Pornography - Research Paper Example

Pornography: This paper is an argument against pornography, and that it plays a role in diminishing the values of women in the society. In arguing its points, this paper will use the 2006 movie, “The Notorious Bettie Page” directed by Mary Horron. McKee (34) defines pornography as an explicit depiction of a sexual image for the main purpose of arousing the sexual desire of an individual. Stephens (38) goes on to denote that it is possible to present pornography through various media, and this includes magazines, books, photographs, postcards, painting, drawing, video games, movies, etc. Furthermore, McKee (33) is able to denote that the term pornography always applies to the portrayal of the act of sexual intercourse, as opposed to the exhibition of live sexual intercourses, as well as striptease. It is important to provide an explanation that the major objects of pornographic shows are always pornographic models, as well as pornographic actors, normally referred to as porn stars Johansson and Nils (58) provides an explanation that pornographic models are always responsible for the production of still pictures, while porn stars are always responsible for the production of pornographic movies, or films. Furthermore, Johansson and Nils (59) explains that if there are no dramatic skills within a pornographic film, then the porn stars under consideration can also be referred to as pornographic models. McKee (36) explains that pornography accounts for about 100 billion dollars of the global economy, employing thousands of performers, and support staff. However, it is important to understand that various groups in the community have considered pornography as an example of a substance that promotes sexual immorality. On this basis, there have been attempts to censor the production of pornographic materials, as well as providing legal restraints against their production, as well as publication. However, Johansson and Nils (60) explains that due to the different definitions of pornography, based on the national, historical, as well as cultural contexts, this aspect of pornography has thrived. Furthermore, in the 20th century, there was the development of social attitudes that are more tolerant to presentation and discussions of sex, and its related factors. This increased the development of pornography, mainly because many countries started relaxing laws regarding the production and publication of pornographic materials. Furthermore, Johansson and Nils (61) explains that the development of the internet, and the home video made it possible for a boom in the global pornographic industry, and this helps in generating billions of dollars in a year. McKee (36) denotes that in the mentioned movie, the female character has been used as a depiction of pornography. In this movie, Bettie, a female character is used to pose for nude pictures, and photographs, for pornographic magazines, and studios. McKee (38) explains that in most pornographic materials, women are always depicted as sex symbols and objects. This results in the destruction of the virtues of the women under consideration. This is clearly depicted in the movie, whereby Bettie Page is unable to find friends, because of a bad name. This made her to turn into a born again Christian, and start living a life of morality. Furthermore, Johansson and Nils (63) explains that women are always vulnerable to engaging in pornographic activities. For example, Bettie Page engaged in pornography without realizing that whatever she was doing was pornography. In fact, when she is asked that why she is engaging in pornography, she manages to ask what pornography is. Stephens (51) denotes that this is exploitation and a very unethical behavior from the producers of pornographic materials, who fail to notify their models or actors on the intentions of the materials and how they are going to use the productions. McKee (39) strongly advocates against pornography, and he denotes that pornography plays a role in dividing the society. Stephens (29) further denotes that this term pornography is ambiguous in nature, and the public is unable to effectively identify the negative effects of pornography. Scholar denotes that majority of individuals confuse pornography with a cheap and less refined form of erotic, but he is quick to denote that this is different from this aspect of pornography. In as much as the two are methods of sexual representation, pornography consists of the degradation, as well as the abuse of people who are involved in this aspect of business, most specifically the actors, actress, and the models who are involved in this business of pornography. This is the case of Bettie Page in the mentioned movie. Bettie Page did not have respect from the society, and whoever saw, they saw a sex symbol. Even the senate subcommittee that was investigating pornographic activities of the Klaws did not have respect for her, and this is because they shunned her testimony, despite inviting her to testify. Stephens (35) explains that this was a sign that this senate sub-committee did not respect her views, mostly because she too was practicing pornography. Furthermore, Stephens (42) explains that pornography has a great influence in the modern day popular culture, and this is because the media plays a role in depicting sexual images to the people. McKee (34) further explains that pornography has an effect of equating sex with violence; furthermore it debases women in a manner that is unacceptable in a society that values morality, and is humanistic. It is important to provide an explanation that the manner in which pornography depicts sex, as well as beauty is wrong, and misinformed. This is because pornography identifies a standard of beauty and sex that is not attainable to both women and men. McKee (35) denotes that this standard is very destructive to women. This is because women are always told to tan their skins, bleach their rectums as well as skins, remove their body hair, look young, and maintain a slim body that is sexually attractive. Some of these requirements normally need surgery to achieve. Furthermore, Pitzulo (667) explains that women pornographers always volunteer to attend medical activities that have an effect of altering their sexual organs, which includes breasts, as well as labias. This has an effect of making them to permanently lose sexual sensation in these affected areas. Pitzulo (667) thus explains that because of this negative trend, pornography is able to physically threaten women; furthermore, it leads to an aspect whereby the female will be unable to get sexual pleasure, because their sexual organs are tampered with. Podimattam (27) provides an explanation by denoting that the rigid standard for sexy women brought forth by pornography plays a great role in leading women to tamper with their sexual