How the hardcore porn industry is
ruining young men's lives
Gail Dines
May 18, 2011
Comments 302
It rakes in billions, exploits women, and leaves men disgusted with themselves.
A few years ago at the Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas, the biggest porn convention in the
United States, Abbywinters.com, an Australian porn company, had one of the largest booths. It bills
itself as offering "real, passionate, unscripted" sexual activity by "happy, healthy, regular girls in their
normal environments". The company markets its female masturbation and girl/girl videos as featuring
women with "no make-up, no fake boobs, no airbrushing".
The Abbywinters.com women did stand out from the other porn performers in the room, but their
girl/girl action (the industry's term for lesbian sex tailored to a male audience) didn't look much
different from the industry norm.
With all varieties of cameras, men surrounded the booth, vying for the best angles to record images of
women being sexual.
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That moment provides an important reminder: pornography, at its core, is a market transaction in
which women's bodies and sexuality are offered to male consumers in the interests of maximising
profit. In the end, it's about attracting the most "wankers" possible.
Though reliable numbers are hard to come by, the global industry was estimated to be worth a
staggering $96 billion in 2006, with the US market worth about $13 billion. Each year more than
13,000 porn films are released and their revenues rival those of all the major Hollywood studio films
combined. DailyTech, an online magazine, reports that a recent study found about 37 per cent of online
pages contain pornographic content, and porn sites increased 17 per cent from 2009 to 2010.
Adult Video News, the trade paper of the porn industry, says the most profitable porn today is that
which depicts hardcore, body-punishing sex - called "Gonzo" by the industry. In this type of porn, sex
is not about making love. The feelings and emotions we normally associate with such an act -
connection, empathy, tenderness, caring, affection - are missing, and in their place are those we
normally associate with hate: fear, disgust, anger, loathing and contempt.
The man "makes hate" to the woman, as each sex act is designed to deliver the maximum amount of
degradation. Whether it be aggressive fellatio or violent sodomy, the goal of porn sex is to illustrate
how much power he has over her. Yet the women are still portrayed as enjoying these scenes. Images
like these are commonplace on the internet and shape the way men think about sex, relationships and
intimacy.
A key factor driving the growth of the porn market has been the development of technologies allowing
users to buy and consume porn in private, without embarrassing trips to seedy stores or video rental
shops. These technologies also enable pornography to be viewed anywhere, any time: even the global
mobile phone market for porn is expected to reach $3.5 billion this year, according to British-based
Juniper Research.
This is a business with considerable political clout, with the capacity to lobby politicians, engage in
expensive legal battles and use public relations to influence public debate. The business is increasingly
able to deploy a sophisticated and well-resourced marketing machine, not just to push its wares but to
cast the industry's image in a positive light - promoting myths that porn is harmless fun, that it is all
about fantasy and we should not take it seriously.
We should be taking porn very seriously. Studies show that the more porn men watch, the more they
want to play out porn sex in the real world. They become bored with their sex partners because they
don't look or act like the women in porn. What troubles many of these men most is that they need to
pull up the porn images in their head in order to have an orgasm with their partner. They replay porn
scenes in their minds, or think about having sex with their favourite porn star when they are with their
partners.
What is new over the past five years or so is young men admitting their addiction to pornography. I had
been somewhat sceptical of the addiction model, thinking that it was a way for men to avoid taking
responsibility for their porn use. But sex and relationship therapists Wendy Maltz and Larry Maltz
discuss in their book The Porn Trap how therapists are seeing a wave of porn addicts looking for help.
They find that "what used to be a small problem for relatively few people had grown to a societal issue
that was spilling over and causing problems in the lives of countless everyday people".
The addicted young men I speak to do indeed end up in serious trouble. They neglect their school
work, spend huge amounts of money they don't have, become isolated from others, and often suffer
depression. They know something is wrong, feel out of control, and don't know how to stop. Some of
the most troubling stories I hear are from men who have become so desensitised that they have started
using harder porn and end up masturbating to images that had previously disgusted them. Many of
these men are deeply ashamed and frightened, as they don't know where all this will end.
As someone who has studied porn for more than 20 years, I also don't know where all this is going to
end. If we have any hope of stemming the tide, we need to build a movement that includes grassroots
education programs and media strategies that lead to cultural change.
It also needs to offer an enticing, positive vision of sexuality based on equality and respect. As long as
we have porn, women will never be seen as full human beings deserving of all the rights that men have.
We need to build a vibrant movement that fights for a world in which women have power in and over
their lives, because there is no room for porn in a just society.
Gail Dines is professor of sociology and women's studies at Wheelock College, Boston, and the
author of Pornland: How Porn Has Hijacked Our Sexuality.
Follow the National Times on Twitter: @NationalTimesAU
Comments
302 comments so far
a woman whos a professor in WOMEN studies is writing a whole article about men. so typical
ben | melbourne - May 18, 2011, 7:27AM
I respect your views and agree with almost all points but to say "there is no room for porn in a just
society" seems a bit extreme.
Many women enjoy porn and my partner and I occasionally enjoy soft or sensual porn based on
equality and mutual respect together to mimic and add some spice to our love life. I agree with
removing the hardcore power trips as many scenes remind me more of a gross rape than anything
sexual.
Mob | Brisbane - May 18, 2011, 7:34AM
Despite this assertion The Age publishes a naked transgender picture the other day. Somewhat of a
double standard here?
Dr Strangelove | NY - May 18, 2011, 7:34AM
"pornography, at its core, is a market transaction in which women's bodies and sexuality are offered to
male consumers"
No comments on gay pornography then - homosexuals are air-brushed out of the good professor's
mind-set??
Steve - May 18, 2011, 7:38AM
Pathetic article.
If you don't like porn don't watch it, but don't you dare telling other people what to do !
PD | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 7:38AM
Phooey!
jones | above the keys - May 18, 2011, 7:42AM
Typical man hating feminist cods wollop. When you've got a penis and male libido maybe you'll have a
viewpoint worth hearing.
Mark | Mudgeeraba - May 18, 2011, 7:49AM
As a woman who watches porn, I don't agree with the tone of this article. For one - it totally ignores the
fact that many woman DO in fact watch porn (one in three according to a University of Sydney study),
and that the vast majority of men who watch porn do so without any issues.
Frankly, I think it's delusional to think that porn could ever be removed from society, any more than
sex could be removed. And I don't think it SHOULD. Porn has existed for longer than, well, sociology,
and porn addiction is increasing now, not because porn has suddenly appeared, but simply because it's
more accessible. People are spending all day sitting in rooms with ready access to pornography, and
just as if they were sitting all day in a room full of alcohol, this means there is unfortunately more
access for people with problems to abuse it.
I think that men who have issues with porn addiction have issues with addiction or sex in general that
they may well have even without the same access to porn, and that is what should be addressed not the
'omg porn is bad m'kay, and women NEVER watch it' attitude that some people seem to have.
We need a more open attitude towards porn so that people can get help for their addiction without
crippling shame, not a more closed one.
Trowzers | Keeping the good stuff hidden - May 18, 2011, 7:50AM
You totally lost me with your last sentence. You are wrong in saying "there is no room for porn in a
just society". Not all pornography is violent, degrading, and perverted. There is nothing wrong with
men using visual material to masturbate to. I think you will find that many men dislike the current
trendy pornography as much as you or I do but there is little alternative as the kind of pornography that
is not aggressive and demeaning is almost impossible to get hold of because it is not produced by the
studios.
Gemma - May 18, 2011, 7:50AM
As a gay man I can assure you there are no women being exploited in any porn I watch. Kind of
disproves your whole thesis doesn't it? Oh, and I've never once felt disgusted with myself because I'm
not a prude.
Mark | Mudgeeraba - May 18, 2011, 7:51AM
What absolute dribble, she first talks about abbywinters.com and does even mention anything about
gay people viewing this same porn.
