Abstract This paper discusses the issue of pornography, seen as one of the most controversial sexual issues in North America. The paper reports that a large part of the controversy is centered on the battle between individuals who argue that pornography is an oppressive activity that subordinates women and advocates of free-speech. The topic is complex and charged with emotion.
Abstract The paper explains that there can be little question that pornography has sparked a great deal of heated debate for a number of years now. Critics charge that the industry promotes the sexualization and exploitation of women and distorts human relationships, while its supporters argue that pornography is really a form of erotica, an instructional tool for those who need it, and - whatever its controversial elements - something protected under the Freedom of Expression provisions outlined in the United States Constitution. The following paper compares and contrasts the arguments of both sides and concludes that those opposed to pornography raise a much more compelling case than those in favor of it.
Abstract This paper argues that pornography has a terribly negative affect on men's view of women and women's psyche. Pornography is not only highly addictive material but it's a book of lies about women portrayals. Even soft-core pornography portrays women as sex objects existing only to give sexual satisfaction to men. They are "pets" or "playmates" only from the neck down. Women in porn are big breasted and thin, these stereotypes give women self-cautious feelings around male counterparts. ?Also, pornography teaches that sex is purely fun in nature. There is no touching intimacy in pornography, only fast physical satisfaction. The paper uses the works of some feminists and socialists to prove the negative affect of pornography, but also examines opposing views.
From the Paper "Pornography is not made to educate but to sell, and for the most part, what sells is a bunch of lies about sex and women. Women are portrayed as enjoying being raped, spanked or beaten, tied up, mutilated, enslaved, or they accept it as their lot as women to be victims of such experiences."
Abstract This paper reviews the idea that there is no doubt that the general public feels as if it is being affected by pornography. Pornography is a maligned form of media with some dedicated supporters. According to the paper, no actual link has been found in heavy pornography use and violence against women nor has there been any link found in heavy pornography use and development of negative personality traits. However at least one researcher has indicated some relationship between advertising principles and the principles behind pornography.
From the Paper "Pornography is a much-maligned aspect of the publishing industry. Although protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, the apparent consensus from the general public is that pornography is not a beneficial form of printed matter. But how far is that consensus from the truth? The literature indicates a mixed stance on the benefits--or the harm--of pornography. Much of the literature seems to indicate that negative consequences of pornography use are interlocked with excessive use of the Internet. In such cases, depression and self-destructive behavior can occur. In addition, children are often victimized by Internet pornography use, perpetuating the abusive behavior to other generations. However, none of the literature reviewed supports the idea of heavy pornography use as causation for violent behavior aimed at others."
Abstract The paper explores child pornography within the context of finding child pornography, investigating the act and treating it as a criminal offence. The paper shows that child pornography is not specifically pornography, but instead is a form of obscenity and exploitation. A case study of virtual child pornography is included as a brief example of problems faced in identifying and persecuting offenders.
From the Paper "Child pornography is defined as the practice of creating media for purposes of sexual arousal or pleasure using a person or persons under the age of eighteen (Ferraro & Casey, 2004). All child pornography is by definition non-consensual, as legal statutes prohibit persons under the age of eighteen from agreeing to participate in the creation of pornography; therefore child pornography will always be deemed illegal regardless as to whether the model consented to its making. Indeed, even in scenarios in which the child model misrepresented himself or herself as eighteen years of age or older, the manufacturers of the pornographic media are promoting a crime (Ferraro & Casey, 2004). Child pornography is considered a felony under federal law (Taylor & Quayle, 2003)."
Abstract This paper examines and reviews Catherine MacKinnon's perspective on pornography as expressed in her essay "Pornography, Civil Rights, and Speech." The paper's author agrees with many of MacKinnon's views on pornography, yet does not accept them all. The reviewer does not feel that all pornography should lose its protected status under the First Amendment to the Bill of Rights. The paper further discusses MacKinnon's views of pornography which are based on her feminist outlook. The reviewer concludes that while some of MacKinnon's arguments are valid, others seem extreme.
Outline:
What Catharine MacKinnon Has to Say
Work Cited
From the Paper "In a more understandable and non-cryptic paragraph on the first page of her essay, MacKinnon says that feminism is the "first theory, the first practice, the first movement," to really take the situation of every woman "seriously." Feminism, she explains, looks at the position of women's social life "as a whole," which is the first time the women's legal and social views have been put forward as a theory of humanism. "
Abstract This essay examines the nature of a patriarchal society while questioning the role pornography plays in maintaining such a society. The basic sociological and gender studies concepts of patriarchal society and the nature of the same are examined, including the treatment and position of women in such a society. For and against arguments pertaining to the nature of pornography and its psychological effects on individuals are examined, exploring the exact way in which pornography reproduces patriarchal attitudes for both men and women. Included as part of this, quotes from pornographic material are featured, as well as quotes from men who have internalised the messages of pornography and become rapists. The tone of the essay leans toward censorship as a possible, although minimal, answer in decreasing patriarchal attitudes toward women.
