Abstract This paper explains that HelenLongino argues in her article "Pornography, Oppression and Freedom: A Closer Look" that pornography by its nature is harmful to women and should be controlled and eliminated. The author maintains that Longino bases this position on tenuous distinctions between pornography and erotica and on the liberal use of universal claims about the effect that pornography has on women and their place in society. The paper contends that, despite her superficially well-reasoned article, a closer examination of Longino's claims and analysis reveals problems that undermine her argument. The paper then asserts that pornography cannot be considered necessarily and categorically harmful to women. The paper concludes that the marginal harm that pornography might cause in isolated incidents is not great enough to justify banning pornography and restricting this form of sexual expression.
From the Paper "Longino argues that these harms are cause enough to invoke laws and regulations that would limit freedom of expression and sexual expression. But are these harms entirely plausible? Is the potential for these harms to be realized justification enough to ban pornography. F.M. Christensen would say no, that efforts to ban pornography through limitations on freedoms--especially freedom of expression--is reprehensible and much more harmful to society than the potential ills of pornography. On this point, I agree with Christensen."
Abstract The paper states that HelenLongino's essay "Subjects, Power, and Knowledge: Description and Prescription in Feminist Philosophies of Science" draws upon the distinctions and tensions between the normative and descriptive traditions in the theory of knowledge, trying to integrate and examine the way in which the feminist accounts of science have impacted the theory of knowledge acquisition. The paper explains that Longino's focus is mainly on the epistemology of science. The paper also states that in Longino's opinion the identification of nature as female and the scientific mind as male, and the privileging of explanatory models of control over those constructed around relations of interdependence may question the validity of the scientific method itself.
From the Paper "The nature of the relationship between observation, data, and theory, which represent scientific discourse have been considered arguments against unconditioned subjectivity and empiricism. The arguments rely on the fact that if the scientific knower is considered an individual who should be freed from external influences in order to produce acceptable knowledge the puzzles introduced by observation and certain evidential relations will remain unsolved."
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 discusses the government's attempt to censor pornographic material on the internet which the writer feels would infringe on the freedom of expression. This paper also includes a brief but detailed history of the internet. This paper examines the various bills the U.S. government is trying to pass to prevent misuse of the Net. The writer of this paper also discusses the installation of censoring software as an alternative solution to government censorship.
From the Paper "The Internet can also be compared to a church. In many ways the Internet is like a church: it has its council of elders, every member has an opinion about how things should work, and they can either take part or not. It's the choice of the user. The Internet has no president, chief operating officer, or Pope. The constituent networks may have presidents and CEO's, but that's a different issue; there is no single authority figure for the Internet as a whole."
Abstract Leo Groarke, in his article "Pornography, Censorship, and Obscenity Law in Canada," presents an analysis of the issues of censorship, pornography and their co-existence with the principles of free speech and freedom of expression, in Canada and the United States. This analysis explores these issues from a primarily Canadian perspective, beginning with an analysis of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of these issues and extending this to their application in case law and legislation. Within this context, Groarke argues that while proposed legislation in Canada with regard to pornography and freedom of speech are flawed in that they do not take into account the complexities of these issues, it is nonetheless possible to reconcile restrictions on access to pornographic materials while still maintaining the principle of freedom of thought, speech and expression in our society.
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 As with most genres, pornography could be interpreted as demeaning or even empowering, as art or trash, as aesthetic or offensive. This paper shows that material that was considered pornographic a few decades years ago is considered acceptable today. These changes illustrate the shifting notions of what material constitutes pornography or obscenity. The paper explores the three general criteria the United States Supreme Court has drafted to determine whether a work or material could be considered pornographic
From the Paper "Catherine Itzin and other critics of pornography argue that the porn industry harms society in many ways. First, many women and young girls are physically and psychologically harmed in the production of pornographic magazines and films. Other sex workers testified of being raped and beaten by "johns" who were carrying S&M magazines. A recent case in the United Kingdom involved the filming of a young boy who was bound and raped by a group of men. This film is currently selling for 50 pounds (Itzin)."
This paper compares the writings of George Washington, J. Hector St. John Crevecoeur and Theodore Roosevelt to the writings of Frederick Douglass as expressed in his book "My Bondage and My Freedom".
Abstract This paper explains that the hard work and sense of freedom mentioned by writers like Washington, Crevecoeur and others differs markedly from what Douglass says about the American ideal; this fact is not surprising because Douglass and his immediate ancestors did not come to America on their own but were removed by force from their native land and made to work as slaves. The author points out that Douglass never sees himself as an American because, as a slave, he was kept him from belonging to any society of free men until he left slavery and entered a new world. The paper relates that Douglass moved from one oppressed minority to another--the free slave constituting another oppressed group, but this did not make Douglass any less an American in cultural terms but never as the ideal and fully connected American referred to by Washington and Crevecoeur.
From the Paper "Douglass himself, however, suggests otherwise in some of hits statements, such as when he writes in an 1846 letter to Garrison that he has no nation of his own. This sense of not having a nation is clearly part of the life of early Americans who, at the time of the Revolutionary War, denied their ties to Britain and sought to create a nation because they did not have one. In the American tradition, Douglass harks back to this same idea, emerging as he did from a slave world where he had no nation, and then finding ways to recreate both himself and his ties with the country over time. His writings are clearly American as they express a similar dedication to certain core values which, admittedly, the nation has not always lived up to, as it should."
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 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.
