Opposition to pornography

Template:Expert-subject-multiple 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, desensitization, pedophilia, dehumanization, sexual exploitation, sexual dysfunction, and inability to maintain healthy sexual relationships. People involved in the anti-pornography movement include religious groups, feminists, ex-porn stars, psychologists, and individuals who feel that pornography plays a major role in the breakdown of marriages and relationships.

Sociological views

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

Dolf Zillmann asserts that extensive viewing of pornographic material produces many unfavorable sociological effects, including a decreased respect for long-term, monogamous relationships, and an attenuated desire for procreation. 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...

Additionally, some researchers claim that pornography causes unequivocal harm to society by increasing rates of sexual assault, a line of research which has been critiqued in "The effects of Pornography: An International Perspective". Others claim there is a correlation between pornography and a decrease of sex crimes.

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

Religious views

Main article: Religious views on pornography

Christianity

A protest against an adult bookstore in Uniontown, Indiana

Pornography was neither as prevalent nor as accessible during biblical time periods compared to modern times, so the Bible does not explicitly name the subject. However, some have argued that Matthew 5:27-28 (part of the Expounding of the Law) supports a biblical prohibition of pornography.

The Roman Catholic Church considers pornography a grave matter, meaning that its use and production are mortally sinful if done with full consent and knowledge of its gravity:

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.

Sikhism

Sikhs argue that pornographic books and films, prostitution and lust lead to adultery. Pornography, according to Sikhism, is said to encourage lust (Kaam), 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".

Islam

Pornography is in direct opposition with Islamic teachings, which is focused on how to gain a better self-control in order to increase spiritual awareness and prepare the soul to accept Allah (God). This self-control is the spiritual aim of practices like Ramadan (the fasting one month a year), the non-obligatory night prayers, and "zikr" in state of concentration. When a Muslim looks at pornography, he or she fails to control himself or herself and becomes self-imprisoned. This directly contradicts the spirit of Islam.

The contrast between pornography and the "fitra" (instinctive reverence toward Allah), creates a state of tension that lead to the destruction of the soul, leading to sadness and depression, and loss of self-esteem. Hence, pornography is seen in Islam as a fundamentally destructive force that ought to be eradicated from individuals' lives as well as from society in general.

Buddhism

Buddhist monks and nuns take on a larger number of precepts than laypeople, and are required to be celibate, making pornography forbidden to them.

The Five Precepts of Buddhism (which are designed for laypersons) caution against Sexual/Sensual Misconduct, but the definition of sexual misconduct has been open to cultural interpretation and the sutras do not explicitly prohibit pornography.

The Four Noble Truths identify desire / attachment as being a cause of suffering, and the need to overcome these if a person wishes to escape suffering. Despite the lack of a specific prohibition for laypersons, abuse of pornography can be looked upon as an unskillful practice by Buddhists when taken in consideration of the potential suffering it can cause, and the fact that the basis of its use is pure sensual gratification.

Feminist views

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.

However, many other feminists are opposed to censorship, and have argued against the introduction of anti-porn legislation in the United States - among them Betty Friedan, Kate Millett, Karen DeCrow, Wendy Kaminer and Jamaica Kincaid.

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".

China

Internet pornography was outlawed in China in 2002, when state censors issued guidelines requiring all websites remove any pornographic material. Enforcement of anti-pornography laws included the arrest of the owner of an online strip club in 2004. Since 2008, the production of pornographic movies has been banned by the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television, and directors, producers, and actors involved in pornographic movies are barred from competing in film competitions. Any movie studio found in violation may have its license revoked. Possession of pornography is punishable by up to three 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. The Bill against Pornography and Pornoaction enjoyed a huge majority in the Indonesian parliament and received much of its support from Islamic groups. The broadness of the law has concerned practitioners of sensual regional traditions such as the nightclubs in Bali, West Javan jaipong dance, and New Guinean penis gourd wearing.

Gaza Strip

In 2008, Hamas have attempted to implement internet filters to block access to pornography.

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. '

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 African 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.

Ukraine

Pornography was outlawed in Ukraine in 2009, when Victor Yushchenko, then president, signed the new legislation. The new law has been approved overwhelmingly by the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament), it was signed by the president in July 2009. The possession, distribution, sale and manufacture of pornographic materials are illegal. Pornography is defined by the law as "vulgar, candid, cynical, obscene depiction of sexual acts, pursuing no other goal, the explicit demonstration of genitals, unethical elements of the sexual act, sexual perversions, realistic sketches that do not meet moral criteria and offend honor and dignity of the human by inciting low instincts. ” Pornography for 'medical purpose', however, remains legal.

United Kingdom

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

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

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 the First Amendment of the United States Constitution as made applicable to the States by the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits states from making mere private possession of obscene material a crime. 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.

In Popular Culture

The British drama film Shame, released in 2011, depicts the sexual addiction of a 30-something bachelor living in New York City. The film was given an NC-17 rating for its graphic content, contrasting sharply with the film's perceived message. It was a well-rated, though polarizing film among critics.

White Collar Sideshow is an experimental Contemporary Christian music Drum and Bass band whose first album chronicled the frontman's addiction to pornography, the destruction it wreaked on his marriage, and his eventual recovery.

See also

• Pornophobia
• Pornography addiction
• Pornography by region
• Religious views on pornography
• Right to pornography
• Women Against Pornography
• Women Against Violence in Pornography and Media

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" who counsels active porn stars on how to escape the industry.
• 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", The Witherspoon Institute, ISBN 978-0981491127

http://www.fightthenewdrug.org/

Criticism

• 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) "
• 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"
  • "A Feminist Defense of pornography"
• Annalee Newitz. "Obscene Feminists: Why Women Are Leading the Battle Against Censorship." San Francisco Bay Guardian Online 8 May 2002. 9 May 2002
• 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"
• Scott Tucker. "Gender, Fucking, and Utopia: An Essay in Response to John Stoltenberg's Refusing to Be a Man." 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.

External links

• "Denmark - the first country to legalize pornography"; Kutchinsky, Berl, Professor of Criminology.
• "Bibliography on Pornography and Men's Violence Against Women"
• "Secondary Negative Effects on Employees of the Pornographic Industry"

Media

• Andrea Dworkin's Attorney General's Commission Testimony on Pornography and Prostitution
• Andrea Dworkin's Keynote Speech at the January 1985 Pornography Awareness conference at Duke University. (Audio File: 1 hour, 128 kbit/s, mp3)