Talk:Obscene Publications Act 1857

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United Kingdom and Ireland[edit]

The introduction says this act applied to United Kingdom and Ireland (which now redirects to British Isles). But did it really apply to Scotland? Should it be changed to say something like England and Wales and Ireland? Open4D (talk) 13:01, 1 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

"Obscenity" versus "Pornography"[edit]

This entry uses the term "pornography" quite liberally. If the cited materials and legal documentation employ the term "pornography," then so be it. However, I believe it is crucial to note that at the time of the law's passage and enforcement, the term "obscenity" and its various forms were most commonly used. This alone should be taken into consideration. Moreover, there's another aspect that merits consideration. While I am not a proponent of political correctness or woke, I do think it's important to acknowledge something here. Words should not be used ignorantly. The term "obscenity" and its variations are non-gendered, unlike "pornography," which has its roots in the Greek word πόρνη (porne), meaning harlot. Blaming women for the lusts of men was a prevalent notion in the 19th and early 20th centuries (and persists to this day). Recognizing this historical context is vital, especially considering that during the formulation of laws, this concept permeated every class of society, particularly the ruling classes and law creators. Hence, the decision to substitute "pornography" for "obscenity" represents a significant historical change. This wasn't an obscure difference in the applicable time frame; there was a period when a comprehensive understanding of the Greek language was a prerequisite for university entrance exams. The lawmakers of that time unquestionably grasped the implications of using the term "pornography." 2600:1010:B1A3:9A3E:37BB:6DCB:7B0B:8585 (talk) 02:04, 3 January 2024 (UTC)[reply]