Is pornography intolerable?

Question

By pornography, I mean visual depictions sexualizing nudity or displaying sexual activity.

By intolerable: I know some people believe pornography to be harmful and valueless in all situations. Most other opinions I have heard hold that it is acceptable in certain contexts, and should be banned from other contexts. So I am asking if you believe it is always intolerable, or else what are some example situations where it should be tolerated or not.

I haven't thought about this much before, but I thought my feelings on this subject were fairly normal, until the answer to my previous question in this system that got the most + votes actually suggested I should provide pornography to my underage son as part of a solution to a problem.

There is no way I would consider such a thing in my household, but have attitudes really relaxed this far? I won't judge others for their viewpoints, but I simply feel surprised I could be this far out of sync. What say you world-wise internet folk? :(

Answer 1

Though I feel that most p**n is junk, there is no reason that those who actually enjoy it shouldn't have access to it.

As for the suggestion that you should use it as a teaching tool, some of it may actually be helpful.

Answer 2

Whether or not it's intolerable to the viewer is only important if you consider who you're viewing.

This is a profitable industry that benefits the actors and models, and what might feel good to the viewers who pay/buy/sponsor, you could be hurting other humans who only need the money and are going through a difficult time or are too young to understand how it can victimized them later in life.

Some can smile and feel violated at the same time.

Answer 3

Pornography isnt really my thing but it doesnt bother me if other people look at it.

Just because its accepted dosnt mean its appropriate

Answer 4

p**n is intolerable.  It can be addictive and so can masturbation and then it can create sexual addictions.  Best to keep you mind clean so that you dont have garbage in it trying to surface up on you and come out in different ways.

Answer 5

What do you care about what other folks do?

Answer 6

"The higher you build your barriers

              The taller I become

       The farther you take my rights away

              The faster I will run

       You can deny me

              You can decide to turn your face away

       No matter, cos there's....

              Something inside so strong..."

What example do you want to set your son? That s*x is wrong, evil, dirty, and/or corrupting? OK. We can do that. To achieve this outcome;

Step 1. Ban your son's p**n from your house.

Of course if you do this, it will have unintended consequences.

1. He will never open up to you about personal relationships.

2. To avoid unspoken accusation of hipocrasy and unfairness, you will have to live up to the example yourself. Specifically, throw away your vibrator, bikinis, short skirts, halter-tops, adventurous hosiery, and no more dating.

Hey; he'll be fine. What's the worst that can happen? It isn't as if his "little-boy's" body suddenly and permanently shot him up with levels of Hormones usually associated with "Roid Rage", like the levels that would causing his body mass to double in the space of two years or anything, is it?

And I'm sure he has plenty of experience dealing with his new violently aggressive passions, and new rather unsettling autonomic/involuntary reaction to even the thought of a female.

And most importantly, it isn't as if he lacks a strong Male role model on whom he can model a constructive productive healthy respectful relationship to "the Female", and good personal relationships with women.

Ban images of undressed females, and he will project his desire at swimsuit calendars. Ban images of semi-clad women, and you condition him to reacting inappropriately to images of clothed women, and shortly thereafter to clothed women.

He frightens you. Good. Be frightened.

As it is, the only way you could convincingly enforce your rules over a teenage boy's clinical need to relieve himself at least twice a day while looking at p**n, is by deluding yourself that he takes a blind bit of notice of you, and doesn't spank off morning noon and night. The problem is; it's very difficult to lie to yourself that he's still a little boy, when you also launder his bedsheets.

If you really wanted to help, if you even pretended to understand his physical and psychological needs, and how little your Feminist sensibilities had to do with them, if you wanted to develop his sexuality in a healthy direction, you would book him a weekly appointment with a hooker.

That would be legally problematic, so we have to fall back on pornography, so go get him some movies instead (if you still imagine he hasn't completely done an end run around you). I leave you with this; what leads boys to become adept at using the Internet more than any other single thing is the enormous quantities of free, freely available blue material.

"Mom! I'm doing my homework." Yeah-right.

Answer 7

There is a need and use for pornography in today's society. As long as the participants are agreeable and no children are involved, either as participants or viewers.

Answer 8

That way of thinking "it's fine.....provide it to your son" is what's wrong with things today.  On the new tv show Hopkins that is shot in John's Hopkins Hospital this one doctor told the camera that this young guy, 18 years old desire was to be a p**n star......I suppose it was a joke but you never know.  

I think it's best to steer clear of p**n.  Some people may be able to view it and not have anything go further but for someone people it's a downward spiral.  They go from viewing the material to wanting to act out what they've seen.  That's why a lot of serial rapists & killers carry around p**n.  

If you want to educate your son seek out EDUCATIONAL materials and not p**n.  I would not like it if my significant other liked to look at p**n.  I'm glad you wouldn't consider such a thing in your household.  You're not alone, just in the minority in 2008.

I saw your other question about your neighbor. I really don't think the person who told you to give your son p**n was serious.  They were just being a smartaleck!  The question about your neighbor is resolved but I'll say this.  I think your neighbor doesn't know kids are trying to peep at her.  Then again when I was younger I didn't like to feel closed in I would change with the window open but I was on the second floor.  I didn't think about anyone being out there until one day someone told me they saw.  I still am comfortable enough to walk around without clothing but I try to be mindful of the windows.  You should NOT call the police on your neighbor.  I bet if you went out there one morning and scared the kids they would never try that again.  It's also natural for kids to try & see things they shouldn't.

Answer 9

You have the right to allow/forbid what you want in your home.

Your values are yours, and if you feel strongly about a certain issue, then that's your right and it should be respected.

With that being said, once your son is 18, he's free to move out and can then presumably do what he wants with regard to this.

Would you permit erotica (erotic writings sans photography)?

The key with anything is moderation and discretion.  People can abuse and overuse anything (food, drink, etc.).  

I would say you're at one end of the spectrum on this issue, which is your right.  With that being said, millions of people view this material every day, and do so without it being a burden on their families and loved ones.

Answer 10

p**n is fine, nothing wrong with it. I definitely don't think parents should be providing it for their kids though.

Answer 11

It depends what purpose you intend to get from viewing pornography. If you watch it for sexual pleasure then I am totally against pornography. Why- because it is immoral and is 'adultery of the mind'. It depends on your religious beliefs too.

But i can see why others are OK with watching pornography- it is natural, Adam and Eve walked around naked and they are our ancestors. But I wouldn't let my underage child watch it because it could have a disastrous effect on their view on society. But I don't know what your previous question was about.

Answer 12

I HATE it. It's very degrading, & it depicts women being jerked around & treated like a piece of property.

Answer 13

No, it's fine.  No-one thinks it's wrong to satisfy other needs and desires - for good food, music, reading, home comforts, movies etc. - so why would it not be OK to satisfy our desire for sexual stimulation?