as per suggestion
As many of you know, in my recent exploits, I have been exploring (and indulging) in Feminism. And as I have stated I AM A FEMINIST.
I have come across a cleft in the feminist literature. (One of many, as with all ideologies.) PORN.
Feminists are as confused as I am about it.
Now, as most of you know, I'm no sexual prude. In fact, I am quite open discussing sexual things (like diseases, activities, and mutations...as seen in my previous posts...) but for some reason, I clam up when it comes to actual sexuality involving PEOPLE I KNOW...I like it as more of a vague un-detailed abstract, than "Last night Suzy Joe and I..."
But I digress, this isn't about my sexual views. It's about pornography.
Feminists stand divided:
General idea 1) Pornography is an extension of patriarchy. Women are objectified; the subjugation of women in yet another realm, where they are exploited and degraded. (see: http://www.oneangrygirl.net/You_are_what_you_eat.html)
General idea 2) Pornography in the right context can be empowering, and is an extension of women's sexual freedom and destroys the notion that women can't and don't enjoy sex. To censor pornography is to play into patriarchy; female bodies are to be hidden and coveted. (see: http://www.bettydodson.com/censporn.htm)
So. There you have it. Now, I'm all in agreement with the fact that women in our society aren't encouraged to be sexual (it's not "lady like") and this acts as an oppressive agent. BUT I think there is subjugation in the disguise of "sexual freedom." Yes, let's make the women think they key to liberation is sleeping around! That sounds grand for us! We'll have them screw our brains out, and still pay them 76 cents to our dollar! Sounds fishy, at best. Of course if you take a too strong stand against porn, you're at risk of infringing on the First Amendment and making policy based on religious morality...and that's NOT cool.
What's to be done? I will conclude that it's about the content and activity. But, honestly, I don't watch porn. Not more than that soft-core joke stuff Sarah and I used to laugh at ...but just knowing that there are things out there...
Oh Lord.
OPINIONS? COMMENTS?
I have come across a cleft in the feminist literature. (One of many, as with all ideologies.) PORN.
Feminists are as confused as I am about it.
Now, as most of you know, I'm no sexual prude. In fact, I am quite open discussing sexual things (like diseases, activities, and mutations...as seen in my previous posts...) but for some reason, I clam up when it comes to actual sexuality involving PEOPLE I KNOW...I like it as more of a vague un-detailed abstract, than "Last night Suzy Joe and I..."
But I digress, this isn't about my sexual views. It's about pornography.
Feminists stand divided:
General idea 1) Pornography is an extension of patriarchy. Women are objectified; the subjugation of women in yet another realm, where they are exploited and degraded. (see: http://www.oneangrygirl.net/You_are_what_you_eat.html)
General idea 2) Pornography in the right context can be empowering, and is an extension of women's sexual freedom and destroys the notion that women can't and don't enjoy sex. To censor pornography is to play into patriarchy; female bodies are to be hidden and coveted. (see: http://www.bettydodson.com/censporn.htm)
So. There you have it. Now, I'm all in agreement with the fact that women in our society aren't encouraged to be sexual (it's not "lady like") and this acts as an oppressive agent. BUT I think there is subjugation in the disguise of "sexual freedom." Yes, let's make the women think they key to liberation is sleeping around! That sounds grand for us! We'll have them screw our brains out, and still pay them 76 cents to our dollar! Sounds fishy, at best. Of course if you take a too strong stand against porn, you're at risk of infringing on the First Amendment and making policy based on religious morality...and that's NOT cool.
What's to be done? I will conclude that it's about the content and activity. But, honestly, I don't watch porn. Not more than that soft-core joke stuff Sarah and I used to laugh at ...but just knowing that there are things out there...
Oh Lord.
OPINIONS? COMMENTS?