Should Internet Pornography Be Considered as Leisure - Literature review Example

Internet pornography cannot be considered as leisure Student’s Name Course Tutor’s Name Date: Internet pornography cannot be considered as leisure? – yes it can! The use of Internet not only brought about shifts in the sharing of information, but also introduced a new method of engaging in pornography. According to Roberts (2006), even age groups that would previously find it hard to access pornographic material have easy access to the same through the Internet. Cooper et al. (2000) observe that the triple-A concept is responsible for the increased use of Internet pornography. Triple-A is a concept referring to accessibility, affordability, and anonymity factors involved in the use of Internet pornography. In relation to accessibility, anyone who can access the Internet using different devices (e.g. computers, mobile phones or tablets) can access pornography by searching for sexually explicit content on the Internet. Age does not pose any limitations to users since the websites cannot independently verify users’ ages. Affordability on the other hand refers to the free-to-use pornography websites and the relative cheap nature of Internet access. The fact that users can view Internet pornography anonymously encapsulates anonymity. Combined, the triple-A concept removes any barriers that may hinder Internet pornography. The above notwithstanding, there is contention in literature whether Internet pornography is leisure. Authors such as Shinew and Parry (2005) argue that the consumption of Internet pornography can be categorised as leisure. The argument offered by these authors is that since pornography tendencies are most common during people’s free time, and often at the comfort of their homes, classifying the behaviour as a form of leisure is reasonable. A different opinion is however offered by Shaw (1999, p. 209) who observes that “pornography can be seen as the quintessential leisure activity in which women are used as objects of men’s leisure”. In other words, Shaw (1999) was arguing that pornography is not a leisure activity for women, but is a leisure activity for men who engage in the same. This essay will argue that pornography can be considered as leisure because it occurs during one’s leisure time, and it engages one’s ability to make choices. Leisure has been defined differently in literature. Best (2010, p.1) for example attempts a definition by stating that leisure “is about the attempt to fulfil pleasure and desire and about the construction of an identity that we feel comfortable with”. According to Best (2010), leisure takes place in specific venues or places, and is something that a person looks forward to with some positive expectations. Parr and Lashua (2004) on the other hand argue that the word ‘leisure’ refers to a variety of concepts, thoughts and images that a person engages in away from work and home obligations. Closely related to Parr and Lashua’s (2004) definition is Dumazedier’s (1974 cited by Best 2010, p. 4) definition which states that “leisure is a residual time free from world and other obligations, characterised by a feeling of comparative freedom”. Best further categorises leisure into two groups: casual leisure and serious leisure. The concept of serious leisure stems from the proposition that not all leisure involves fun activities, enjoyment, choice and freedom (Best 2010). Casual leisure on the other hand is hedonic and includes such activities as relaxation, play, entertainment, sociable conversations, and sensory stimulation. It is in the latter group of activities that Internet pornography arguably fits in. Considering that such forms of leisure are to a great degree considered to constitute socially deviant behaviours, pornography and other sexual activities such as social nudism, group sex or swinging are considered to be part of leisure that is labelled ‘deviant leisure’ (Best 2010, p. 8). Deviant leisure refers to pursuits that do not contribute to personal development either physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually or spiritually (Reible 2006). The classification of behaviours considered as deviant as leisure contrasts the assumption that all leisure benefits individual participants and humanity at large. Explaining the role of deviant leisure in a society, Reible (2006) argues that such activities help individuals to resist social pressures, and helps them to create different cultural values from prevailing social controls. From the above explanation, it is arguably evident that Internet pornography falls into Reible’s (2006) classification of deviant leisure, which is by all means leisure. By definition – and this is by no means a standard definition – Internet pornography refers to “graphically depicted acts of heterosexual and homosexual intercourse (including penetration), fellatio, cunnilingus, masturbation, bestiality, child pornography, sadomasochism, bondage, rape, and incest” available through the Internet (Committee & National Research Council 2002, p. 21). According to Reible (2006), some leisure activities are imperceptible because they occur within the seclusion of one’s private space. However, Reible (2006) argues that it would be hypocritical for the society to argue that such activities – and especially those that transgress acceptable social norms – are not a type of leisure. Reible (2006, p. 1) specifically recommends that the society should be willing to perceive some of the deviant leisure activities as merely a representation of adaptive transgression. Admittedly, some perceptions of leisure hold the opinion that leisure should be concerned with improving the social conditions of an individual and reinforcing social order in communities (Stebbins 1999). However, it is also true that leisure provides an opportunity for individuals to find embedded meaning in the activities they choose to engage in. Additionally, the freedom that comes with leisure time means that an individual has an opportunity to find truth, freedom, and even beauty (Reible 2006). Following the foregoing argument, one can therefore argue that Internet pornography falls within the boundaries of leisure. Individuals have the freedom and opportunity to view Internet pornography within their leisure time, and although pornographic viewing habits may not improve the social conditions of the person, it does have some embedded meaning for those who wish to engage in it. Roberts (2006, p. 13) has been bold enough to term pornography (Internet or otherwise) as a “huge and highly controversial leisure industry”, which has grown exponentially despite different governments’ attempts to restrict it. By 2003, Roberts (2006) notes that the online pornography industry was served by 300,000 porn websites. By now (2013), the quantity may have tripled or quadrupled. The supply side is arguably driven by equally demanding consumers, whose preoccupation with online porn exceeds the time spent going to mainstream theatres and cinemas, or listening to country or rock music (Roberts 2006). Opponents of the idea that Internet pornography is leisure argue that strictly, it cannot be considered leisure because it has negative effects on individuals, women, couples and even children. While such an argument may appear plausible at face value, it has major gaps that need to be filled. For example, playing basketball during one’s leisure may lead to injuries that would not only affect one’s physical and emotional health, but also those of their