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{{expert-subject|Politics}}
{{expert-subject|Politics}}
{{expert-subject|Sexology and sexuality}}
{{expert-subject|Sexology and sexuality}}
The term '''anti-pornography movement''' is used to describe those who argue that [[pornography]] has a variety of harmful effects, such as encouragement of [[human trafficking]],<ref>[https://againstpornography.org/effectsandharms.html Pornography: Effects and Harms]</ref> [[desensitization]], [[pedophilia]], [[dehumanization]], [[sexual exploitation]], [[sexual dysfunction]], and inability to maintain healthy sexual relationships.<ref>[https://againstpornography.org/socialsciencestudies.html Research on Pornography's Effects_Social Science]</ref> People involved in the anti-pornography movement include religious groups,<ref name=autogenerated2>[http://www.american-buddha.com/anti-porno.htm The Anti-Pornography Movement, by Ana Carreon at American Buddha Online Library]</ref> [[feminism|feminists]],<ref name=autogenerated2 /> ex-porn stars,<ref>[http://www.shelleylubben.com/ Pink Cross]</ref>, psychologists, and individuals who feel that pornography plays a major role in the breakdown of marriages and relationships.
The term '''anti-pornography movement''' is used to describe those who argue that [[pornography]] has a variety of harmful effects, such as encouragement of [[human trafficking]],<ref>[https://againstpornography.org/effectsandharms.html Pornography: Effects and Harms]</ref> [[desensitization]], [[pedophilia]], [[dehumanization]], [[sexual exploitation]], [[sexual dysfunction]], and inability to maintain healthy sexual relationships.<ref>[https://againstpornography.org/socialsciencestudies.html Research on Pornography's Effects_Social Science]</ref> People involved in the anti-pornography movement include religious groups,<ref name=autogenerated2>[http://www.american-buddha.com/anti-porno.htm The Anti-Pornography Movement, by Ana Carreon at American Buddha Online Library]</ref> [[feminism|feminists]],<ref name=autogenerated2 /> ex-porn stars,<ref>[http://www.shelleylubben.com/ Pink Cross]</ref> psychologists, and individuals who feel that pornography plays a major role in the breakdown of marriages and relationships.


==Sociological objections==
==Sociological objections==
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Sikhs argue that pornographic books and films, prostitution and lust lead to adultery.<ref>[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=hnICyg09IEIC&pg=PA194&lpg=PA194&dq=sikhism+and+pornography&source=bl&ots=hg6uruvmdv&sig=bhQWI7pM2DpsY4W2cJ4wLRvtOgE&hl=en&ei=k-pISufHDp6QjAeDrtBi&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10 Moral issues in six religions - Google Books]</ref> Pornography in Sikhism is said to encourage, Lust (Kaam),<ref>[http://www.sikhwomen.com/Guru_Quotes/Guru_on_sexuality_lust.htm Guru Granth Sahib Quotes on Sex, Lust, Promicuity, Attachement (Sikhism)]</ref> which is a concept described as an unhealthy obsession for sex and sexual activity. Kaam is heavily discouraged for Sikhs, as this "''can build barriers against God in their lives''".<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/beliefs/beliefs.shtml BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Sikh Beliefs]</ref>
Sikhs argue that pornographic books and films, prostitution and lust lead to adultery.<ref>[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=hnICyg09IEIC&pg=PA194&lpg=PA194&dq=sikhism+and+pornography&source=bl&ots=hg6uruvmdv&sig=bhQWI7pM2DpsY4W2cJ4wLRvtOgE&hl=en&ei=k-pISufHDp6QjAeDrtBi&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10 Moral issues in six religions - Google Books]</ref> Pornography in Sikhism is said to encourage, Lust (Kaam),<ref>[http://www.sikhwomen.com/Guru_Quotes/Guru_on_sexuality_lust.htm Guru Granth Sahib Quotes on Sex, Lust, Promicuity, Attachement (Sikhism)]</ref> which is a concept described as an unhealthy obsession for sex and sexual activity. Kaam is heavily discouraged for Sikhs, as this "''can build barriers against God in their lives''".<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/beliefs/beliefs.shtml BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Sikh Beliefs]</ref>
===Islam===
===Islam===
Most [[Islam]]ic authories also consider pornography to be [[haraam]] (forbidden).<ref>[http://www.al-inaam.com/social/pornharaam.htm ]</ref><ref>[http://www.central-mosque.com/fiqh/pornaddict.htm ]</ref><ref>[http://www.soundvision.com/Info/life/porn/isporn.asp ]</ref>
Most [[Islam]]ic authories also consider pornography to be [[haraam]] (forbidden).<ref>[http://www.al-inaam.com/social/pornharaam.htm Why Pornography is Haram<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.central-mosque.com/fiqh/pornaddict.htm Pornogrpahy: Why it is Haram & How to deal with it?<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.soundvision.com/Info/life/porn/isporn.asp Islam on Pornography: A Definite No NO<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


