Whats the point of Pornography!?

[Cassie]

Hi Melrich -

 

You did an excellent job explaining some of this. I still have more questions (I know, always brimming with 'em!)

 

So porn is packaged in a sensationalistic manner to cater to its main target audience. Ok, makes sense, of course.

 

But why would people who enjoy porn have a problem with their daughters wanting to become Jenna Jameson when they get older? In general, why does society seem to look down upon a pornstress, a stripper or even a prostitute? Because that's what is confusing me. People in this thread are expressing, on one hand, how much they enjoy porn. Yet they're also expressing mild discomfort or disappointment if someone they loved wanted to become involved in it. But why?

 

Gina - yes, this can be applied on many different levels to many different things. But it's not enough to look at (from the examples you provided) religion or veganism in itself. It's also important to ask what has motivated an individual to evolve into a vegan. Simply because they don't like the taste of meat, or was it something more triggering a conscious change?

 

I'm not trying to push any type of views on anyone. I do, however, heavily dispute the 'impossible to determine morality' outlook. Even the fine folk at the leather clubs adhere by strict ethics to prevent unnecessary bodily and psychological harm.

 

Sorry for all the questions. I'm just trying to understand the 'why' of it all a bit better. Thanks, everyone, for the thoughtful responses.

[melrich]

In general, why does society seem to look down upon a pornstress, a stripper or even a prostitute?

 

I think there is no doubt that in the eyes of many, if not most, these professions still carry a stigma.

 

I explained in an earlier post that when you are talking about the porn industry, you do need to differentiate because there is a huge underground industry that has a lot of issues attached (underage, exploitation, poor working conditions etc.). The issues are not with the performers, they are predominantly with the people who make money out of these activities, the producers.

 

Personally I think if you sneer at the performers you are probably missing the point, targeting the wrong target.

 

In the "legitimate" industry, pornstars have become far more mainstream in the last 10 years or so. I believe there is still a stigma attached but I also believe there is nothing inherently wrong with having sex on camera, in fact millions of couples do it in private all around the world. The prime difference with pornstars is they do it for a public audience and with multiple partners, again I do not see anything inherently wrong with that, it is their choice.

 

I'd say similar for strippers and prostitutes. I guess I have a very liberal attitude on this and that probably goes to the culture I have been raised in. Australia is quite liberal when it comes to sex compared to the US from what I have observed. Prostitution is legalised, strip clubs proliferate, there is nudity on public television and topless is de riguer on most of our beaches.

 

So in this context, sex is a service. I don't put it quite on the same plane as selling your skills as a plumber or accountant but essentially strippers and prostitutes sell a service.

 

Would I want my daughter to be involved in the sex industry? No I wouldn't. Because i do think it is an exploitative industry with inherent dangers and risks. I could say the same about many industries. I would also prefer that her value system be closer to mine BUT I RECOGNISE THE RIGHT OF PEOPLE TO HAVE ALTERNATIVE VALUE SYSTEMS.

 

Would I try to talk her out of it? Yes.

 

Would I be disappointed? Yes.

 

Would I love her any less if she did end up in the sex industry? No.

 

Ultimately I have to bow to the fact that people have the right to make a choice and I have to accept the fact that that choice is valid for them. I do think the sex industry is one that can polarise, even within our own individual minds.

[Cyprian]

point of pornography? entertainment, stimulation, vicarious satisfaction

[Lonewing]

Think of it like the circus. As much fun as it is to go and see the circus, you'd never want to think anyone in your family might actually run away and JOIN the circus.