From the Paper "Pornography is one of those controversial issues which appear to drive most people to extremes of opinion. Anti-censorship campaigners and anti-pornography campaigners coexist across many movements worldwide ? political, religious, media ? and all appear to have an investment in the continuation or eradication of pornographic material. However, perhaps the most interesting instance of conflicting stances existing within one movement can be found in feminism. Anti-pornography campaigners within feminism fight for the censorship of pornography, believing it to increase the acceptance of patriarchy, and thus, female oppression within society. Surprisingly, anti-censorship campaigners believe that the censorship of pornography will not overcome the structures within society that reinforce oppressive attitudes toward women. I would disagree, and argue that although such structures ? law, language, religion, philosophy ? are inherently oppressive of women, the oppression of women cannot be solely located in such structures. Forces which oppress women are everywhere, but they are no where; the oppressors are everyone, yet no one in particular. In this way, every representation which reinforces patriarchal attitudes, every representation which depicts women as objects, as subordinate, dependent or deviant, further serves to enforce female oppression. Quotes similar to those reproduced above should force us to re-evaluate the extent to which cultural expressions influence societal perception and behaviour. This essay will examine the way in which pornography operates to reinforce patriarchal attitudes which subsequently marginalise women."
Tags: anti, men, misogyny, patriarchy, pornography, rape, women
Abstract This paper justifies an evaluation which holds that pornography is not something that should be given carte blanche protection under the Freedom of Expression prerogatives outlined in the American Constitution. In particular the paper looks at the injurious social effects associated with pornography and the paper also goes to some length to distinguish pornography from erotica. With regards to the last point the paper notes in particular the dehumanizing characteristics of pornography.
From the Paper "Few topics are more divisive and contentious than pornography. The following paper will examine the subject of pornography and argue that any thoughtful consideration of the matter cannot help but lead to the conclusion that pornography dehumanizes women (and, arguably, men too) and also offers a profoundly distorted view of human relationships. To support this view, the author will cite a number of studies which corroborate the above view as well as examining the arguments commonly put forward by supporters of pornography. In the final analysis, freedom of expression is not absolute and society owes it to itself and to its posterity to ensure that citizens are protected from the ill effects of pornographic material. As mentioned above, the judgment of this writer is that pornography is an unacceptable form of expression."
Abstract This paper addresses this question in terms of both Canadian laws governing child pornography on the Internet, and the role of these laws in terms of wider international legislation and norms in this area. It will be argued that the key problem related to Canadian child pornography legislation and the Internet is not so much a need for stronger laws, but rather the enforcement of those that currently exist.
Abstract This paper provides a critical analysis of Susan Brownmiller's essay, "Let's Put Pornography Back in the Closet". It discusses Brownmiller's argument to remove First Amendment protection for pornography and expose its anti-feminine agenda.
From the Paper " Susan Brownmiller's essay Let's Put Pornography Back in the Closet makes a compelling case for taking pornography out from under the cloak of the First Amendment and exposing it for the ..."
Tags: Brownmiller, pornography, First Amendment, critique
Abstract The vast amount of pornography that currently spans the Internet has any number of people concerned. The paper shows that parents are concerned about their children's access to the Internet and subsequently the potential access to Internet pornography.
Abstract An exploration of child pornography and the Internet. This paper is written from a point of view that supports the April 2002 ruling of the United States Supreme Court. Definitional issues, police entrapment, civil rights and consensual acts of people depicting minors are discussed. Although this paper does not contain any extremely vulgar or obscene material it has the potential of being offensive because of the touchy subject matter.
From the Paper "Other ideas with the rejection of the child pornography definition is the concept of consensual acts and the idea of digital imaging enhancement to make picture appear as if they are depicting minors. Digitally enhanced child pornography will be addressed later in this paper, but I would like to address my opinions on consensual acts. When most people imagine child pornography they envision a child being raped. I agree with the child pornography stereotype; when I began this research I also envisioned child pornography as a world filled with brutal heinous rapes" Not all cases of child pornography portrayed on the Internet involve child rape scenes. The pornography at hand "might have been a picture of a seventeen year old in an unrevealing gym suit" but due to social reactions to the word child pornography is visualized as "an infant being sodomized by a brawny adult" (Chatelle 1996). Child pornography can encompass such things as teens engaging in consensual sexual acts, statutory rape as well as children wearing beach or gym clothes. In a case such as that no one is harmed in the production of the material except the norm views and expectations placed on society? In 1996 Congress "passed the Child Pornography Prevention Act" which is aimed at the goal of preventing "the production and distribution of computer generated sexual images of children" (Hatcher et al 1999: 418). Originally this legislation was passed to ensure that even "the production, distribution, and reception of images" that were altered to resemble images of minors engaging is sexual encounters were criminalized (Hatcher et al 1999: 418). However on April 16th 2002, the Supreme Court "struck down provisions of a federal law that made it a crime to create or distribute virtual child pornography that used computer images or young adults rather than actual children" (Greenhouse 2002)?.because of media depiction and definitions of child pornography the virtual dilemma will continue as a moral crusade."
