New Essay 2Team 4

Moreno, Mario

On the controversies of Pornography

Pornography has traditionally been a topic of much controversy. However,
since the beginning of the dot-com days, the debate about pornography has
certainly been heated up. It is no secret that the internet has significantly
boosted its use, making a great deal of material easily accessible to almost
anyone, anywhere. It seems difficult to come to an agreement as to whether
or not its consumption is advantageous or disadvantageous; addictive or
non-addictive, and if addictive, what are its ramifications. What is more
when we talk about the different kinds of pornography the possibilities are
seemingly endless. However, generally speaking, arguments in favour of
pornography go from the claim of the freedom of speech to saying that, for
some, it is more satisfying than sexual intercourse; while opinions against,
range from the criticism of the disrespectful depiction of those involved, to
linking pornography to sex trafficking and prostitution. It is important to
clarify that the terms pornography and masturbation are sometimes used
synonymously, that is, the former usually leads to the latter, as we shall see
from the following discussions. This essay will review some of the main
viewpoints about this controversial topic focusing on online pornography.
Let us first discuss some opinions against pornography. It is frequently
argued that pornography demeans women. Groups such as the National
Organization for Women (NOW) have asserted that: Pornography degrades
women. It defines us through our body parts. (Barbara Kasper and Barbara
Moore, 1994). This seems a fair argument taking into account that normally
mainstream porn is based on an outmoded assumption of dominant men
and submissive women (Hendrie, 2010). However, it could be argued that
not all types of pornography portray the same kind of image. Some people
believe that there is better porn which presents a fairer image of women:
amateur-made porn between real-life couples demonstrates a version of
sex far better for society (2010). Another argument against pornography is
its apparent connection to sex trafficking. Some Feminists believe that many
prostitutes in the sex industry are forced to watch pornography as part of a
training process. This could be true since a survey recently conducted in the
U.K. showed that: 35% of trafficked women were exposed to pornography
in the course of being trafficked (Logan, 2010). Others go farther and point
out that pornography normalizes prostitution and commercial sexual
exploitation of women (...) (2010). While these last arguments seem
persuasive about this connection, it is fair to remark that there is not an
evident relation between one and the other. Some researches disprove such
connection and maintain that the derailed impulses of child abusers and
rapists are caused by childhood traumas (Britton, 1993) What is more, this
relation is not necessarily restricted to illegal prostitution. It could be argued
that legal prostitutes, or sex workers, could choose to be self-instructed by
porn in order to attract clients. In addition, some people feel that

New Essay 2Team 4

Moreno, Mario

pornography may affect relationships. Accord 1 has suggested that many

marriages are being disintegrated due to the rise of time spent on the
internet, presumably, looking at pornography. In Ireland for example, the
marriage counselling service has witnessed problems connected with
internet usage increase by 87.5pc since 2007 (Costello, 2010). It could be
argued that if pornography is proved to be an addiction then it could have
a negative impact on relationships, much as many other addictions do. However, people disagree as to whether or not pornography is addictive.
Moreover, it could be objected that there is not clear evidence to indicate
pornography is causing problems in these relationships.
Let us now discuss some opinions in favour of pornography. Wendy McElroy,
a well-known pro-sex feminist, maintains that pornography has both
personal and political benefits for women taking into consideration that it
provides sexual information at different levels: It allows women to "safely"
experience sexual alternatives and satisfy a healthy sexual curiosity
(McElroy, 1997 ). This seems a reasonable argument since no sexual
diseases can be transmitted by masturbating to pornography. However, if
we consider that pornography is addictive, as suggested before, then it
could be argued that while it might be safer than engaging in real
intercourse, it might not be healthier. Some medical researches show that
frequent use of pornography creates addiction and damage in the
structure and the function of the brain" (Hagelin, 2007). Furthermore, some
scholars agree that pornography may act as deterrent for sex crimes. For
example, a study in 2006 by Professor Kendall concluded that the arrival of
the internet was associated with a reduction in rape incidence (Kendall,
2006). Landsburg argues that this study seems convincing and he adds: It's
hard to see how Wikipedia can deter rape without deterring other violent
crimes at the same time. On the other hand, it's easy to imagine how porn
might serve as a substitute for rape. (Landsburg, 2006). Despite these
seemingly rational claims, it is difficult to deny that the internet provides
users with the possibility of pretending to be someone they are not, and
therefore this might encourage predators. In an interview, a detained sex
offender declares in a three-hour period I spent online I would probably talk
to 25 children; the offender continues to admit that he has lied about his
gender and age in an effort to get in touch with children. (Hughes, 2011).
Additionally there are those who find pornography to be more satisfying
than real sexual intercourse. Some doctors agree that Most people
experience intense sexual satisfaction when masturbating often much
more so than when they are having sex with their partner. (Erasmus, 2004).
Moreover, it could be argued that pornography online offers users the
possibility to experiment on things they would probably not dare to do with
their partners: given the fact that it is 'virtual', therefore not physical,
practically anything is possible (Coman, 2009). Then again, it could be
argued that this might have a negative effect on those who overuse these
1 Accord is a wide coalition of organisations, including religious groups,
humanists, trade unions and human rights campaigners (Accord, 2011)