organs, affecting their ability to experience sexual pleasure. This, Pitzulo (668) explains that has successfully led to the marginalization of the sexual experience of the female gender. This is always at the expense of the male figure, who always lust after the women pornographic models. For example, in the scenes of the movie, whenever Bettie Page was depicted, men were usually nervous, and this is mainly because of her shapely form. The pictures that Bettie Page was able to take used to depict her shape, and nakedness, hence arousing the sexual desires of the male figures. On this basis, Podimattam (35) explains that Bettie Page was a sex figure, whose main work was to satisfy the lusts and sexual desires of her male counterparts. It is important to provide an explanation that the physically dangerous expectation of this concept of sexuality, and the female beauty that is supported by pornography gives a suggestion that the value of a woman is based on her sexual use. Furthermore, Podimattam (38) explains that due to a regular viewing of pornography, young men are negatively affected in the sense that they will acquire negative sexual traits, just as those depicted in the pornographic materials or movies. On this basis, Pitzulo (668) explains that they would not have the capability of living a normal sexual life that is beneficial for both their partners. On this basis, pornography plays a role in reducing the image of the female figure as objects of sexual satisfaction. This is an aspect that Podimattam (37) refers to as the objectization of women. This results to the dehumanization of pornographic models, especially women, because people no longer identify them through their personalities or even individuality, but through their pornographic roles. On this basis, Pitzulo (667) explains that dehumanization would also result to the development of an attitude that because the female figure is less respected and human as compared to men, then it is acceptable and justifiable to engage in violent acts against them. On this basis, it is important to provide an explanation that violence in pornographic movies normally trivialize sexual aggression, rape, as well as other forms of sexual abuse. Furthermore, Podimattam (32) explains that when male people are encouraged to engage in dehumanizing sexual acts, this teaches and encourages women to accept the various types of violent sexual activities against them, as natural sexual encounters. On this basis, the society is encouraging sexual violence against women. Furthermore, Pitzulo (667) explains that the media plays a great role in promoting these sexual behaviors, and this is because it wrongly dictates the expectations, and attitudes of individuals regarding sexuality and sex. For instance, in the mentioned movie, Bettie Page is wrongly symbolized as an individual who worships and values sex. This is because Bettie Page engages in the activities of a pornographic model, without her being aware that the activities that she is doing, is actually pornography. On this basis, an individual would confuse Bettie Page as actually promoting sexism, and sexual acts. Based on the experiences of Bettie Page, Pitzulo (667) provides an explanation that pornography makes women to satisfy sexual expectations that are not concerned with their satisfaction, as well as their own safety. Podimattam (36) explains that it is morally and religiously wrong to treat women in this manner. On this basis, Podimattam (41) explains that pornography is a concept and activity that violates the humanity of all people who are involved in it. This also includes the male figure, whose reputation as well as image is badly affected because of their pornographic behaviors. It is important to denote that in as much as pornography negatively affects women; the male pornographic models are also affected by it. This is because they are stigmatized, and they are also viewed as sex symbols, thus their integrity and virtue within the society is compromised. Furthermore, Pitzulo (668) explains that in some pornographic materials, the male figure is always subjected to the control of the female figure, and this undermines their integrity. It is during these instances that the male figure is forced to perform sexual explicit acts, for purposes of fulfilling the desires of the female figure. Pitzulo (668) explains that such kind of an act is demeaning to the man, and destroys his dignity. On this note, Pitzulo (668) explains that pornography does not only negatively affect the female figure, but it also has a negative impact on the male figure. In conclusion, pornography is a very negative aspect that affects the society. This is mainly because pornography has an impact of undermining everybody who participates in this activity. For instance, the integrity and value of women pornographic models, as well as actors is always undermined, leading to stigmatization within the society. The people who are mostly affected by pornography are women. This is because they are always depicted as sexual figures, whose main roles is to satisfy the male ego, as well as the male lust. On this basis, pornography strongly contributes to the negative labeling of women within the society. This is because pornography involves subjecting sexual explicit pictures of women, portraying them as immoral people, worshipping the act of sexual intercourse. Furthermore, some pornographic materials are responsible for promoting negative social aspects, such as lesbianism, as well as homosexuality. However, there is a considerable debate as to whether these aspects are positive or negative social issues. This is because countries such as United Kingdom and some states in America recognize this aspect of gay marriages, and sexual intercourses. However, other societies are strongly against this aspect of gay marriages, and on this basis, there is a debate on their morality. However, it is important to provide an explanation that religion strongly advocates against gayism, as well as pornography. Works Cited: Johansson, Thomas, and Nils Hammaré. "Hegemonic Masculinity And Pornography: Young Peoples Attitudes Toward And Relations To Pornography." The Journal of Mens Studies 15.1 (2007): 57-70. Print. McKee, Alan. "The Relationship Between Attitudes Towards Women, Consumption Of Pornography, And Other Demographic Variables In A Survey Of 1,023 Consumers Of Pornography." International Journal of Sexual Health 19.1 (2007): 31-45. Print. Pitzulo, C.. "Battling Pornography: The American Feminist Anti-pornography Movement, 1976- 1986." Journal of American History 99.2 (2012): 667-668. Print. Podimattam, Felix M.. Pornography. New Delhi: Media House, 2011. Print. Stephens, Simon. Pornography. London: Methuen Drama, 2008. Print. The notorious Bettie Page. Dir. Mary Harron. Perf. Gretchen Mol. Home Box Office, 2006. DVD. Read More