Abstract This essay expresses the opposing views of Catherine MacKinnon and Ronal Dworkin regarding the issue of legal regulation of pornography. It states both of the views with quotes from their analysis of cases of American Booksellers v Hudnut, as well as R v Butler. The essay ends with a personal view on the subject matter, with regard to both of the authors' views and finds that although neither presents the full picture, Dworkin's argument focuses more on the legality of the issue as opposed to feminism of MacKinnon.
From the Paper "Free speech and what it really means has taken different forms for different individuals. And while historically, it has served as a safeguard against hateful and harmful ideas entering a wider social realm, it also leaves enough room for misuse. Is speech to be, to an extent, regulated (as it is in the British Race Relations Act) or is to be equally allowed to any opposing view, no matter how potentially dangerous or degrading it is? Does pornography qualify as a speech and if so, how is it best regulated without stifling the First Amendment? In her 1993 book "Only Words", Catharine MacKinnon gives several arguments regarding pornography."
Abstract Pornography has been a topic of heated debate in this country for decades. It is an issue that deals with freedom of speech and what is considered "decent" by many Americans. Many consider pornography degrading toward women, although many women freely participate in pornographic activities. The Internet poses many problems concerning this issue, with the exploitation of children being at the forefront of many legitimate concerns. This paper examines both sides of the issue and the complications that arise when considering the controversial issue.
I. Introduction
A. The Business of Pornography B. National Sales
II. Definition of Pornography A. Joseph Slade Defines Complexity of the Term Pornography B. Obscene versus Erotic
C. Supreme Court Definition of Obscene
III. Pornography and Exploitation of Women
A. Ann Garry's Position
IV. Child Pornography A. The Internet's Influence on Child Pornography B. Laws Pertaining to Child Pornography C. Philip Jenkins's Position on Child Pornography V. Conclusion
A. Education and Fair Application of Law
From the Paper "William F. Buckley, in an article published in the National Review, points out that journalist Frank Rich wrote an article that uncovered the huge moneymaking business of pornography. The figures he reported, according to Buckley, "astonish". From the article ?$4 billion a year is spent on video pornography, that this sum of money is greater than what is spent on major league baseball? (Buckley). Surprisingly, pornography is a business that outsells professional baseball. Buckley also adds that people rent 700 million porn movies every year and that Americans pay more money for pornography than they do for "non-adult" movies. In a striking comparison, Buckley says that every year, 400 regular movies are produced and 11,000 porn movies are produced. (Buckley) That was in the early 90s. In his book, Pornography in America: A Reference Handbook, which was published in 2001, Joseph Slade reports that although most Americans won?t admit to participating in pornography, they spend "somewhere between $8 billion and $10 billion a year on sexual representations of some sort" (Slade 3) In a bizarre comparison, Slade also notes that Americans spend $36 billion on fast food hamburgers. Clearly, these figures indicate that the business of pornography is growing by leaps and bounds."
Tags: internet, child, obsense, offensive, jenkins, law
Abstract This paper takes the position that pornography promotes sexual violence against women and cites several factors that support this position. It also explores some of the reasons the issue of pornography has been so controversial and some of the arguments made by proponents of pornography.
From the Paper "Defining and regulating pornography has been a difficult task for the United States where free speech is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and is the backbone of what defines us as a free society. Webster's Dictionary defines pornography as: writings, pictures, etc. intended primarily to arouse sexual desire. (Neufeldt et al.) Though different people may argue over the definitions and reasons for pornography ?the producers, sellers, and consumers of pornography have a clear understanding of its meaning. For them it is a written or visual product showing sexual anatomy and/or sexual activity designed to promote sexual arousal.? (McCuen) But does pornography in and of itself promote sexual violence against women? There is no doubt that through the ages many men have sought and attained sexual access through violent action or the threat of such action. No national culture has been without rape. The forcible sexual assault of strangers, associates, friends and relatives alike has been a universal occurrence throughout the history of mankind, and it has remained so in contemporary society."
