Pornography doesn’t exploit.

[gattaca]

I just don’t agree that Pornography exploits.

 

[uberd00b]

I've seen people and partners of those who work in the porn business argue quite eloquently that it is not exploitative. I think it probably depends on the person involved and how their work is run.

Certainly exploits the consumer though.

I'll vote "don't know".

 

[Ryal Kane]

Porn exploits human desire for sexual release in the way that candy exploits our desire for sugar.

Does Porn, by default, exploit people? No.
I think in certain situations it can but for the most part it's about consenting adults who know what they're doing.

 

[k]

Read 'Only Words' by catherine mackinnon. Pornography is mainly the domination of women as objects and even a victoria's secret catalog could be considered porn.

 

[Godfixated]

How is porn not exploitation. There are naked people either in print or on screen performing acts and showing themselves. If that isn't exploitation, then I don't know what is.

 

[meebs]

Depends on the person and circumstance.

I think a lot of porn in itself is harmless - as long as it's consenting adults i have no issue with porn.

It may exploit drug addicts or people in poverty who feel like they have no choice to perform and as uberdoob says, some of the consumers.

Final comment: if you don't like porn, dont watch it!

 

[Eryk]

As long as there is no coercion in its production, there should be nothing illegal about porno. But there are still problems.

It objectifies women, it cheapens intimacy, and it's probably addictive (depending on the consumer).

Even today, there isn't that much explicit sex in mainstream literature and film-making because it tends to overwhelm reason and everything else. Too much of it and it destroys the function of art. As Roger Ebert said, "The problem with X-rated movies is they're not R-rated."

 

[Eudaimonist]

My reaction is similar to Amoeba's.

That said, I'd like to hear a clear explanation of what "exploit" means.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Atheuz]

How is porn not exploitation. There are naked people either in print or on screen performing acts and showing themselves. If that isn't exploitation, then I don't know what is.

Right, they're getting forced to do it. It's not like they made a choice on how to live their life or get paid for it.

People who practice pornography made a conscious choice on how to lead their life - It's their job, their bodies and you shouldn't have a thing to say about that.

 

[Lynden1000]

Read 'Only Words' by catherine mackinnon. <staff edit> Pornography is mainly the domination of women as objects and even a victoria's secret catalog could be considered porn.

The alleged rapist wasn't convicted because it was practically impossible to prove she was raped, particularly when everybody who worked with her on her movies agreed that she was a fully consenting participant. She might have regretted it later, which she appears to have done, but that doesn't nullify her previous consent.

 

[Lynden1000]

I voted "don't know."

I think there are bound to be isolated cases involving intimidation and psychological coercion; but overall I think porn is a business like any other. Consumers get a product they want, and employees who consent to provide the service are compensated accordingly.

 

[OdwinOddball]

Something can only be called exploitive if those involved are not fully willing participants. The large bulk of porn stars seem to be quite willing, and even quite satisfied by their work.

Is this always the case? No, I am sure it is not and that there are cases of exploitation in the porn industry. But just because your particular world view denigrates this form of entertainment does not make it exploitive.

Theres a very simple solution for those that dislike porn. Don't watch it.

 

[k]

She had a gun to her head in the case iam talking about. Ive dated women who had been raped years before and could only enjoy sex if they were dominated as a result. So it's no surprise she kept making movies. Porn exploits on the most fundamental level regarding employment for women. If we had a level playing field many wouldnt do it for the money.

 

[Eudaimonist]

Porn exploits on the most fundamental level regarding employment for women. If we had a level playing field many wouldnt do it for the money.

Many women outside of the porn industry (working as waitresses, secretaries, etc, etc) wouldn't do their current job if it weren't for the money. Does this mean that they are exploited?

I'd still like to know just what "exploit" means.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Nathan Poe]

Read 'Only Words' by catherine mackinnon. <staff edit> Pornography is mainly the domination of women as objects and even a victoria's secret catalog could be considered porn.

"In a patriarchal society, all heterosexual intercourse is rape because women, as a group, are not strong enough to give meaningful consent. " -- Catherine Mackinnon. (Emphasis mine)

I wouldn't cite Mackinnon as a reliable, unbiased source on what is or is not rape.

 

[LovesEnduringPromise]

Porn exploits. We are supposed to be modest. It exploits the true meaning of sex given to us by God. Porn says 'I dont care" they do it with anybody without any meaning. Its all for show, its dirty. Its foul. Would you want your children to watch it? If you dont think its exploitive then why should you care if they watched it!? Its exploitive!

 

[k]

Wonder why there was no counter to her claim? Do that then i will consider taking advice on whom to reference.

 

[Eryk]

"In a patriarchal society, all heterosexual intercourse is rape because women, as a group, are not strong enough to give meaningful consent. " -- Catherine Mackinnon. (Emphasis mine)

I wouldn't cite Mackinnon as a reliable, unbiased source on what is or is not rape.

"In a patriarchal society", Nathan. Societies that don't have a category for spousal rape, etc.

 

[Jacey]

If porn exploits anyone, it is the men, who on average make far less and have little to no side income from the business like women do (stripping, escorting, autograph sessions, etc).

 

[Lynden1000]

She had a gun to her head in the case iam talking about. Ive dated women who had been raped years before and could only enjoy sex if they were dominated as a result. So it's no surprise she kept making movies. Porn exploits on the most fundamental level regarding employment for women. If we had a level playing field many wouldnt do it for the money.

Well the problem here is that there is no evidence she did anything at gunpoint. All the people who have worked with her on the sets say she was a willing participant and never gave any indication that she felt otherwise.

If she had sexual problems stemming from rape, then the fault was with her rapists, not the porn industry. Her coworkers can't be her mother and make sure that she's not bringing baggage along with her to the set.