family members; i.e. assuming one is bed ridden and requires the constant attention of family members. Basketball cannot therefore be struck off the leisure activities list because of the risks it poses to individuals. In a similar manner, just because pornography negatively affects individuals, such negative consequences do not necessarily make it less of a leisure activity. As Iso-Ahola (1997) observes, freedom, access and choice are central factors to leisure. In other words, individuals have the freedom and choice to engage in activities they deem appropriate as long as such activities are within their reach. Supporting the foregoing argument, Arora (2012) indicates that leisure does not have to be virtuous or harmless. Talking about the attempt to disregard pornography as a leisure activity or even repress pornographic content on online forums, Tisdale (1992, p. 1) argued thus: I take this personally, the effort to repress material I enjoy – to tell me how wrong it is for me to enjoy it. Anti-pornography legislation is directed at me: as a user, as a writer... they look down on me and shake a finder. Bad girl. Mustn’t touch. That branch of feminism tells me my very own thoughts are bad. Pornography tells me the opposite: that none of my thoughts are bad, that anything goes. While Tisdale’s position above is by no means a representation of what every woman thinks about pornography, it is evidence that not all women are opposed to the idea of pornography (online or otherwise) viewing. In fact, and as indicated in Tisdale’s quotation above, some women take pleasure in the same. Since people view pornography in their own free time, it is arguable that pornography is indeed a major leisure activity to them. Tisdale (1992) further argues that contrary to the opinions held by conservative feminists, pornography does not end in violence or even murder. She argues that pornography is harmless because it more psychological than physical. According to her, pornography is a world of fantasy, of things not done, but wished – for. She argues that pornography offers lessons for people to learn about themselves and perhaps others. While Tisdale’s (1992) foregoing opinions are debatable, perhaps the most significant argument that comes from it is that people have choices; they can choose to engage in sports during their leisure time, or they can, just as easily, choose to view online porn. As long as the latter does not hurt or offend someone else, then it should be regarded an acceptable form of leisure. A different approach of justifying the position that online pornography should be considered as leisure is perhaps based on Pieper’s (1998) observation that leisure is a concept that is best understood by the person who is in harmony with the self whenever he/she engages in the activities of choice. In other words, if an individual gets fulfilment and joy from watching online porn during their free time, a person who wishes to intervene cannot possibly tell the person how inappropriate their engagement is. To researchers who continue using fixed ethical codes to judge the leisurist-nature of an activity, Reible (2006) observes that it is time that the recognised changes that have occurred in the postmodern society are appreciated and as such recognise that leisure can be found in different kinds of activities. Reible specifically observes that event deviant leisure such as online pornography can possess similar qualities to what is considered serious leisure. As such, the author argues that such activities “possess the potential to provide a fulfilling leisure experience as well as the potential to build social capital” (Reibel 2006, p. 3). The refusal by some commentators to identify pornography as leisure is partly because of the moral panic that surrounds the subject. As Cassell and Cramer (2007) observe, the same reaction that is portrayed toward online pornography was witnessed – albeit in different intensities – when the telephone and the telegraph were introduced. Some groups of people – especially girls – are shown as being vulnerable, while the consumers of pornography – especially men – are depicted as potential perpetrators of moral evils as a consequence of their engagement in pornography. While numerous studies have been carried out on the effect of online pornography on consumers, no single scientific study (at least not one that has been identified in the course of writing this essay) has proven that online pornography is not a form of leisure. Most arguments supporting the notion that Internet pornography should not be considered a leisure activity are vague in their definition of what leisure is. In conclusion, it is worth noting that much as online pornography is considered a form of deviant leisure, the fact that it takes place during one’s free time, is accessible, and is done based on one’s choice are good enough reasons to classify it as a leisure activity. As Reible (2006) observes, perhaps analysts need to change their perceptions about what is wrong or right in one’s own personal space; when they realise that people have choices about what to engage in as leisure activity – i.e. because of the freedom and choice that one has during such times – perhaps they will be in a better position to understand that all leisure does not have to be virtuous or fitting to the expectations of the society. If people seek to engage in activities that satisfy or are pleasurable to them during their leisure time, then Internet pornography perfectly fits the definition of one such activity. It may not fit the morals and ethos of some people in the society, but that does not make it any less a leisure activity. References Arora, P 2012, ‘The leisure divide: Can the third world come out to play?’ Information Development, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 93-101. Best, S 2010, Leisure studies: Themes and perspectives, Sage, London. Cassell, J & Cramer, M 2007 ‘High Tech or high risk: Moral panics about girls online’, In McPherson, T (Ed.), The John D and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation series on digital media and learning, pp. 53-75, MIT Press, MA. Committee to Study Tools and Strategies for Protecting Kids from Pornography and Their Applicability to Other Inappropriate Internet Content & National Research Council 2002, Youth Pornography and the internet, National Academies Press, Washington, D.C. Cooper, A, Delmonco, D & Burg, R 2000, ‘Cybersex users, abusers and compulsives” new findings and implications, Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, vol. 7, pp. 5-29. Iso-Ahola, S E 1997, Work, leisure and wellbeing, Routledge, London. Parr, M & Lashua, B 2004, ‘What is leisure? The perceptions of recreation practitioners and others’, Leisure Sciences, vol. 26, pp. 1-17. Reible, H 2006, ‘Deviant leisure: uncovering the ‘goods’ in transgressive behaviour’, Leisure, vol. 30, no.1, pp. 10-35. Roberts, K 2006, Leisure in contemporary society, CABI, MA. Shaw, S M 1999, Men’s leisure and women’s lives: The impact of pornography on women, Leisure Studies, vol.18, 197-212. Shinew, K J & Parry, D C 2005, Examining college students’ participation in the leisure pursuits of drinking and illegal drug use, Journal of Leisure Research, vol.37, no.3, 364-386. Stebbins, R A 1999, ‘Serious Leisure’, In Burton, T & E Jackson (Eds.), Leisure Studies: prospects for the XXI Century, Venture publishing, Pennsylvania Tisdale, S 1992, ‘Talk dirty to me: A woman’s taste of pornography’, Harper’s Magazine, February. Read More