To Quote "They become bored with their sex partners because they don't look or act like the women in
porn. What troubles many of these men most is that they need to pull up the porn images in their head
in order to have an orgasm with their partner. They replay porn scenes in their minds, or think about
having sex with their favourite porn star when they are with their partners."
What the????? Where is this so called study to back this up.....
Snake | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 7:55AM
As a man i agree with your conclusions whole heartedly.
Porn is adictive and destructive.
It lurks in you mind all day.
It changes the way you see women.
It will ruin your relationship or marriage.
For anyone out there struggling with pon and self gratification you have my sympathies.
Craig | NSW - May 18, 2011, 7:58AM
While some men believe that women exist to service them, violent and degrading porn will exist. It is
amazing that some women don't realise there are some men out there who hate the entire gender...
progessivesunite - May 18, 2011, 7:59AM
an article written by someone with a slanted view - "I see men who have problems with porn" = all
men have problems with porn - no no no, that is wrong not ALL men just the ones this therapist sees.
Classic mistake of extrapolation - "I once saw a black swan therefore all swans are black" thinking. I
enjoy looking at pictures of naked women and find distasteful the hardcore/rough stuff - seems to me
that unlike at the the gym, in sex if there's pain there ain't no gain. It is meant to be about pleasure and
yes there is room for that in a just society...
free to choose | geelong - May 18, 2011, 8:02AM
Seriously. You guys ran an article in October basically saying the same thing, by the same author. The
complete lumping of the 'problem' onto mens' shoulders is a joke - and about 20 years behind the times.
There is evidently no point bringing up the fact that the women (and men) choose to work in that
business, and that men (and women) choose to consume it, because if we followed the author's line of
reasoning, men are probably forcing women to watch it too. Please end the blatant FemRant on this
topic - maybe balance it out with a male perspective - preferably someone not associated with this
author, and who isn't flogging a book.
Cheers!
Hamish | USA - May 18, 2011, 8:04AM
In free societies there will always be some people who will be addicted to something, whether it be
gambling, alcohol , drugs or porn. Porn has existed as long as mankind has.It is like the oldest
profession. Graffiti on the walls in ancient Rome; extremely erotic carvings on Hindu temples and so
on. The difference now, is that we have the internet where porn is instantly available and mainly
free.The only way the tide of porn will be reduced is to shut down the internet. I can't see that
happening.
The sort of article above is usually written by women, who have little understanding of of the sexuality
of men. The visual aspect of sex has always been the major component of mens sexuality.I am not
talking about love here, but about sexuality.
Men have always been able to make a distinction between the love they have for their wives, and the
sex they have with their mistresses or prostitutes . In a perfect world there would be non of these
distinctions. But hey, this is the Earth, not Heaven.
As far as addiction to porn is concerned, like any addiction, some people realize the folly of it sooner
than others, and some never do. Such is life,
Derek5491.
derek5491 | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 8:07AM
Whilst I can see the concerns that Gail has about porn and its commodification of women she needs to
remember that there is a growing female consumption of porn. It may focus on the less aggressive type
of porn, I'm not at all sure, but it appears that there may be a growing number of female addicts as well.
Much of the phenomenon may be more related to the growing use of cyberspace by younger people as
their way of experiencing the world. I don't think that is all that healthy but that may just be an
illustration of how out of touch I am with the new world that is emerging out there.
lesm | Balmain - May 18, 2011, 8:08AM
Dear professor. Look up a dictionary for the literal meaning of the word pornography. To me, your
article is pornographic. If you intended to write an article about erotica, then why not use the correct
terminology, then we might be able to give you the benefit of the doubt that you have some slight
knowledge of your topic. As it is, you clearly don't. F minus for you.
Jeff - May 18, 2011, 8:10AM
While I know a handful of men who have problems with porn and/or treating women as equal partners,
that's all it is: A handful. Among my friends, perhaps less than one in 10. In fact, out of 70 odd males
whom I see regularly and call friends, perhaps only 2 or 3.
While I agree that the current over saturation of sexualised images in Australia is problematic, to say
that women do not have a just society is a falsehood designed to further an agenda. Sure, some men
have a problem with porn. Some women suffer because of it.
However, to blame men and porn alone absolves women of their responsibility in the problem, and
places unnecessary guilt on the vast majority of men who do not have a problem.
Ken | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 8:14AM
needs equality and respect ? sure - when women stop disrespecting men by nagging them, we'll give
you equality and respect.
Porn has always existed - note the neolithic cliff man in England - as men need visually enticing
images to stimulate them to rise to the occasion. Of course if women encouraged men to have sex with
different women on each occasion (the Coolidge effect) then they wouldn't need it. Otherwise you want
them to get excited about the same old spag bol ... hmmm ... maybe it needs a bit of spice.
Frank | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 8:22AM
I prefer love.
David Morrison | Blue Mountains - May 18, 2011, 8:23AM
What about all the woman who watch porn?
What about the fact that their is porn that is not in foul taste ?
The article raises some good points but overall the article says more about this woman's own
issues/bias
Luke | Manly - May 18, 2011, 8:23AM
First they came for the hard core videos but I was silent.
Then they came for the X-rated websites but I wasn't a subscriber.
And when they came for the Penthouse and Playboy mags I didn't speak out either because I wasn't a
wanker.
But when they finally came for Ralph Magazine there was nothing left to read except New Left
Weekly and the Age.
Skadaddle - May 18, 2011, 8:24AM
80% of u.s. death row inmates have issues with pornography. what does that tell you? they start out
with mild porn and it escalates to extreme material. then they want to play out the real thing. they end
up as an actor in their own real life snuff flick. porn is dangerous.
harry the heretic | sydney - May 18, 2011, 8:27AM
"As long as we have porn, women will never be seen as full human beings deserving of all the rights
that men have." This statement I find deeply offensive. Where is a statement like that going to end? As
liong as men like guns they will continue to exploit women? As as we have cars, men will continue to
kill their women on the road?
Enough - May 18, 2011, 8:28AM
"[T]he urge to save humanity is always a false front for the urge to rule it" -- H L Menken.
Mitch | Brisbane - May 18, 2011, 8:28AM
I always laugh when i read articles like this. The author is so disconnected from reality you wonder if
she is in the same universe as the rest of us. Point 1. porn serves a purpose, relieving mens sexual needs
when their partners cant or wont have sex with them. Many couples also watch it together. Point 2. Has
this woman seen the sheer quantity of amateur porn out there. Masses and masses of women who
choose to photograph themselves naked and or having sex then post it online
Get with the times gail, most people dont accept your blinkered view of sex or porn.
bigboobs | pornland - May 18, 2011, 8:29AM
Couldn't agree more Gail.
Could you talk to the editor who gave the "Slutwalk" articles ample exposure on the Herald last week?
Chris | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 8:31AM
"Despite this assertion The Age publishes a naked transgender picture the other day. Somewhat of a
double standard here?"
PLEASE tell me you're not talking about the photo of Andrej?
He wasn't "naked" and he's not transgender! If anything he's an androgyne, but he apparently identifies
as male. NEITHER make him trans.
Patrick | Albany NY USA - May 18, 2011, 8:32AM
Gail Dines returns on yet another tour to promote her book.
Interestingly, she says she's been studying porn for 20 years but she's pretty light on for actual research
and statistics. She relies on anecdotal evidence and "estimated" figures from online magazines.
Her basic hypotheses is that all porn is bad because it depicts hetero sex and for Dines, there is NO way
to depict sex that isn't misogynist. It's pretty much the same argument as Andrea Dworkin: All porn is
bad because all porn depicts sex and sex with men is rape. Dines reasoning fails due to her massive
generalisations and her determination to see the issue in purely black and white terms. The hypothesis
refuses to accept the acceptance of gay porn or feminist porn. It also relies on assumptions about male
behaviour and the idea that all women in porn are victims and have no agency.
