing half-naked models, television shows and movies depicting sex acts and making sexual jokes, but when genitalia is seen and penetration occurs, a line is apparently crossed.
In the 1990 Supreme Court case of United States v. Eichman, Chief Justice William Brennan discussed controversial free speech during his defense of Shawn Eichman, a flag burner.
‘If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable,’ Brennan said.
Similarly, the general public may frown upon pornography, but regardless, it is defended.
Although porn may possess redeeming qualities, the general consensus is its audience does not. The viewers of pornography are seen as sexually deviant and no one of any standing in the community wants to admit to watching pornography.
To say women are the only ones affected by the adult entertainment industry is to sell short men’s feelings on the subject.
Perhaps we should look at porn from a more objective perspective without partiality.
Laura Kipnis conducted a survey dealing with pornography for her book ‘Bound and Gagged: Pornography and the Politics of Fantasy in America’. Her findings showed the inability to connect with the actresses in pornography, both physically and in their standards (or lack thereof) in men, as the reason many women do not enjoy watching pornography. But men may be put off by pornography as well.
Laura Kipnis conducted a survey dealing with pornography for her book ‘Bound and Gagged: Pornography and the Politics of Fantasy in America’. Her findings showed the inability to connect with the actresses in pornography, both physically and in their standards (or lack thereof) in men, as the reason many women do not enjoy watching pornography. But men may be put off by pornography as well.
They too are objectified in the media, from Abercrombie & Fitch advertisements to male-enhancement products seen on television at all hours of the day.
Though it may sound clich’eacute;, it is imperative America protects things even the general public does not approve of. Pornography is not a proven detriment to society. To those who do not wish to watch others engage in sex acts, no one is forcing it down their throats.
Matthew Keever is a communication junior and may be reached at [email protected].
