Assignment 1-3

Pornography has always been a topic of debate in most societies. Recently, the debates have become more about the positive effects of the controversial form of art rather than how degrading it is to humans, woman in particular. As stated by Anne Sabo, pornography is seen as a factor in abuse and rape against women by some feminists, yet there are numerous postmodern feminists and advocates of the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay & Transgender Alliance, or LBGT, who view the art as a form of liberation in sexuality (2009, p 147, para 1). The idea, now that pornography has been somewhat accepted, is to understand the sexual desires and functions, including pleasure and power.

Linda Williams, a writer and researcher, is content with the focus on women being the center of attention and not serving as the “sexual other” (Sabo, 2009, p 147, para 1). Women being the “sexual other” is the basis for believing that pornography is degrading; it has been viewed as an act or art that is focused on the desires and pleasures of men. Williams makes it known that the study of pornography is based on the desire to recover its aesthetic value by returning to its classical heritage (Sabo, 2009, p 148, para 1). In doing so, recent reports show that more young women are purchasing forms of pornography and open about it. Along with that is the fact that feminists and females in the spotlight are promoting and defending it as well (Sabo, 2009, p 148, para 2). Those in relationships even speak freely about the use of pornography now more than ever. The downfall to this is the fact that men who continue to view pornography on their own are still revered as perverts, filthy, and a threat to the well-being and safety of women.

To gain understanding on the reasons pornography has gained the reputation it has, I would actually like for anyone who chooses to read this analysis to give their personal opinion on the subject. Reading articles does not do the trick for me; conversation clears it all up. I, for one, do not see the harm in consuming pornography as long as no one is being physically harmed in the process. I have visited an adult film store in the past with my boyfriend, and my initial reaction was that all eyes would be on me because I am a female and females should not explore anything concerning sexuality. In looking at others in the store, who were predominately males, and by themselves, I immediately thought they were “filthy”, as stated in my article. After visiting the store a few more times I realized I was stereotyping the men in the store, and they could quite possibly doing the same thing to me. All in all, I think in order for the negative cloud hanging over the topic of pornography to be erased, everyone needs to have some type of experience with it. People are uncomfortable with it simply because it has not always been acceptable to express sexuality.









Reference

Sabo, A. G. (2009). Highbrow and lowbrow pornography: prejudice prevails against popular
culture. A case study. The Journal of Popular Culture, 42(1), 147-161. Retrieved July 22,
2009, from http://0-journals.ohiolink.edu.olinkserver.franklin.edu/ejc/pdf.cgi/
SABO_ANNE_G.pdf?issn=00223840&issue=v42i0001&article=147_halpppapcacs