Yes, there is porn that is extreme and appears to be degrading to women (it's not called "gonzo" by the
way, that's just a way of filming). There's also porn that is joyful, expressive, realistic, positive, artistic
and feminist. It's ridiculous to step in and demand blanket censorship as Dines does without looking
closer at the nuances (and the actual research) involved in this issue.
Ms Naughty - May 18, 2011, 8:33AM
I agree with the author, the only solution is to get women out of porn. It should be a man only zone.
cockatoo - May 18, 2011, 8:33AM
@Mark | Mudgeeraba
So it's not exploitation if you're a man then?
Most of the posts here seem to be defending porn use or attacking the Journalist without actually
addressing the content of the column. 'Must have hit pretty close to a raw nerve'.
Just more Ball and Chain slaves to exploit - Like cigarette slaves to Tobacco Companies and Tax
Collectors
Try the delete button sometime - It's exhilarating.
Nicolas | intrigued - May 18, 2011, 8:35AM
Were any non-addicted young men interviewed?
Seems a tad one sided, a few more verifying facts might be in order.
On the face of it seems:
1. There is an incredible demand for this material and the demand will not go away.
2. Some people will be adversely affected as is the case with any obsession.
3 Driving it underground will have an adverse impact on the participants, particularly women and in a
very real way, not an acting out a fantasy way.
4. If a women makes an informed decision based on her free will to act in this genre, is she not
empowered?
5. Undoubtedly, there is offensive porn, but offensive to who and by what standard? One persons
erotica is anothers porn.
Keep it in the open, at least we know what is happening and there will be protections in place for the
vulnerable.
TimC | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 8:36AM
Simple solution - instead of writing about the disturbed men who watch porn, convince the disturbed
women who 'act' in it to leave the profession.
Cassandra | Camberwell - May 18, 2011, 8:36AM
I'd question the quality and longevity of relationships, particularly marriages where either party
regularly uses porn.
Is there some kind of correlation with the proliferation and anonymity of porn and the increasing
breadown in relationships?
It would be naive to say "yes - it's the sole reason".
It would be even more naive to deny it altogether.
Chris | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 8:37AM
Sexual pleasure, just like other pleasures is the result of stimulation of the brain. This is akin (in my
opinion) to other stimuli such as alcohol, drugs and physical sensations an extreme example being
adrenalin sports. Just like you have a whole range of people who employ alcohol as a relaxant or
pleasure stimulator (a complex path for sure) you also get a whole range of people who use it to
varying degrees, from those who have the odd snort at Christmas to the full on alcoholics. As has been
found with other drugs, the more you take the less effective it gets. That seems to be a result of the
mechanics of how the brain gets its jollies, as you employ more and more the effect tends to taper off
after long term usage. It is no suprise to see that porn is no different in terms of the "dosage" used by
the whole range of users and their experience in finding that the more you use, the less effective it
becomes.
Don | Cairns - May 18, 2011, 8:38AM
Yet more psycho-babble that reveals more about the sex-phobic bias of the researcher than it does
about the nature of human sexuality. This sort of argument seems to find it impossible to separate the
concept of exploitation from commercial sex. Not to mention the seeming complete lack of awareness
that gay porn might exist - and that quite a few straight women enjoy watching it.
gpp - May 18, 2011, 8:43AM
"As someone who has studied porn for more than 20 years"
Yeah, me too... I've "studied" porn also.
John - May 18, 2011, 8:44AM
Gail Dines starts her article by trashing Abby Winters. Even though that site is incredibly positive in
how they present their models and operates under a strict set of ethics... but it's not enough for Dines. It
"didn't look much different from the industry norm". It's no good because - horror of horrors - men
masturbate to it.
My question: just how different does porn have to be to meet Gail Dines high standards? Are there
*any* depictions of human sexuality that would get the go ahead? What would that look like? Are you
allowed to masturbate to it?
Wait... the final sentence gives it away: "there is no room for porn in a just society." Blanket
censorship. There's the aim. It's to protect the poor males, you understand. They have no control,
apparently. "Addiction" is rife, even though there's no actual peer reviewed studies to prove this. But
never mind research... we've got anecdotes!
But what is "porn" exactly? Where do you draw the line? And what happens when you achieve this
porn-free utopia? Will it be like Saudi Arabia, where porn is banned? Because that's a shining example
of a fair and equal society, obviously.
Ms Naughty - May 18, 2011, 8:45AM
There's nothing wrong with pornography per se - the representation of sexual imagery for the purpose
of masturbation is, in itself, harmless, and has been around for centuries. But the porn industry, a much
more recent beast, without a doubt has taken things to a misogynist extreme - one of the things that
puts me off porn is a lot of the porn itself, being mostly lifeless and grubby (and there's no denying the
overt woman-hate of a lot of it, despite disingenuous complaints against professor Dines arguments
here), and that is definitely pushed by an agenda to make things so over-the-top that it's remarkable
anyone can masturbate to it at all.
Andrew McIntosh | Glenroy - May 18, 2011, 8:48AM
Ha, author is getting totally pawned here. Boom tish, here all week folks....
But seriously, the complete lack of evidence stemming no further than anecdotal tales really drags
down the article. And the final sentence turns away the rest of those readers who were interested in the
subject title but then became aware of your underlying motive. What are you saying here? That the
availability or porn coupled with the change in dynamics and product of the industry are having drastic
effects on the predmoninant end-users, being young men? Or, that porn is bad and we should remove it
from society because of the way it portrays women?
If it's the former, I do agree to an extent. But if you're going to make that point, perhaps some evidence
to back up your claims - increase in males seeking help, links between porn-addiction and other
socially destructive behaviour, increases in STI use through more men using prostitution to fulfil
fantasies they know a normal girl wouldn't subscribe to etc etc. But simply saying 'I've studied porn for
20 years' isn't really going to yield any supporters. IMO.
If it's the latter, well, judging by the number of female respondents, the fact that porn has been around
forever, the fact that sexual fantasies exist even in the absence of porn and the fact that when used
properly, it can in fact make relationships more healthy... you're not going to win that one.
Gurny | darlo - May 18, 2011, 8:49AM
Might be time for the monthly porn addiction article again. As regular as the bra special on Today
Tonight. How ironic that these articles are so well read. Maybe this is because we all have some secret
interest in the subject.
Hmmm | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 8:51AM
your revolution is over Ms Dines!
get a real job and embrace the 37%!
leb - May 18, 2011, 8:53AM
I agree with this article except for the last line. A lot of porn is designed to shock the senses.
Adrenaline is the drug that drives an addiction to porn. The porn industry is competing with the
enormous amount of amateur porn being uploaded so has to go to extremes to compete. I think it would
be healthy for mainstream filmmakers to start making films with explicit sex with romance and
interesting characters.
Richard Williamson | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 8:54AM
Pornography is not the same as exploitation and you cannot put all pornography in the same category.
No one forces anyone to participate against her or his own will. Porn is not always "perverted" or
"degrading" (although some of it is). If all porn was so bad, how come several women and couples
enjoy watching it? The porn that is dangerous is that where it is mixed with violence, which could be
linked to sexual assaults, and should probably be banned. But then, you might as well argue that
alcohol should be banned.
Cynical Observer | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 8:56AM
Just check out the slather of apologists, sanctemonious moralists, desperate porn defenders, addicted
porn watchers, so-called freedom of speech advocates and the like getting all upset about an article that
expresses the opinion and research of a sociology professor. And never a discussion like this without
the usual red herring of gay porn etc, once again clarifying why the adage that the exception proves the
rule is still 100% relevant. And what is the tone of many comments? Personal attacks on the author,
which simply demonstrates the attitudes and mentality of many of the commenters.