New Essay 2Team 4

Moreno, Mario

fantasies, since they would live up to the expectations of their fantasies, and
may be disappointed when interacting in real life.
Finally, let us consider some viewpoints in-between, that is, in favour of
pornography only in certain cases. Apparently quite a few scholars, doctors,
agree on the positive effects of pornography. A survey taken in Denmark
reported that most of the participants assessed, men and women from ages
18 30, found positive effects to pornography: moderate positive effects
were generally reported by both men and women (Gert Martin Hald and
Neil M. Malamuth, 2007). It seems likely, then, that some people try to
concentrate on the possible benefits of pornography rather advocating for
its censorship. For example, some believe that what we need to do is talk
openly about types of porn, and the possibilities of consuming better porn,
where sex is playful, interesting, dynamic (Hendrie, 2010). This is an
interesting point of view, due to the fact that those against pornography
generally comment on extreme material such as hard-core pornography or
child pornography. Moreover, some feminists agree that as long as people
are merely acting in porn films and there is no coercion, or law-breaking, it is
acceptable" (Hazen, 2007). Nevertheless, some people think that any kind
of pornography can enhance the users desire pushing him/her to look for
more extreme material. As porn film marker Jerome Tanner says many fans
want to see much more extreme stuff that I'm always trying to figure out
ways to do something different (2007). Moreover, it would be difficult to
agree on labelling pornographically material as good or bad; simply because
people can interpret it differently. Finally, it seems important to mention that
people against pornography usually advocate for banning or filtering sexual
material. While it could be argued that this could make the internet safer,
especially for children who are rapidly submerging into the digital era, many
people disagree on censure as a solution: Historically, censorship has hurt
women. Information about sex and reproduction has been banned under the
guise of "protecting" women. (Britton, 1993). Moreover, removing all
pornographic content from the internet appears to be a futile idea. As far as
filtering goes, it can, and for some people it already does, help prevent
children from watching explicit pornographic material. While this might be
true and advantageous, we need to bear in mind that filters can be
controlled by institutes and contribute to a violation of freedom of speech.
Moreover, some people object that while they might help restrict the
distribution of pornographic content, they do not tackle the real problems
such as online sex abuse. Anonymous, a group of hackers who defends
users interests, says that filters do not target child pornographers or
paedophiles, and could result in parents believing that their (Pro-porn
protesters target government websites, 2010)
In conclusion, this essay has discussed some of the main viewpoints about
pornography. It seems very difficult to find a balance between the various
opinions. Both pro-porn and anti-porn groups have convincing arguments as
to why the use of pornography can be good or bad. However, it seems
logical to agree that pornography is here to stay. Free speech rights allow

New Essay 2Team 4

Moreno, Mario

the internet to host pornography and sexual online material only seems to
increase. Therefore, it could be argued that the most acceptable measure
appears to be promoting a better kind of pornography, such as amateurpornography. In any case, individuals as well as groups working for and
against this industry should act consciously and consider the possible
dangers or benefits derived from pornography.

New Essay 2Team 4

Moreno, Mario

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New Essay 2Team 4

Moreno, Mario

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