==Feminist objections==
==Feminist objections==
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* Stark, Christine and Rebecca Whisnant; ''Not for Sale: Feminists Resisting Prostitution And Pornography,'' Spinifex Press, 2004, ISBN 1-876756-49-7
* Stark, Christine and Rebecca Whisnant; ''Not for Sale: Feminists Resisting Prostitution And Pornography,'' Spinifex Press, 2004, ISBN 1-876756-49-7
* [[Nikki Craft]] long-time political, anti-pornography activist and prolific writer on feminist subjects
* [[Nikki Craft]] long-time political, anti-pornography activist and prolific writer on feminist subjects
* The Witherspoon Institute has recently released a publication entitled "The Social Costs of Pornography: A Statement of Findings and Recommendations"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socialcostsofpornography.org|title=The Social Cost of Pornography|publisher=Witherspoon Institute}}</ref>, The Witherspoon Institute, ISBN 978-0981491127
* The Witherspoon Institute has recently released a publication entitled "The Social Costs of Pornography: A Statement of Findings and Recommendations",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socialcostsofpornography.org|title=The Social Cost of Pornography|publisher=Witherspoon Institute}}</ref> The Witherspoon Institute, ISBN 978-0981491127


===Anti-pornography criticisms===
===Anti-pornography criticisms===

Revision as of 16:03, 3 October 2010

File:Porn hurts.jpg
A sign outside an Adult store.

The term anti-pornography movement is used to describe those who argue that pornography has a variety of harmful effects, such as encouragement of human trafficking,[1] desensitization, pedophilia, dehumanization, sexual exploitation, sexual dysfunction, and inability to maintain healthy sexual relationships.[2] People involved in the anti-pornography movement include religious groups,[3] feminists,[3] ex-porn stars,[4] psychologists, and individuals who feel that pornography plays a major role in the breakdown of marriages and relationships.

Sociological objections

Figures 7, 8, and 9 in Zillmann, Dolf: "Effects of Prolonged Consumption of Pornography",[5]

Dolf Zillmann asserts that extensive viewing of pornographic material produces many sociological effects which he characterizes as unfavorable, including a decreased respect for long-term, monogamous relationships, and an attenuated desire for procreation.[6] He describes the theoretical basis of these experimental findings:

The values expressed in pornography clash so obviously with the family concept, and they potentially undermine the traditional values that favor marriage, family, and children... Pornographic scripts dwell on sexual engagements of parties who have just met, who are in no way attached or committed to each other, and who will part shortly, never to meet again... Sexual gratification in pornography is not a function of emotional attachment, of kindness, of caring, and especially not of continuance of the relationship, as such continuance would translate into responsibilities, curtailments, and costs...[7]

Additionally, some researchers claim that pornography causes unequivocal harm to society by increasing rates of sexual assault,[6][8] a line of research which has been critiqued in "The effects of Pornography: An International Perspective" on external validity grounds,[9] while others claim there is a correlation between pornography and a decrease of sex crimes.[10][11][12]

Further information: [[:Social effects of pornography]]

Religious objections

Main article: Religious views on pornography

Christianity

A protest against an adult bookstore in Uniontown, Indiana

There is no direct prohibition of pornographic media in the Bible. Pornography was neither as prevalent or as well developed during Jesus' life as it is today. Instead, Christians can rely on exegesis of Matthew 5:27,28 (part of the Expounding of the Law) to find biblical prohibitions against pornography.[13][14]

You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.[15][16][17][18][19]