Apologists everywhere... | Victoria - May 18, 2011, 8:58AM
Why did she write this article? It is illegal to sell porn in most states of Australia. Very little porn is
made here and what is has to be marketed and sold via overseas companies. Australia is one of the
most prudish and conservative countries in the western world when it comes to porn.
With people such as Ms Dines sprouting absolute rubbish such is this article it looks like there will be
no change in the forseable future.
Graham | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 8:59AM
@ John
Funny one!
Stevie | Edgecliff - May 18, 2011, 8:59AM
The only thing sicker than a man who is conditioned, obsessed and addicted to pornography is a
woman who is conditioned, obsessed and addicted to pornography, and there are just as many as men.
The trouble is that even the medical profession is just as obsessed as the other sickos. The complete
and utter self-denial that we are all products of our environment is such a pathetic state of mind.
zac48 | Melb. - May 18, 2011, 9:03AM
What is typical is the response of men "typical feminist going on about women being exploited". Let's
not forget the cry that "women watch porn too!".
Yeah, i'm sure women love watching another woman getting it six ways from sunday. I'm sure they're
getting off on it too.
I can see what gail is talking about. There will always be the exceptions, women watching porn, gay
porn, but by and large i think that since it has been going on a long time, it's probably down "the
greater majorities preference", which is porn created for men, who are the greatest consumer of it.
And yes, i can see that it does objectify women, and i can see that this would carry on into the bedroom
by ordinary "blokes" (acting out their fantasies that they actually have a large p3nis).
steve-o | innercity sydney - May 18, 2011, 9:05AM
If pornography really is as nasty and destructive as is made out in this article, I'd be very concerned for
the mental well-being of anyone who confesses to have spend two whole decades studying it.
Still, if it's any consolation to Ms Dines, my partner and I make a point of avoiding any kind of porn
with women in them. We are only interested in fine upstanding young gentlemen.
Chris TP | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 9:06AM
I agree with Mark. As a gay guy I watch a stack of porn on the net and I don't hate myself.
screengem | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 9:07AM
"They replay porn scenes in their minds, or think about having sex with their favourite porn star when
they are with their partners."
Er 1984 called and they want their thought police back.
Seriously, for an academic, why not rely upon some metastudies rather than anecdote. Perhaps you
could compare the rates of mysogynist crime in Japan (liberal porn laws) and Iran (blanket
censorship)?
Yes addicts need help. Whatever they are addicted to. But blanket censorship is anti-liberal, wasteful
and not the answer.
hah - May 18, 2011, 9:08AM
Yes men use porn and you are never going to change that. We love variety and novelty and you are
never going to change that. You can argue from whatever academic feminist perspective you like till
you are blue in the face. You can throw around your nonsense words like 'cisgendered' and it will not
change this one basic point: men like sex more than women, and we will not change.
Wrap yourself in whatever falsehoods - nature not nurture, brain plasticity, social scripts - you need to
make you comfortable, it is an illusion. Men crave sex, and will risk an awful lot to get it.
Because of that no matter how much you desire it to be otherwise - men will use porn. No matter that
Batman's principle is anathema to your politically correct gender studies view of the world; one woman
is seldom enough.
Of course porn fantasises about male power over women. Women control access to sex - the fantasy is
to have that power ourselves, to be in a position where we don't have to be sports heros, rock stars or
kings for attractive women to actually want to be with us but for us men to be in the usually female
position of having women coming to us for sex and men being in the position to choose.
Stephen | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 9:10AM
I think the Gail needs to watch some Gonzo or at least look up what it means.
"It refers to POV or Point of View", so that the Camera is being filmed as if they are in the sexual act.
It maybe hardcore, but it defiently doesn't necessarily mean "make hate" to the woman.
This is an amature article, perhaps you should start with amature porn.
Ben - May 18, 2011, 9:10AM
More feminist tripe from the Age.
Underlying message - male sexuality is evil. Female sexuality is empowering.
gateman | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 9:12AM
For an educated woman it is amazing how wrong you are about the 'facts' in this article, and how
blinkered you are to men's motivations and thoughts regarding the subject matter.
You couldn't even get a basic thing like the definition of Gonzo porn correct. It is nothing at all to do
with degradation, it is simply a point of view style of filming.
Who exactly are you writing this junk for? Is anyone clueless enough to believe your waffle?
Chuck - May 18, 2011, 9:12AM
>> fights for a world in which women have power
And THIS is the very reason why this "hardcore porn" is so popular.
expat - May 18, 2011, 9:11AM
...Cont' from above ...
Of course women hate porn. It disempoweres women. It lets us fantasise and 'experience' vast numbers
of different women without having to pay for it via dinners, courting, marriage, school fees, providing
a house etc. Women hate porn because it raises the bar, changes the expectations of what women
should do in bed and how 'easy' they should be. And I think that this is a good thing. There is no
equivalent to the male boathouses in the straight world. Straight men are usually denied awesome,
novel adventurous sex and have to settle for whatever the women in their lives accede to. Porn shifts
the sexual power back towards the center.
Stephen | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 9:12AM
While there are some good points in this article it's ruined by absolutism.
So any validity the article has is wasted by the authors misandry and miscomprehension.
Definitely a poor showing for a supposed academic. I think you need to question your fundamental
assumptions and life perspective.
*judder* indeed.
yobbo - May 18, 2011, 9:20AM
To be honest, I'm more concerned about the hate Women's study courses appear to be promoting than
the effect of porn. You clearly have a terribly biased agenda...you spoke of studies, but provided no
references. You could have interpreted results any way you wanted, and we have no way of checking.
Your last sentence shows your absolute lack of impartiality, which will lead, I suspect, my readers to
discard anything they might have taken from your opinion piece.
Fail.
Tim the Toolman | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 9:22AM
"...pornography, at its core, is a market transaction in which women's bodies and sexuality are offered
to male consumers in the interests of maximising profit"
So? Just because it bothers you doesn't mean it bothers either side of this "market transaction". And
you steadfastly refuse to acknowledge that both women AND men make porn and both men AND
women enjoy watching it.
And this whole idea that it is "ruining young men's lives" and leaving them feeling "disgusted with
themselves" is utter rubbish, the type of which is up there with "masturbation makes ye go blind". I
know some young men who don't watch it because they're not interested and those who are happy,
stable people in loving relationships. I don't know a single person, man or woman, whose life
has been ruined because of porn. I guess that's the difference between pseudo-academia and the real
world.
Buh... - May 18, 2011, 9:24AM
You have hit the nail on the head Gail. If some people find this hard to swallow, tough. Just because
some people think its okay, doesnt make it right and yes, it has been the ruin of many and as such there
is no place for it in society. You reap what you sow, you engage in a certain behaviour and allow your
kids to do the same, the results will prove whether it was the right or wrong thing to do.
Joe | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 9:25AM
What utter misandrist drivel.
It never ceases to amuse me when women tell men how we should view women and what is "right" and
what is a woman's market value based on her own subjective assessment of her worth.
Men like porn. We don't need all that lovey-dovey crap in order to have sex. Get over it. Get used to it.
The feminists set us free and now the market will determine your worth.
I've seen your ridiculous ideas on Lateline before. You're nothing but a shrill advocate of conservatism
with nothing to back up your claims other than falsehoods and an inability to distinguish correlation
and causation (and cause and effect for that matter).
Bender | . - May 18, 2011, 9:25AM
steve-o, right on. The misogynist trolls are out in strength on this one - no surprise at all there.
contemptible - May 18, 2011, 9:27AM
sooooo typical. director of womens studies; get off your high horse and quit with the feminist jargon. i
was enjoying the informative article until the last paragraph or 2.
doom | sydney - May 18, 2011, 9:27AM
Great article indeed, and all sadly so very true!