Parr and Lashua (2004) on the other hand argue that the word ‘leisure’ refers to a variety of concepts, thoughts and images that a person engages in away from work and home obligations. Closely related to Parr and Lashua’s (2004) definition is Dumazedier’s (1974 cited by Best 2010, p. 4) definition which states that “leisure is a residual time free from world and other obligations, characterised by a feeling of comparative freedom”. Best further categorises leisure into two groups: casual leisure and serious leisure.

The concept of serious leisure stems from the proposition that not all leisure involves fun activities, enjoyment, choice and freedom (Best 2010). Casual leisure on the other hand is hedonic and includes such activities as relaxation, play, entertainment, sociable conversations, and sensory stimulation. It is in the latter group of activities that Internet pornography arguably fits in. Considering that such forms of leisure are to a great degree considered to constitute socially deviant behaviours, pornography and other sexual activities such as social nudism, group sex or swinging are considered to be part of leisure that is labelled ‘deviant leisure’ (Best 2010, p. 8). Deviant leisure refers to pursuits that do not contribute to personal development either physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually or spiritually (Reible 2006).

The classification of behaviours considered as deviant as leisure contrasts the assumption that all leisure benefits individual participants and humanity at large. Explaining the role of deviant leisure in a society, Reible (2006) argues that such activities help individuals to resist social pressures, and helps them to create different cultural values from prevailing social controls. From the above explanation, it is arguably evident that Internet pornography falls into Reible’s (2006) classification of deviant leisure, which is by all means leisure.

By definition – and this is by no means a standard definition – Internet pornography refers to “graphically depicted acts of heterosexual and homosexual intercourse (including penetration), fellatio, cunnilingus, masturbation, bestiality, child pornography, sadomasochism, bondage, rape, and incest” available through the Internet (Committee & National Research Council 2002, p. 21). According to Reible (2006), some leisure activities are imperceptible because they occur within the seclusion of one’s private space.

However, Reible (2006) argues that it would be hypocritical for the society to argue that such activities – and especially those that transgress acceptable social norms – are not a type of leisure. Reible (2006, p. 1) specifically recommends that the society should be willing to perceive some of the deviant leisure activities as merely a representation of adaptive transgression. Admittedly, some perceptions of leisure hold the opinion that leisure should be concerned with improving the social conditions of an individual and reinforcing social order in communities (Stebbins 1999).

However, it is also true that leisure provides an opportunity for individuals to find embedded meaning in the activities they choose to engage in. Additionally, the freedom that comes with leisure time means that an individual has an opportunity to find truth, freedom, and even beauty (Reible 2006). Following the foregoing argument, one can therefore argue that Internet pornography falls within the boundaries of leisure. Individuals have the freedom and opportunity to view Internet pornography within their leisure time, and although pornographic viewing habits may not improve the social conditions of the person, it does have some embedded meaning for those who wish to engage in it.

Roberts (2006, p. 13) has been bold enough to term pornography (Internet or otherwise) as a “huge and highly controversial leisure industry”, which has grown exponentially despite different governments’ attempts to restrict it. By 2003, Roberts (2006) notes that the online pornography industry was served by 300,000 porn websites.

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