By Anna Walters
Maybe I've been listening to a little too much Savage Love lately. Or maybe I'm not much of a feminist after all. I just think that pornography receives an undeserved rap in our culture.
Restrictions on obscene materials are necessary in cases like child pornography, but a total ban on the medium of expression would constitute a revocation of rights. Not taking into account how porn is produced (i.e. compensation, workers rights and medical testing), I think that pornography's position in our culture needs to be reevaluated.
Some critics strive to totally ban pornography for its tendency to fuel violence, particularly rape, against women. The famous 1988 study by psychologist William Marshall, often cited by religious organizations decrying pornography, claims that 86 percent of convicted rapists admitted to regular use of pornography, with 57 percent admitting to imitating pornographic material in the execution of their sex crimes.
But these and similar statistics only suggest that a correlation may exist between pornography and sexual assault. And, as any student learns in an introductory science or statistics class, correlation is not causation. Other variables could have just as easily reinforced rape mentalities in the minds of these felons. In fact, I would argue that circumstances like an abusive childhood or emotionally distant parents probably played far more heavily into a rapist's sociopathic makeup than their porn proclivities.
Plus, there is data that helps to debunk Marshall's conclusions, such as the fact that Japan, a nation where violent pornography is easily accessible, has less rape per capita than the United States, a country that fiercely restricts pornography and other obscene material.
Furthermore, if critics want to ban porn for its reinforcement of negative-behavioral mentalities, then why not video games as well? Studies have linked frequent violent video game play to problems like delinquency, fighting at school and during free-play periods, even violent criminal behavior like self-reported assault and robbery. But is anyone rallying to pull the plug on Halo 3? Not really. Overall, porn is much more vehemently opposed than violent video games and, the truth is violence is a much more culturally acceptable form of expression than sex and sexuality.
Some feminists argue that porn, as a product of a misogynistic society, is inherently degrading to women. Thus, by consuming pornographic words and images, viewers are strengthening a male-dominated and stereotyped depiction of women. It's true. Women in pornography are commonly portrayed as highly sexualized and often reduced to body parts. But is the objectification of women in the fantasy context of porn necessarily wrong?
There should be a place in individuals' lives to indulge fantasies free of guilt, restrictions and judgement. Actions in the bedroom between two consenting adults that may be seen as degrading do not usually result in degradation in the home, office or outside world in general. Some women enjoy being sexually objectified and enjoy pornography along those same lines. They are perfectly able to distinguish between fantasy and reality.
Banning pornography would not leave women empowered, in fact, quite the opposite. As a woman, I would rather make the choice to view or not to view pornography taking into account my own personal criteria - like the industry itself, my own views on sexuality and my religion. I may choose not to view it and urge other to oppose it as well, or I may surf the Internet on a regular basis. Either way, the decision is mine.
Options empower women, not restrictions, and the fact is some women enjoy pornography and do not feel demoralized or degraded by viewing it. I would feel personally degraded if I were forced to assume the role of "housewife" or "stay-at-home-mom," but that doesn't mean that I don't respect the right of other women to assume those roles.
It is hard to see past porn's content in evaluating its worth in the lives of individuals (given that about 43 percent of all internet users look at porn in the U.S., according to Family Safe Media). For instance, pornography helps the sexually burgeoning explore their sexuality in a protected environment. Computers, magazines and other media won't judge an individual while he or she delves into sexual practices that may be considered taboo. Gaining familiarity and getting comfortable with one's own sexuality and sexual preferences increases self confidence and affirms identity.
So, instead of outright condemning pornography simply due to its obscene nature, take time to think about how it fits into personal freedom and individual sexuality.
Anna Walters is News Editor ?of The Beacon