There needs to be government intervention in this field, ALL porn websites need an address .xxx and
the hardcore porn is disgusting degrading and should be illegal for sure!
no doubts about it, any deniers are addicted. However, not all porn is bad, erotica is fine......
ted | Toorak - May 18, 2011, 9:27AM
Really? I would take this article more seriously if it was written by a man. I am really sick of another
article written by a woman that criticizes men ad nauseam.
Peter - May 18, 2011, 9:28AM
An odd article. Certainly, as a young man who has struggled with the addictions mentioned, the
problem is real, and its dangers compounded by the fact nobody wants to talk about it and those who
do, tend to be female, I've noticed. However, comments such as this on unscripted porn: "The feelings
and emotions we normally associate with such an act - connection, empathy, tenderness, caring,
affection - are missing, and in their place are those we normally associate with hate: fear, disgust,
anger, loathing and contempt," paint a picture of someone with quite vanilla tastes, enjoying the fact
they are not discriminated against for a sexual outlook I find comical, tedious and self-deceptive,
nonetheless feel free to characterise the preferences of myself and my partners as degrading and, I
assume, sexist. I assure you I am not, and the women I choose are anything but weak or confused. They
are strong and confident, which perhaps explains why they enjoy unequal power relationships in the
bedroom. Simply, their ego is strong enough to handle it. This is a good thing. The writer clearly will
not and cannot understand that and automatically judges it through a paradigm such things are by
definition exploitative, which is demonstratively untrue. The article also dodges gay porn, and sadly
revelas her stance at the end, saying porn has no place. For her, perhaps. And this is why sexual
freedom is so important. Those who do not share your views are liable to misunderstand your
predilections and, if they can, legislate against it. We do not trust these people, nor should we.
is the mark of someone who personally does not enjoy and suffers a skewed view of porn
Andrew - May 18, 2011, 9:30AM
What a load of $&%*. If you don't like it, don't watch it it's that simple. The more you try to suppress
human sexual outlets within your "just society" the more extreme the outlets become. If you want an
example look at Japan. They have a very conservative society but as a result the Japs have the most
bizarre sexual pasttimes such as vending machines dispensing used ladies underwear. Get a grip lady.
Joseph | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 9:30AM
i could not agree with you more gail. porn is sub human. and it disgusts men as well as women. people
don't deserve the sort of treatment depicted in these fantasies.
rustyurn | Canberra - May 18, 2011, 9:31AM
I had the occasion once to go 'freestyle', so to speak. No images or visual aids, just the old imagination.
It was a revelation.
Human sexuality is a strange thing, but it has always been part of us, in differing modes, for men and
women. But, there is no turning back. I guess, the best adage is, to do no harm.
If a man is without female company and has an urge, does he have to live like a monk?
Shaunie | Oz - May 18, 2011, 9:32AM
As a 40 something male living in a time where porn has gone from a copy of penthouse and a VHS
tape passed around at school, you do wonder where this is all going. It's certainly not more education.
It's strict government control to restrict the proliferation of free hard core sites on the net. They really
aren't doing the youth (male and female) any favours and does not bode well for the future. Id hate to
think what we thought unacceptable in the past will become the norm. And I'm no prude. W
W | New York - May 18, 2011, 9:32AM
"As someone who has studied porn for more than 20 years.........". yeah, that's what i how describe it
too.
i dont mind a good half hr session of porn every couple of weeks. It's great stress relief. But yes, i can
see the trap blokes fall into if their regular viewers of the stuff. Even in the brief glimpses i expose
myself too, I end up thinking that all women must have the sublime bubble butt of sunny lane, have the
capacity to squirt like Cytherea, have total control their gag reflex like Heather @ i deep throat, or
simply enjoy a hard rogering up the hershey highway as does Sasha Grey.
there are women out there who very much enjoy the porn hardcore style of having sex, but they're
definately in a very small minority in my age group. However, younger blokes and girls who can easily
access free tube-style porn sites are getting their sexual education from it and we'll have future
generations of folks who will accept it as the norm rather than with the taboos that older generations
associate with sex acts.
axxxman | syd - May 18, 2011, 9:33AM
"Studies show..." Yet again we see an article in the SMH that quotes studies but fails to provide the
evidence. This is why I have ZERO respect for anyone in the media.
Bob Dobalina | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 9:40AM
AN EXCELLENT ARTICLE -
I was surprised to see the disagreement filling these comments, that people haven't been noticing the
harm that porn does. I am not saying that you need to agree with every comment made as of course
there are women who look at porn etc - but her ultimate point that we need education into a positive
view of sexuality should be well received.
Sex is great! Sex should be amazing - but it seems like a few people commenting here need to be
educated about how much better sex can be than what they are thinking.
Even if it was true that some forms of porn are fine or even "good" - the industry as a generality IS
derogatory to people (usually women) who get 'punished' through the films, IS emotionally and
financially ruining men (and women) throughout the world, IS promoting a trade of sex slaves which
no-one can agree is right and IS promoting unfaithfulness, hurt, mistrust and ABUSE.
Think about it really people - a 40 year old man looking at porn of thin 'sexy' 18 year old's who look
more like 15. Will he be more sexually interested in his 40 yr old, plumping, aging wife? Or his 17
year old daughter? What do you think really? How can this be the best thing for society?
mj | West Pennant Hills - May 18, 2011, 9:41AM
I'm lucky because not only do I know how to find free porn so I don't have to pay for it, but I am also a
pervert so nothing disgusts me.
Oh and my fiancee is hot so no problems there. Perhaps if women took better care of their bodies and
wore more make up men wouldn't have the need to fantasise about others in order to achieve orgasm?
A bit of "old fashioned" here and there wouldn't hurt either.
Chris | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 9:41AM
I tend to find it depressing when an academic - who therefore should know better - comes out with
these kind of one sided arguments. Yes there are people for whom some of these issues are valid but
the evidence is clear (as identified by a number of comments before this one) that the assertion that
porn has no place in society is just plain made up.
The vast majority of people are able to enjoy pornography without it affecting their day to day lives.
This article is on par with claims that rock music rots the brain and turns people into violent misfits.
Martin | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 9:42AM
The author discusses a number of well known dangers of pornography but completely fails to
demonstrate a balanced understanding of its role in society. Some of the assertions are so poor I
question her knowledge on the subject matter.
1) Gonzo is a style of filmmaking not a type of pornography. It refers to inserting those telling the story
into the story itself. This term has been regularly used in the porn industry for years meaning exactly
the same thing as when used in other industries. Making such an elementary mistake reeks of a poor
understanding of the subject matter.
2) The majority of porn most readily available does not fit into the extreme categories as depicted by
the author. There is material aimed at single men, single women, couples, gay and straight alike. A
simple visit to redtube will give you an idea of the sort of cross section of material is out there and in
what ratios. I have seen plenty of material that I find extreme and/or disturbing but it is really a small
percentage.
3) Plenty of women do not merely "appear" to enjoy more hardcore activities, they really do enjoy
them and seek it out. I have had requests to do things to women that I am not comfortable. These
women may be a minority, but they do exist and don't fit with the once size fits all archetype that the
author seems to feel women should fit into.
3) Porn, adultery, prostitution, polygamy, polyandry are all reflex reactions that occur when you try
and fit a non-monogamous species (humans) into a monogamous culture. (as suggested by - "Sex at
Dawn"). Recast society as non-monogamous if you want to get rid of them.
Nogen - May 18, 2011, 9:43AM
I think we need better education society wide about how respect and understanding goes WITH
sexuality. Nope, never heard of such a thing. Usually its one or the other. Can't respect women AND
see them as sexual beings, too confusing.
Women and men both love sex. However it has to be made clear that every individual owns their own
sexual drive. It is your thoughts that make you aroused. (Men need to understand this to prevent their
feelings of resentment to women having power over them, the same feelings that make humiliating
porn seem palatable.)
