On Porn

Feminists have for decades discussed, heatedly at times, the issue of pornography. These discussions revolve around the representation of women, the subjugation of women, the objectification of women, and the violence, sexual in particular, that women face. Does pornography aggravate these issues, does it minimize these issues, is there an answer at all? Does have pornography have value or is it simply value-less? Is pornography so contextualized to the individual that making broad, sweeping statements about it do nothing except piss people off of the various sides of the argument (i.e. consumer, the porn industry, the pro-porn advocates, the anti-porn advocates, the middle-ground advocates). My interests here are not to debate the issues that the feminists have brought up more profoundly and insightfully than I ever could (i.e. Catherine MacKinnon, Drucilla Cornell, Laurence O’Toole). Instead, I want to think about the issue of pornography from the ”gay” perspective, in particular gay porn, and perhaps a little bit on lesbian porn. Much of debate I previously mentioned focuses on hetero or “straight” porn where the issues of objectification, violence, and the such arise. Now, these issues exist also in gay porn with scenes of gang rape, etc., but violence is not my concern for now. Before getting to my concern though, I think it is appropriate to position myself as the author of this query. I see pornography as a educative tool. It provides the viewer with insight into sex, sexual positions, etc…information that is not taught inside schools during the “abstinence only” campaign that currently reigns supreme. It provides an outlet, in particular to trans, gays, lesbian, questioning, queer, persons since we do not see “representation” of queer sexualities in the mainstream media…except for the moralist debates that terms such acts as “unnatural,” “perverse,” or “immoral.” Therefore, the “free” porn that exists through pay sites and blogs provide an outlet for queer teens and beyond to experiment and expand their knowledge and views on sex and sexuality. Now, obviously the individual user can interpret porn in a way that many find distasteful or inappropriate and this is often used as an argument against pornography, but why is it that these interpretations of porn are any different than interpretations of other varieties, such as literary or biblical? Also, with such interpretations we often see issues of shame and guilt emerge which is peculiar. Why do we shame individuals for seeking such knowledge, even if we disagree with that knowledge? If we did not “shame” or guilt others because of their actions, but discussed such issues in an open and honest (whatever that means these days), would such issues really be such issues?
Ok, so to my thoughts for today, which may in fact contradict some of my positions as an author. I have been amazed at what seems to be the increase in gay porn that sells itself as “barebacking” or “condom-less.” Now, I do not recall the various porn sites I have visited over the years and I do believe porn has become more accessible than it was years ago, but I question what such “bareback” porn does to those emerging into their sexual selves. [I should note here that I deal extensively with Queer Theory so I do not buy into the notion of the hetero/homo binary, so when I think of the sexual self, I do not define it as the gay or straight or bi self but just sexual]. This thought emerged after I heard several people say something about the “post-AIDS” era, only quickly to rephrase such a statement. Has the rise in “BareBack” gay porn arisen because of the assumed decline in HIV/AIDS in the gay male population - even though recent stats show a rise? Is it because HIV/AIDS is not the same “death warrent” it once was? Are we just apathetic about HIV/AIDS or do we not discuss it because it is not a “politically smart” move to make…unless dealing with Africa, far removed from the streets of the USA?
I am assuming, which is dangerous I know, that within the porn industry regular tests and check-ups are done on the performers to assure safety. I applaud the industry for such diligence, even though there was a scare a few years back in regards to this vary issue. However, viewers (consumers) of this pornography are not aware of the precautions of the industry, rather they only see what is on camera. Is there an obligation on the porn industries part to educate its viewers not only in the variety of sex that exists, from fisting, to docking, S & M, and beyond, but also in terms of safe sex (HIV/AIDS, STIs, etc.). Yet, the porn industry is not the only one who I can implicate because porn has moved beyond (if it ever was beyond) the studio to amateur porn where anyone with a camera and the ability to upload files can perform for those wanting to watch. Do we then have an obligation ourselves, either as the producers or consumers of porn, to perform in a manner that is educative once again not only in positions, but in safety - be that literally or symbolically? If so, how is it done? Do we censor those films that show unsafe sexual penetration (is it unsafe though if precautions and testing is done?) or does censoring potentially lead to more issues and problems with the already restrictive and “immoral” position of pornography?
All in all, what does the rise of bareback pornography mean for the educative nature of pornography as I see it? Is it itself educative and I have just taken a negative response to it? Is it educative if we alter (or transform) how we discuss sexuality and sex (of all varieties) within the education system - perhaps bucking the abstinence only programs that have shown to be ineffective on numerous levels? Is it then not the pornography that is “bad” but how we as society view it and discuss it (or don’t discuss it) that creates the issues that are ever so present around the issue of pornography, sex, sexuality, and perhaps inevitably our binary gender system? As a closing thought, something I have neglected to think about, which I will think about further and eventually post, is how the issue of race plays out in not just this topic, but the topic of porn in general. How are stereotypical and iconic views of race played out in pornography, such as the “big black dick”?