Judaism

Though the Torah (Jewish written law) has a great many prohibitions regarding sexual behaviors, pornography is not specifically mentioned. However, traditional Jewish laws of modesty (tzniut) require Jewish women to be modestly dressed (thereby forbidding pornographic modeling or pornographic acting for women). The halakhah states that sexually arousing images are to be avoided.[20]

Sikhism

Sikhs argue that pornographic books and films, prostitution and lust lead to adultery.[21] Pornography in Sikhism is said to encourage, Lust (Kaam),[22] which is a concept described as an unhealthy obsession for sex and sexual activity. Kaam is heavily discouraged for Sikhs, as this "can build barriers against God in their lives".[23]

Islam

Most Islamic authories also consider pornography to be haraam (forbidden).[24][25][26]

Feminist objections

Main article: Feminist views on pornography

Some feminists are opposed to pornography, arguing that it is an industry which exploits women and which is complicit in violence against women, both in its production (where they charge that abuse and exploitation of women performing in pornography is rampant) and in its consumption (where they charge that pornography eroticizes the domination, humiliation, and coercion of women, and reinforces sexual and cultural attitudes that are complicit in rape and sexual harassment). They charge that pornography contributes to the male-centered objectification of women and thus to sexism.

By country

Botswana

Pornography is banned in all forms in Botswana, it is illegal to be found in possession of prohibited goods which include "Indecent and obscene material such as pornographic books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs and software".[27]

China

Internet pornography was outlawed in China by the People's Republic of China effective 2002, when state censors issued guidelines requiring all websites remove any pornographic material.[28] Enforcement is strict and the laws are inflexible, with the government stance being hard-line opposition to pornography. The government started a crackdown in 2004, which included the jailing of a woman.[29]

Since 2008, the production of pornographic movies has been banned by state censors, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television's prohibition on pornography has been complete, and the government has shown no signs of changing course. Directors, producers, and actors involved in pornographic movies have been barred from competing in any film competitions. Any movie studio found in violation may have its license revoked.[30] As a result of this regulation and censorship, adult films and media can only obtained through the Internet and on the black market. Possession of pornography is punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of 20,000 yuan, or even execution for large underground distributors.

Indonesia

In 2008 the constitutional court of Indonesia upheld an anti-pornography law.[31] The bill enjoyed a huge majority in the Indonesian parliament and received much of its support from Islamic groups.[31] It is thought that the law will impact the 'penis-gourd' wearers of West Papua, the text of the law forbids "pictures, sketches, photos, writing, voice, sound, moving picture, animation, cartoons, conversation, gestures, or other communications shown in public with salacious content or sexual exploitation that violate the moral values of society”" which could be applied to the koteka.[32]

Gaza Strip

Since taking power in the Gaza Strip, Hamas have attempted to enforce Islamic rule. In 2008 they implemented internet filters to block access to pornography.[33][34]

Saudi Arabia

The Islamic state of Saudi Arabia bans all forms of pornography due to Islam's opposition to pornography. In 2000 Saudi authorities said that they were 'winning the war against pornography on the internet.'[35]

South Africa

The South African government is reviewing the Films and Publications Act, which prohibits both virtual and real child pornography. Real child pornography involves the use of real children involved in sexual conduct while virtual child pornography is made up of a number of different types of erotic material that do not involve the use of actual children (including paintings, cartoons, sketches, digitally-created images and written descriptions as well as depictions of adults represented as under the age of 18). A recent submission to the South Parliament argued that real child pornography ought to be prohibited while virtual child pornography ought not to be prohibited. The submission process, which involved discussion between members of the public, non-governmental organizations and members of parliament, was recorded by the Parliamentary Monitoring Group.

United Kingdom

Main articles: Anti-pornography movement in the United Kingdom and Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008

The anti-pornography movement in the United Kingdom is considered to be more concerted and better organized than similar movements in other Western liberal democracies.[36]

In the UK, starting from 26 January 2009, possession of images which depict "extreme pornography" (violent pornography) is illegal, in accordance with Part 5, Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.[37][38][39]

United States

Main articles: Anti-pornography movement in the United States and Meese Report

In the United States, the Supreme Court held in 1969 that people could view whatever they wished in the privacy of their own homes.[40] This caused President Lyndon B. Johnson and Congress to appoint a commission to study pornography.