You own your sexuality and you chose to share it with another. The sharing is about trust.
Erotica in all its forms will not go away (the vibrator was the second electric device invented – we
are a naughty bunch of apes). Our society has to address this void in our attitudes to remove the power
from the gonzo material.
We need a cultural shift in our attitudes to how respect and sexuality go together.
Rob | South Melboune - May 18, 2011, 9:44AM
Typical feminist - taking something men enjoy and trying to take it away from them for taking away's
sake.
If you want a 'positive vision' of sexuality, and by that I assume you mean not male but female, make
your own porn or whatever women want to get off on. Oh wait, they already do that, you unoriginal
fool.
The real question is why the author is so intimidated by all this consensual sex? Afraid she'll have to
live up to a male fantasy?
TC Rider | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 9:49AM
Not wanting to waste too much time on this rot - you're wrong. Porn like prostitution has been around
since the ages - ever been to Angkor Wat?
Dave | Melb CBD - May 18, 2011, 9:53AM
As a christian while the images are amazing and hard to resist, I reject pornography (not "Porn"). I
believe it does cause damage- especially to young men who have not yet learned a loving relationship
etc, plus there is too much damage with regards to trafficing and women who are coerced or powerless
to stop their exploitation for video. Aside from the US girl with big teeth, blond hair and fake breasts
who it appears is willing and $/ career driven, there really is a lot of behind the scene pain in too much
of this. That said, this article did not entirely sit well with me. The comment "build a world....that fights
for a world in which women have power in and over their lives". Do you mean in 3rd world countries?
I wonder how these full time Feminist academics make that world a better place? I have friends who'se
girlfriends got pregnant and THE WOMAN chose to terminate that child. The man had ZERO say in
the matter, None. Please tell me again where women do not have power in and over their lives in
Australia? How ironic that it is hard-core Feminists who fight for the right for teenage girls to have an
abortion- and without their parents being advised, and where doctors (including female ones) who
won't do it_must_refer them to a doctor who will, say no, are apparently being degradaded by men who
watch these women who we are told by feminists are "empowered" and it is "ironic". Porn/
Pornography damages some more than others, and this will take years to see what it does to our youth.
Teenage girls with Anal tearing has to suggest the kids are receiving the wrong message here.
A Christian | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 9:53AM
I must ask...what of amateur recordings between two consenting adults? Does it suddenly become a
degrading act when a camera is involved? Should this be banned too? What about drawings? Should
they be illegal? Or is it only when distributed? What is the real harm to society here? Does it outweigh
the immense harm that can be done through blanket censorship? What are the plans to police this? How
would you stop a massive black market springing up? What would you suggest a suitable punishment
for this is? A year in jail, two? Chemical castration to block the impure thoughts? Have you even
thought this through? Finally, what gives you the right, or anyone for that matter, to be the arbiter of
what other people do with their time? We have laws to prevent slavery assault and abuse already...if
you're concerned for the welfare of those participating, then use those laws. If you're concerned for the
minds of people who watch it, well, to be honest, that's NOT your concern. You should, perhaps, be
busy watching your own mind for irrational, hate filled thoughts.
Tim the Toolman | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 9:53AM
@ contemptible - May 18, 2011, 9:27AM
"The misogynist trolls are out in strength on this one - no surprise at all there."
Rather than simply dismissing the commenting men AND women with differing views to your own as
"misogynist trolls", perhaps you'd like to offer something intelligent?
Buh... - May 18, 2011, 9:54AM
terrible article.
There are so many false and unfounded allegations here. But my favorite part is the solution posed by
the author; 'build a vibrant movement' to combat porn. Good luck with that.
Stafford | Perth - May 18, 2011, 9:54AM
Please get it right if you are going to be an expert!-Gonzo porn is when the actors talk to the
cameraman and recognise his\her presence and maybe even the director!Not the athletic rough porn
known as raw
slugger - May 18, 2011, 9:56AM
I can't believe the responses to this article!!
I don't think anyone can deny that porn has become more and more extreme and degrading in recent
times and the white elephant in the room is the easy access that that internet provides. While once upon
a time there were many blocks in the way of obtaining such material its now available online any time
and this is creating issues for many people in ways we have never seen before. There is also a growing
pool of evidence about the negative affect this material is having on some young men, those who make
up the first generation with easy access to the internet. This is affecting both genders: young women
feel they have to look and act like porn stars, while young men feel frustrated when their partner fails
to live up to the expectation porn has given them and they also feel under pressure to perform and look
like porn stars.
The key methinks is to develop your own sexuality first and let porn in later, if you want to. The issue
is that thanks to the internet plenty of people (especially young men) are getting their sex ed from porn
and think that porn is some kind of realistic representation of what sex is like.
panthy | Melbs - May 18, 2011, 9:57AM
I find the feminist mindset interesting. Let's fix the problems of male power by abusing men.... My
mother taught me two wrongs don't make a right.
I'd find a more in depth discussion of the addiction aspects of porn more interesting. What makes
someone susceptible to this addiction? I suspect some abuse or lack of parenting. As you seem to
advocating some sort of banning of porn, what will the consequences of that be? If those with the
addiction won't have porn, will these issues act out in another more destructive way?
Michael - May 18, 2011, 9:57AM
I would much rather raise my 3 tech-savy boys in a world free of porn. Don't give me 'if you don't like
porn don't watch it' - when my 15 yr old accessed it on his wi-fi ipod at home. The magazines that were
passed around school when I was 16 were 'child's play' compared to what our kids can see anytime,
anywhere. Boys and girls deserve to grow up learning to relate as friends free of distorted, fantasy
sexual images before they're ready to understand.
It's time for my wife and I to talk over with our 12 yr old what he's likely to be shown via mate's
iphones on the school bus. What do we say to our 9 year old? Insidious... hate it!
mcquackster - May 18, 2011, 9:58AM
wow Gail. I smell a lot of fear in this article. First of all, your facts are all wrong and the article itself
reads like old school anti-porn propaganda.
Secondly, i wonder what has gone wrong in your own life to make you so scared of porn and its affect
on men? Is your partner in life finding you less attractive? Did you find his secret stash? Does he prefer
to flop the dolphin instead off getting down with you?
Men will watch porn. Since its been around, its changed society and its views on sexuality and
masturbation. It's normal. As long as it doesn't affect peoples lives (and im sure there are cases where
people suffer addiction just like you've stated in your article, but i dare say its not an epidemic).
Like anything in life its a balancing act, and porn for most men is just a fantasy, but it doesn't take
away from their reality.
What do you hope to achieve with the article? Wide spread bans? Censorship ?
I find it disturbing that you feel it's necessary to project your fears onto everyone else.
Please do some real research next time before you write an article.
J Chowdurrie | Parramatta - May 18, 2011, 9:58AM
Here's a hot tip for a lot of you women out there.
Pay attention the kind of porn which your man enjoys to watch. There is a good chance that you don't
engage in these particular activities with him as often as he would like.
For example, if you read interviews with high priced prostitutes, you will find that most of their time is
not spent with plain intercourse.
Start asking the question 'Why?' and stop the ignorance.
Justin | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 9:59AM
I am a woman and I do not feel degraded by porn, in any way. I think of porn actresses and actors as
people, earning their living and hopefully, having fun doing it. I feel I live in a just society, a part of
which is people having the freedom to indulge in porn, in the privacy of their homes.
So much for the "porn offends women" argument.
