Pornography is part of every culture, including the American culture. And the onset of modern technology has enhanced its popularity; it is everywhere: on billboards, on television, and in magazines.
In his article Steve Garlick says a vital part of the new sexual revolution is the internet and the propagation of numerous practice of “cybersex.” Sexual images have always been related closely with expansions “-in technology –most notable, the printing press, photography, film, and video—and the advance of digital technologies and the internet” has taken credit for the huge increase of pornography online,” plus the readily accessibility. Some observers have stated that the “democratization” of sexual urges and the beginning of f more diverse sexual culture are more visible. In essence Burke is saying that technology has dramatically increased the popularity of pornography(1993).
Before one begins to speak about pornography, one must define pornography. Different people will give different answers for such a question; pornography is one of those issues that has always been debated with no black or white answer. “I shall not today attempt further to define [obscenity]; and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it.” These are the famous words of the late chief Justice, Potter Stewart. I tend to agree with the chief justice. Sex sells everything; how often is a commercial shown with a fat woman fully dressed? The only time that occurs is when they are showing what a certain diet or pill can do, and they show before and after, of course the new, firmed body is clad in the skimpiest of bikini. Could they have shown the after effects wearing a curvaceous dress? Of course, but it would not have the same connotation to sex as the barely there. The same thing is done with models; unless they are full figure models. A man who appreciates a shapely body will drool at such a figure, only he does not know the many graphic enhancements are used to get that alluring look. If those tempting scenes are not pornography, then they are at the least foreplay.
Look who sells cars, food and wine in commercials, if it is not some sexy man showing his muscled arms or and abdomens, then it is an attractive woman in a dress that is cut too low or too high. The truth is there is more pornography in television commercials the in televisions’ shows. There is new commercial on television that advertises Trojan condom, the first time I saw it I thought I was watching daytime soap opera. Billboards and magazines are no different; the sexiest men are shown with the most attractive women on their arms. Sex has been used to sell for such a long time that one wonders what would happen if regular men and women were used in commercials. If commercials are not enough pornography, watch the award’ shows, these women wear clothe that most women would not wear to bed. The media knows what will sell and it gives to itsr audience what it wants to see. Pontifical Council for Social Communication reports the following:
While no one can consider himself or herself immune to the corrupting effects of pornography and violence or safe from injury at the hands of those acting under their influence, the young and the immature are especially vulnerable and the most likely to be victimized. Pornography and sadistic violence debase sexuality, corrode human relationships, exploit individuals—especially women and young people—undermine marriage and family life, foster anti-social behavior and weaken the moral fiber of society itself (1989).
The Council’s first statement is not partially true. A man, who rapes because of the pornography he watches, already had rape on his mind. Pornography does not increase rape; ask most men and they will say that it is not what they see seduces them is what they do not see. Pornography movies brings out what was already dormant in a man; the young and the immature can be influenced by pornography but unless they have an innate desire for violence, they do not commit violent acts as seen in the movies. Most psychologists will agree that rape and violence in young people began when they were very young. And yes it is true that pornography does exploit women if they are forced into it. Sex in marriage can still be honorable despite the fact that it is turned into a money making business.
There was a time in our culture when women who have taken jobs that used to be a “man’s job” or who have climbed the cooperate ladder, were treated badly by fellow men workers but that is not so any more. Women have proven themselves and have shown men that they can hold a “man’s job” and do it well. Most importantly, women have gained men’s respect due to their hard work. Sexual aggression used to plague women, but that was before women stood up for themselves and refused to let anyone treat them with condescension or inequality. There are women, who men will still whistle at, and she sometimes deserves it, dressing nicely and dressing provocatively are too different things, and some women want to be provocative and productive but that is not possible, she cannot be both. How much work can a woman do when she is conscious that every young man who passes her is looking down her blouse? John Becall has this to say about women climbing the cooperate ladder; “A woman must act, dress and present herself the way she wishes to be viewed by colleagues and managers. By exuding professionalism that includes a positive attitude, a woman will gain the respect of others in the office” (web).
We live in a society that puts much pressure on women; you must do this, if you want to be that, and trying to maintain the softer gender attitude, men have decided that they are the head. They are taught to take care of their families and the women stay home and take care of the house and children; what seemed like a lifetime ago, most men saw women as a sex symbol, and pornography was not something to talk about, the word could not even be said. Unfortunately, the media takes over our homes and everything comes with it. Consequently, we can no longer think that women are exploited; they earn better living than most women and they do so because they want to look good and live well. Pornography is divided into categories the ones who do commercials and the ones who perform sex for money. As long as there is the media the prevalence of pornography will escalate.
Work cited
Becall, John. “Women Climbing the Cooperates Ladder.’ Dale Carnegae Training web. 28
May, 2013
Garlick, Steve. A New Sexual Revolution? Critical Theory, Pornography, and the Internet. Canadian Review of Sociology. Volume: 48. Issue: 3. August 2011.: 221+ Print
PORNOGRAPHY AND VIOLENCE IN THE MEDIA” Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Vatican City, 7 May, 1989, web. 28 May, 2013..