Vietnam

Pornography is illegal in Vietnam and enforcement against it is strict. According to legislatures, pornography harms Vietnamese standard values.[41]

See also

Further reading

Anti-pornography advocacy

  • Andrea Dworkin (1979). Pornography: Men Possessing Women. ISBN 0-452-26793-5.
  • Robert Jensen (2007). Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity. Cambridge, MA: South End Press. ISBN 978-0-89608-776-7.
  • Gail Dines/Robert Jensen/Ann Russo (1998). Pornography: The Production and Consumption of Inequality. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-91813-8.
  • Michael Kimmel. "Men Confront Pornography". New York: Meridian — Random House, 1990. ISBN 0-452-01077-2. (A variety of essays that try to assess ways that pornography may take influence or harm men.)
  • Catharine MacKinnon. "Pornography, Civil Rights, and Speech," 20 Harv. C.R.-C.L. L. Rev. 1 (1985) (arguing that pornography is one of the mechanisms of power used to maintain gender inequality).
  • Brownmiller, Susan (1999). ISBN 0-385-31486-8.
  • Shelley Lubben. Former porn star and self-described "porn missionary"[42] who counsels active porn stars on how to escape the industry.[43]
  • Dr.Victor Cline
  • Patrick Carnes
  • Susanne Kapeller (1986) The Pornography of Representation. Polity Press, Cambridge, UK ISBN 0-7456-0122-7
  • Stark, Christine and Rebecca Whisnant; Not for Sale: Feminists Resisting Prostitution And Pornography, Spinifex Press, 2004, ISBN 1-876756-49-7
  • Nikki Craft long-time political, anti-pornography activist and prolific writer on feminist subjects
  • The Witherspoon Institute has recently released a publication entitled "The Social Costs of Pornography: A Statement of Findings and Recommendations",[44] The Witherspoon Institute, ISBN 978-0981491127

Anti-pornography criticisms

  • Susie Bright. "Susie Sexpert's Lesbian Sex World and Susie Bright's Sexual Reality: A Virtual Sex World Reader", San Francisco, CA: Cleis Press, 1990 and 1992. Challenges any easy equation between feminism and anti-pornography positions.
  • Betty Dodson. "Feminism and Free speech: Pornography." Feminists for Free Expression 1993. 8 May 2002
  • Kate Ellis. Caught Looking: Feminism, Pornography, and Censorship. New York: Caught Looking Incorporated, 1986.
  • Susan Griffin. Pornography and Silence: Culture's Revenge Against Nature. New York: Harper, 1981.
  • Matthew Gever. "Pornography Helps Women, Society", UCLA Bruin, 1998-12-03.
  • Michele Gregory. "Pro-Sex Feminism: Redefining Pornography (or, a study in alliteration: the pro pornography position paper) "[45]
  • Andrea Juno and V. Vale. Angry Women, Re/Search # 12. San Francisco, CA: Re/Search Publications, 1991. Performance artists and literary theorists who challenge Dworkin and MacKinnon's claim to speak on behalf of all women.
    • "A Feminist Overview of Pornography,Ending in a Defense Thereof"[46]
    • "A Feminist Defense of pornography"[47]
  • Annalee Newitz. "Obscene Feminists: Why Women Are Leading the Battle Against Censorship." San Francisco Bay Guardian Online 8 May 2002. 9 May 2002[48]
  • Nadine Strossen:
    • "Defending Pornography: Free Speech, Sex and the Fight for Women's Rights" (ISBN 0-8147-8149-7)
    • "Nadine Strossen: Pornography Must Be Tolerated"[49]
  • Scott Tucker. "Gender, Fucking, and Utopia: An Essay in Response to John Stoltenberg's Refusing to Be a Man."[50] in Social Text 27 (1991): 3-34. Critique of Stoltenberg and Dworkin's positions on pornography and power.
  • Carole Vance, Editor. "Pleasure and Danger: Exploring Female Sexuality". Boston: Routledge, 1984. Collection of papers from 1982 conference; visible and divisive split between anti-pornography activists and lesbian S&M theorists.

