Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the first thing about Catullus that may strike a modern reader is his frequent preoccupation with sex in general, and with obscenity in particular. The writer maintains that this is in stark contrast with his love poems about lesbians. Further, the writer points out that it has been said that Catullus sought in love not sexual transport but a deep human union which would last a whole lifetime.
From the Paper "On examination an argument can be made that these two facets were flip sides of the same coin, and together offer a complete and direct look into the mind and heart of Catullus. They reveal to us two honest, although contradictory, faces of the same man. Like all of us, Catullus encapsulates dark and light in one person. He is highly unusual in that he communicates both sides so directly and personally with his readers. It seems that the obscenity, along with the love and pain, has the same function: they achieve the direct and honest expression that Catullus clearly desired."
Abstract This paper discusses how Americans despise obscenity by and large, but have always had a problem with identifying just what was obscene and why. This study maintains that while popular and legal definitions may vary, some people may simply consider something obscene if it is forced upon them rather than when they purposely seek out such literary materials or artistic works for themselves for prurient or other reasons. A summary of the research and important findings is provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Arbiters of Obscenity and Their Implications for Artists and the Media
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to Kidd, there was essentially no due process provided the artist in this unfair association between him and denied Mapplethorpe his "day in court" in which he could voice his rebuttals; rather, the case was an example of an arbitrary - and some say capricious - decision by the Institute for Contemporary Art as to what they regarded as obscene, and they got paid handsomely for the privilege of designating Mapplethorpe's work as being obscene: "The key decisions that implicated the NEA in the funding of 'obscenity' were made not by the artist, and not even by the NEA, but by mediating arts organizations -- specifically, the Institute for Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, that used a $30,000 NEA grant to mount a retrospective of Mapplethorpe's photography" (Kidd, 2003, p. 6). By any measure, Mapplethorpe's works could be viewed as being inappropriate for certain age groups or others, depending on the unique individual factors involved, but the same issues that affected the Mapplethorpe outcome are at play in virtually every instance of the obscenity determination."
Abstract This paper examines the poem "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg which led to a widely publicized court case dividing readers between a view of art and obscenity. This paper discusses how "Howl" is not obscene or socially deviant writings, but instead, a valuable social critique of Ginsberg's time. By teasing out the parts that are labeled obscene, it picks the most controversial topics and explores the meanings behind them, also showing how it is more of a social critique than plan obscenity for no reason.
From the Paper "The topic of homosexuality and blatant crudeness towards heterosexuality makes itself visible in the text, a topic that society at the time tried to shy away from and viewed as indecent. The most obvious is the image of one having anal intercourse and not feeling ashamed to enjoy it, "who let themselves be fucked in the ass by saintly motorcyclists, and screamed with joy" (128), writing in this way without holding back literally shoves the idea of homosexuality in the face of the reader, without hiding from it, and makes the reader interpret it in the poem. The character does not care where the sex comes from, jumping into passing limousines "seeking jazz or sex or soup" (127), he or she seems to not care where or how they receive this sex they are looking for, comparing it to something as little as soup or jazz."
Abstract This paper attempts to take a psychoanalytical view of the work of the novelist D. H. Lawrence and discusses the underlying reasons for the obscenities in some of his works such as "The Rainbow" which was was prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act and destroyed by order of the court. It evaluates whether Freud's two books, "Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious" and "The Fantasia" which were published in the two years following Lawrence's success in finally securing the publication of "Women in Love", are, in part, explanations--perhaps even justifications--of that shocking book and of other facets of his literary production up to that point. It examines how the two books lay out the views on human psychology and the promptings of the unconscious that had contributed so much to the underlying scheme of "Women in Love" and others.
From the Paper "The characters in Women in Love were deliberately created in a way that rejected, as Lawrence put it, "the old stable ego of the character" and plumbed, instead, the depths of the unconscious (quoted in Kinkead-Weekes xiv). These characters were subject to change in accordance with the pull of forces and drives which they only partially comprehended but were acutely interested in understanding more fully. They were, and, as Lawrence suggested, we all are, "unstable and governed by subterranean impulse" while moving through lives that are in constant flux--ideas which his readers "found much more threatening or even outrageous than mere sexual explicitness" (Kinkead-Weekes xiv). The basic difficulty of expressing such ideas through the construction of literary characters and finding the language that was best suited to this purpose would have made the composition of Women in Love difficult enough for a writer who believed that his book could be published. But Lawrence, in spite of all his difficulties, was intensely moved and fascinated by the process of writing that spurred him to go deeper into the unconscious than, he believed, anyone had delved before."
Abstract The paper discusses obscenity in the form of sexual explicitness and wanton violence in the media and questions whether the media can claim 'freedom of speech' as a reason for using sex and violence to sell their products and films. The paper examines the effect of violent and offensive media on children and society as a whole.
From the Paper "These acts of violence include not only murder, but also rape, other forms of sexual assault, assault and aggravated assault, and robbery. In 1996, juvenile offenders accounted for more than 40 % of all instances of serious violent crime (all the above except for simple assault), and some 30% of the perpetrators of all violent crimes were juveniles. (Snyder and Sickmund. Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 1999 National Report) That these inappropriate behaviors are influenced by the images seen on television, in video games, and in other media is not in doubt. The typical American child watches an average of twenty-eight hours of television a week. By the time this child has reached the age of eighteen, he will have witnessed some 16,000 television murders and 200,000 sundry acts of violence."