As for the argument that porn is twisting men's views of sex, I await to see results of a real study to
support such a notion. Anectodal evidence of counsellors is hardly sufficient. You don't need to be a
statistician to find such a statement questionable, and wonder whether there could be other factors at
play here, factors that haven't been taken into account. One of the biggest is shame, stemming not from
the use of porn, but rather men being too ashamed to admit their true sexual perversions and instead
blaming it on the porn. I speak from quite extensive personal experience when I say this... For my part,
I am happy to admit that I have a penchant for BDSM, hence the only porn that would appeal to me is
quite violent. Did the porn make me this way? What do you think? ;-)
Do some real research and then get back to us, in the meantime let people enjoy porn in peace.
sasa | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:02AM
She's right. And most of these comments are from those in denial defending an addiction. Porn will
master you.
clayjar - May 18, 2011, 10:02AM
@ Joe, 9.25am
"If some people find this hard to swallow, tough."
Poor choice of words perhaps?
Linda | Behind the fridge - May 18, 2011, 10:02AM
Gee, I wanted to save a copy of this to show my students how NOT to argue a point, so I created a
document, went to save it and... what to call it?
Dines on porn - perfect.
tk | sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:04AM
We do need to take this issue seriously. Just look at the majority of these comments to this article; they
are deeply angry and misogynistic. The trend where increasing numbers of men are starting to treat
women as essentially within a "Master-Slave" dynamic, is thoroughly concerning. I thought we banned
slavery years ago. These men need to think about what they're turning out to be. I feel utter disgust - at
you.
sickened by the comments | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:04AM
Did anyone read the article???
She is talking about sicko porn where the woman is completely denigrated, not your standard XXX
ankles for earings pearl necklace stuff.
Yes, yes, it's your right to watch porn, but seriously, if it takes watching the type of pron that invloves
seeing a woman being completely degraded to get you off, then yes, THERE'S SOMETHING
WRONG WITH YOU.
(capitals equal undisputable truth so don't even bother)
e - May 18, 2011, 10:04AM
Oh I'm not the LEAST bit disgusted with watching porno. They're going to keep making it, so get over
it!!!
Darron | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:06AM
I like porn, have a nice day :)
heads back to google!
Two Thumbs Up! | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:08AM
And what does it do for the men who have to put up with the women who have to put up with the men
who watch this stuff?
The people who do watch this stuff fantasize that every woman might do these things for him. Because
of this every unattached woman must fear every man because he might expect her to do these things for
him.
Men of decency then have to live with the fears that women hold. Those fears make it much more
difficult to develop a relationship.
Farmer Ted | Rural NSW - May 18, 2011, 10:10AM
The rabid responses of the pro porn posters here is kind of scary.
chris - May 18, 2011, 10:11AM
Not ruining anyone I know, in fact for most it is a welcome release from the misguided feminist
idealism and drivel that pollutes society constantly demonising normal male behaviour.
Ha security word is MASBTS
Borco | Lorko - May 18, 2011, 10:12AM
Professor Dines, not only are you WRONG, but you seem to have a problem. I suggest you either seek
help or just stop trying to justify your professional existence. Typical professional academic.
Snapper | Brisbane - May 18, 2011, 10:12AM
Assume you have sex, but watching it is disgusting?
Guess there is no mirrors in your bedroom either!
Evolution | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:12AM
"As someone who has studied porn for more than 20 years, I also don't know where all this is going to
end". Well stop studying it and get a real life Princess!
Lancelot Steel | Camelot - May 18, 2011, 10:13AM
I agree with @Martin above - this article reads like an uninformed opinion piece, driven by personal
attitudes instead of academic research.
Is Wheelock Uni in Boston one of those American 'Religious Right' unis?
Peter | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:14AM
I do not regularly watch porn but the assumption by the writer that "pornography, at its core, is a
market transaction in which women's bodies and sexuality are offered to male consumers in the
interests of maximising profit" can not go without comment.
My guess is that a majority of porn has male performers not to mention gay porn. I am certain that men
are the biggest consumers of porn but equally many women watch porn too and some are obsessed
with it as well.
10cc | DY - May 18, 2011, 10:15AM
Oh dear god, what planet were you brought up on ? Men learn from porn darling, they know what to do
in bed, I doubt you colleagues are going to teach them? As for woman I know plendty who agree, and
have learn heaps.
m4m | Nudgee - May 18, 2011, 10:15AM
I remember looking at porn magazines as a teen, including when I was as young as 12 years old, and I
can still bring up the photographic images in my mind over 30 years later. I also frequently
masturbated, often summoning up those images that were implanted there, not realising that these
things were causing me to withdraw into myself, and then I couldn't give them up easily even when I
wanted to. Needless to say, I struggled with lustful thoughts a lot of the time (and still do occasionally),
and it made it impossible for me to form normal relationships.
As the allegedly most advanced species on the planet, we are not meant to behave brutally,
disrespectfully or unkindly towards others (though we frequently do).
For a change, how about we fill our minds with something that improves us!
Garbage in, garbage out. | Auckland - May 18, 2011, 10:45AM
I love sex, and I love myself. Porn helps me do both at the same time.
Dirk | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:45AM
What studies?
I don't get bored with my wife in the bedroom. And I don't think of someone else when I'm with her. I
don't try and act out scenes from a porn movie with her. I can't imagine that anyone else would who is
even remotely sane.
Porn is one thing and reality is something else. I'm sure 99.9999 percent of men get that. We shouldn't
restrict the majority's freedom because of a small minority that don't get it.
We certainly don't restrict the majority's freedom when it comes to alcohol or gambling when a much
larger minority abuses that (and to much worse outcomes).
It's like saying that violent computer games make people violent. There is no peer reviewed credible
evidence to support that. I'm sure it doesn't.
Why do we have to go down the road of censorship or having our freedoms restricted because someone
is offended by something? People need to be responsible for their own actions and we don't need some
moral authority telling us what we can and can't do.
Sure, there's a line in the sand. You can't have everyone handing out crack cocaine. I think porn is well
on the 'mostly harmless freedom' side of the line. I'd be banning smoking, alcohol and gambling long
before porn. Child porn aside of course. Do everything to stop that and put offenders away forever.
jacorb effect | sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:37AM
Reading this article is pretty sad for me. My partner of 3 years came out about a year ago and told me
he was addicted to porn, whilst I knew he was a fan of porn in his single days (so his mates liked to
joke), I had no idea he was still watching it, let alone addicted. It turned out that whenever I wasn't
home he was watching it, he'd often work from home etc. Basically I had no idea. When he told me I
was upset, took it very personally. Its hard for him to have a normal sex life but me as well, I was never
a self-conscious person but now I am, my self-esteem went out the window along with my trust. Its like
any addiction, but being a woman who is not into porn it was extremely hard for me to be
understanding and empathic. Don't be naive, an addiction is an addiction whether its drug, alcohol,
gambling, ocd and it does harm peoples lives and relationships.
Everything in moderation but when people start saying things like: "Perhaps if women took better care
of their bodies and wore more make up men wouldn't have the need to fantasise about others in order to
achieve orgasm?" and "Here's a hot tip for a lot of you women out there. Pay attention the kind of porn
which your man enjoys to watch. There is a good chance that you don't engage in these particular
activities with him as often as he would like", you should be worried!
Zia | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:42AM
Some interesting observations from the author:
"The feelings and emotions we normally associate with such an act - connection, empathy, tenderness,
caring, affection"
Who is "we"? For a a so called expert the author should have at least some understanding that men are
from Mars. Why must women insist that men be like women? Why do women have such a problem
accepting that men are different. Whilst I'm not convinced the majority of men are turned on by Gonzo
sex, it's common knowledge the men don't have to feel emotion when having sex.
"What troubles many of these men most is that they need to pull up the porn images in their head in
order to have an orgasm with their partner. They replay porn scenes in their minds, or think about
having sex with their favourite porn star when they are with their partners."
Exactly how is this different to women who when having sex fantasize about being in love with a
prince and living happily ever after? It's the same thing, just a different skew.
Sounds like the author has a real problem accepting that men are not like women.