Notes

  1. ^ Pornography: Effects and Harms
  2. ^ Research on Pornography's Effects_Social Science
  3. ^ a b The Anti-Pornography Movement, by Ana Carreon at American Buddha Online Library
  4. ^ Pink Cross
  5. ^ Report of the Surgeon General's Workshop on Pornography and Public Health: Background Papers: 'Effects of Prolonged Consumption of Pornography' (August 4, 1986)
  6. ^ a b Zillmann, Dolf: "Effects of Prolonged Consumption of Pornography"
  7. ^ Zillmann, pages 16-17
  8. ^ Malamuth, Neil M.: "Do Sexually Violent Media Indirectly Contribute to Antisocial Behavior?", [1], page 10
  9. ^ The effects of Pornography: An International Perspective
  10. ^ "Pornography, rape and the internet" (PDF). Retrieved 2006-10-25.
  11. ^ D'Amato, Anthony (2006-06-23). "Porn Up, Rape Down". Retrieved 2006-12-19.
  12. ^ The Effects of Pornography: An International Perspective University of Hawaii Porn 101: Eroticism, Pornography, and the First Amendment: Milton Diamond Ph.D.
  13. ^ 4. Adultery, Lust, and the Spirit of Marriage (Matthew 5:27-30) - Sermon on the Mount
  14. ^ Sermon on Matthew 5:27-30
  15. ^ Matthew 5:27-28 - Passage Lookup - New International Version - BibleGateway.com
  16. ^ The Churches speak on pornography: official statements from religious bodies by J. Gordon Melton
  17. ^ Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered - Answers to the Questions People Are Really Asking by S. Michael Houdmann
  18. ^ Christians, feminists, and the culture of pornography By Arthur J. Mielke
  19. ^ Catholic sexual ethics: a summary, explanation & defense By Ronald David Lawler, Joseph M. Boyle, William E. May
  20. ^ Tzniut - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  21. ^ Moral issues in six religions - Google Books
  22. ^ Guru Granth Sahib Quotes on Sex, Lust, Promicuity, Attachement (Sikhism)
  23. ^ BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Sikh Beliefs
  24. ^ Why Pornography is Haram
  25. ^ Pornogrpahy: Why it is Haram & How to deal with it?
  26. ^ Islam on Pornography: A Definite No NO
  27. ^ Botswana Tourism Board - Entry Requirements
  28. ^ "China creates stern Internet, e-mail rules". USA Today (www.usatoday.com). 2002-01-18. Retrieved 2008-01-01.
  29. ^ Richardson, Tim (2004-08-16). "China jails woman in porn crackdown". The Register (www.theregister.co.uk). Retrieved 2008-01-01.
  30. ^ "Production of XXX movies banned in China - UPI.com". United Press International (www.upi.com). 2008-01-01. Retrieved 2008-01-01.
  31. ^ a b BBC News - Indonesia upholds anti-pornography bill
  32. ^ Times Online - 'Anti-pornography law challenges the penis-gourd wearers of West Papua'
  33. ^ AFP: Hamas takes aim at Internet porn in Gaza
  34. ^ "Hamas bans pornographic websites in Gaza Strip". Reuters. 2008-05-19.
  35. ^ "Saudis 'defeating' internet porn". BBC News. 2000-05-10.
  36. ^ The Harm of Porn
  37. ^ Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008
  38. ^ Ozimek, John (26 November 2008). "Government finally names the day for porn ban". The Register. Retrieved 6 December 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |curly= ignored (help)
  39. ^ "New offence of possession of extreme pornographic images". Ministry of Justice. 26 November 2008. Retrieved 6 December 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |curly= ignored (help)
  40. ^ STANLEY v. GEORGIA, 394 U.S. 557 (1969)
  41. ^ "Vietnam - Coalition Against Trafficking of Women". Retrieved 2006-08-26.
  42. ^ About Shelley Former Porn Actress Shelley Lubben
  43. ^ "Out of Pornography and Into the Light". CBN. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
  44. ^ "The Social Cost of Pornography". Witherspoon Institute.
  45. ^ http://witsendzine.com/musings/michele/ppp.htm
  46. ^ WendyMcElroy.com: Content / Individualist Feminism - Theory / A Feminist Overview of Pornography
  47. ^ A Feminist Defense of Pornography
  48. ^ sfbg.com
  49. ^ Nadine Strossen: Pornography Must Be Tolerated
  50. ^ The Columbia reader on lesbians and ... - Google Books

Media

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