Analysis of Supreme Court's 1975 landmark ruling in Miller vs. California. History of obscenity definitions. Role of Congress & FCC. Problem of a national consensus & local community standards.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 95.95
From the Paper "Any discussion of a national obscenity standard must begin with the question: Does one exist? The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Miller v. California, along with subsequent clarifying decisions, declared that from then on local communities would in effect establish their own rules and standards of what was and was not obscene. What's more, the court ?specifically rejected the concept of a nationwide ?contemporary community standard,? and left to the individual states? to determine the scope of the community upon which questionable material might be judged (Linz, 1994, 82). Thus, at the time many thought this might abolish for good any thought of a national standard. Not surprisingly, however, considering the unpredictability of American public life, the high court's ruling has raised surprising ..."
Abstract "Berl Kutchinsky, in "Obscenity and Pornography: Behavioral Aspects," states that "In the twentieth century the issue of pornography, like that of environmental pollution, has grown from insignificance to the status of a 'major social problem'" (Kutchinsky, 1983, p. 1077). In
From the Paper "Berl Kutchinsky, in "Obscenity and Pornography: Behavioral Aspects," states that "In the twentieth century the issue of pornography, like that of environmental pollution, has grown from insignificance to the status of a 'major social problem'" (Kutchinsky, 1983, p. 1077). In fact, Kutchinsky clearly means to hold up the phrase "major social problem" in describing pornography in order to show that the term does not apply in reality to pornography. This report will examine the ways in which Kutchinsky demonstrates that, in fact, there is little if any evidence to support the argument that pornography can legitimately qualify as a major social problem. The reader finishes Kutchinsky article with the clean impression that the author believes pornography is hardly a legitimate social problem at all."
Abstract This paper attempts to define pornography, to look at its history, present the attempts that have been made to censor it and look closely at the defense argument for the industry. It also examines feminist feelings surrounding issues of pornography. It analyzes how there are many types and categories and how some elements are incredibly offensive and even abusive, whereas others might be considered healthy and attractive to mature adults. It puts forward the argument that censorship of all materials deemed pornographic is a drastic and unneeded measure.
Outline
Introduction
History of Pornography in the United States
The Effects of Pornography
Pornography and Obscenity Feminist Thought on Pornography
The Pornographers
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are two types of material that are often considered pornographic. In the first type, males or females of an appropriate age are depicted in erotic poses. They are presented as equal partners without subjugation or any sign of violence. This first type of pornography is often referred to as erotica. The Playboy or Penthouse magazines would be an excellent example of this type of pornography that has been developed for males. Conversely, Playgirl magazine or one of the many romance/erotica novels available at local bookstores would be the equivalent for women. In either case, these tend to be somewhat mainstream and for the most part harmless."
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 The question of the intersection of law and morality is one that has been the subject of debate among philosophers and jurists for centuries. In this essay the debate between Patrick Devlin and H. L. A .Hart with respect to the relationship between law and morality is explored with reference to R. v. Butler, a decision of the Supreme Court of Canada on the question of obscenity. The paper argues that in the Butler decision the Supreme Court adopted the utilitarian justification - as described by Hart - in its approval of the limitation of the freedom of expression of Donald Butler.
From the Paper "Pornography and the First Amendment
Erotic literature, depictions, and displays have been common in all cultures since ancient times, with some of the earliest examples belonging to the ancient Greek civilization, which frequently celebrated the human form in art.1 Although not as prevalent as during the Greek period, erotic art continued to be produced throughout the Roman period, Middle Ages, and Renaissance.2 Throughout these times, little attempt was made by governments to censor or regulate these materials, except during the Puritan period in England and the American colonies during the 17th Century.3
Protected under. the First Amendment of the Constitution, there has been much debate as to what constitutes speech. It is generally agreed that conduct, in order to be protected, must..."
Abstract This paper evaluates moral issues about pornography and censorship in Leo Groarke's (1997) "Pornography, Censorship, and Obscenity Law in Canada." Groarke relies on arguments from John Stuart Mill, and the author of this paper considers how moral philosophy responds to the questions of pornography, obscenity, and censorship in a Canadian context.
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 essay critically analyzes the media's function in society today. The writer contends that it does not function as a source of entertainment and it does not reflect the needs and values of the society, rather the media perpetuates a system of conditioned responses to formulas which seem to be reflecting on the values of the society.
From the paper:
?When we state that the media functions as a source of entertainment and reflects the needs and values of the society we are being naive. That may have been the case ten years ago but today, in the era of the communications revolution the situation is much different. The reach and the scope of the media through technology has allowed it to become the agenda setter rather than the community and the values that the media propagates then become the values of the society.?
Abstract This paper examines rap music and how it affects African-American culture. It contains excerpts of Frederick Douglass' autobiography
'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass' which discusses slavery. It discusses several terms in rap music such as: Gangsta Rap, obscene language, as well as discusses several Record labels. This paper concludes windfall is based on a tried and true system of degradation like slavery.
From the Paper "Frederick Douglass in his autobiography, 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass', skillfully illustrates the exploitation and cruelty of the institution of slavery. The degradation and mistreatment visited upon African-Americans continues to this day. The most shocking detail of the ongoing humiliation facing African- Americans is who the facilitators are. The insurgence of the "ghetto" rap music industry continues to uphold the values of the slaveowners to the tune of a billion-dollars a year."
Tags: Rap, Music, institution, Frederick, Douglass, African, American, facilitator, industry