Rolly | Watching Pr0n - May 18, 2011, 10:44AM
@harry the heretic
Do you know the difference between correlation and causation? I'll tell you what's dangerous - logic
like yours.
Security code: Heater (now that's appropriate)
jacorb effect | sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:48AM
i absolutely agree with this article, and im a straight male. sex isnt looked upon healthily by many
males in western culture, and yes, i think porn has something to do with that. but also sexual
advertising. we want our women to look like a victoria secrets model, act like a porn star in the
bedroom, and kate middleton in the kitchen. sex is an act of love! whatever happened to that idea?
lcsmash | los angeles - May 18, 2011, 10:34AM
I agree that porn needs to be taken seriously instead of laughed about at comedy festivals as if it's all a
jolly good show.
One thing we need to start doing is addressing it formally with our young people - ABOUT WHAT
PORN IS AND WHAT PORN IS *NOT*- As it is, they can see crude ugly loveless sex with no
context and no education ....they are left by themselves to make of it all what they will - this is
DANGEROUS AND IRRESPONSIBLE especially in lot of many young people having NO good adult
role models, either male or female, in their lives.
It is also APPALLING in my view what is readily available for our young people to view in this place
of isolation and non acknowledgement by the community. And we all just let this happen without a
care in the world. Well good on Gail for flagging that we need to think about porn and its implications.
If the whole world had a non-skewed perspective, wisdom, loving supports, maturity and stability, porn
would not be a problem but the world is not like this and PORN is a potential disaster for many - it is a
problem, not a joke.
Porn is a de humanising lie and we need to stop letting it be giggle fodder in Two and a Half Men like
a bunch of mindless dolts and start taking it seriously.
margi | melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:34AM
"As someone who has studied porn for more than 20 years, I also don't know where all this is going to
end."
Here's my theory: paedophile sex will become mainstream and acceptable. There's already a political
party in the Netherlands whose one-policy platform is to lower the age of consent to 12. Tell me how
much body hair you see on porn stars, and then tell me this isn't going to happen within my lifetime
(the next 50 years).
That's what will become of your "don't tell me what to watch for my own pleasure" will end. No man is
an island.
David | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:51AM
I guess if you want a society without pornography you might want to consider living with the Taliban
or moving to Pakistan. They are apparently very respectful to women and the men are never frustrated
and very productive.
Sid | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:52AM
I think an excellent article. I'm more surprised at the angry rhetoric from porn lovers. Here is a woman,
not simply expressing her opinion, but her research. I have seen the damage this industry has done to
me and my friends. It's amazing how defensive we become when someone engages us on an issue
sadly close to the heart beat of our society.
Bravo.
bravo - May 18, 2011, 10:53AM
Written by a woman. No more need be said.
sniffer dog | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:52AM
You make the comment "spend huge amounts of money they don't have" implying young men buy
porn. What other lies are you telling? Young men download it all for free so why would they be
spending money. Either you're lying to us, or your research subjects are lying to you.
Tim | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:29AM
Well said Tim the Toolman! It sounds rather like 'women's studies' is for angry women who want to
find out all available hateable things about some men, in order to paint all men with the same hate-
drenched brush. I wonder if the authour is even capable of carrying out a study of something she
should be more qualified to understand, 'women and sex'. Or is that in 'men's studies'?
Matheus | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:30AM
This whole argument is founded on the out dated idea that women do not enjoy sex. From my own,
admittedely limited, experience, women do enjoy sex. And some women even have sexual fantasies
that do not involve straight sex in the classic missionary position! Shocking, but true.
Ergo | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:30AM
And I nearly forgot professor; what is your view/comment about women who own and profit from the
porn industry? (and prostitution) Do you see this as a double standard to your 'article', or are you
conveniently blinded by that?
Frank - May 18, 2011, 10:32AM
I think this is an insightful article into the damaging effects of porn. This woman is not writing an
opinion piece. She's a researcher, a professor. The most disturbing thing is reading the comments,
hardline and hateful, as if someone is about to take something away from them. The venom in the
responses to this article suggests what the article purports, rampant addiction. You know when you've
hit an idol. All of a sudden no one is allowed to tell the truth.
bravo - May 18, 2011, 10:29AM
You raise some very valid points, but saying 'there is no place for porn in a just society' undermines
everything else you wrote. Hiding beneath the veneer of this article and it's concern for how extreme
porn affects men is yet another prudish feminist rant which is not only out of touch with the times but
with many other women too. It's no secret that both men and women enjoy porn, and have done since
the dawn of time. Yes, recently it has become more prolific and accessible, and there are genuine
problems associated with that, but don't confuse "Gonzo" with ordinary people watching non-violent,
non-degrading sexual images. There is a huge section of porn which is nothing to do with degrading
women. I would suggest that if you see normal, healthy, adventurous sex as degrading to women then
you also have problems. Yes, the issues you describe in this article require a lot of thought and will
need practical solutions, but calling for a ban on porn in general is naive and backward.
franco | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:29AM
Professor...what about the women who go to see male strippers?
Frank - May 18, 2011, 10:27AM
As someone who's studied porn for more than thirty years, in my opinion it just keeps getting better
and better. When I look back at the lengths I had to go to get my kicks, it makes me realize how
underprivileged my generation was. It's years since I had to resort to an underwear catalogue.
John Hooper | Brisbane - May 18, 2011, 10:27AM
In such an important argument it's disappointing to see the generalisations on both sides. Not all porn is
unhealthy, and not all feminism is male-bashing. Feminists enjoy and make porn as well. The issue
here is to understand that whether we like it or not, porn is educating our kids and so it needs to be
made and distributed responsibly. It can be a good educator and damn horny as well.
richard | melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:28AM
Wow, look at all the men jump to the defensive. Even a gay man! As a former pron user myself, I
consider it an addiction - its like crack cocaine for the soul. It is degrading to all women, its degrading
to the men who watch it as well. Because people associate having values with (IMO) the out-of-date
Catholic Church, they think its alright not to have personal values any more. Wrong. This is a sad
misconception, and people who have lost touch with basic human values are in grave peril. Just stop
and imagine for a moment what kind of life these women must have. Do your research - dont just be a
selfish consumer, look into these people's real lives. I have, and its not a good life I can tell you.
Sasquatch | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:54AM
When outdated ideals about realtionships allow people to enojy sex with whoever they want, as easily
as going to a movie with a friend, then maybe the demand for porn will subside, until then enjoy the
view from your high horse, the show is only getting started. . . .
Security word : BITING
Borco | Lorko - May 18, 2011, 10:16AM
WOW!!!!
NO room for porn in a just society! HA HA.
There is much in the way of bad, exploitative porn - but I'm not going to talk about that.
I'm going to talk about the fact that men live IN a hyper sexualised world and live WITH a very sexual
brain RELATIVE to the amount of sexual release most of us are able to get.
For a young man, masturbation is at key to getting through the day in a positive frame of mind. And
what's more, sometimes imagination just isn't enough to get the job done. Any men care to disagree
with me?
Lack of empathy from women causes problems too, not just lack of empathy from men. This author
illustrates this.
LukeR | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:18AM
The Porn industry is just cashing in on Australia's sexually repressed society.
If Australians weren't so sexually repressed they would communicate more their sexuality to their
partners and have no need for such an artificial means of stimulation.
The porn Industry is like the banking industry who give out loans. With a bank you suddenly feel that
all your money problems have been solved and with the Porn Industry, you may think your sexy but
you're actually the one getting screwed.
5 years later you will still be a fool in front of your screen and no closer to really being with someone
else.
Think about this; if you saved you wouldn't need credit and if you worked on yourself rather than
'working' on yourself your confidence would lead you to where you should be - a desirable reality
instead of the easily obtainable fantasy
Nicolas | intrigued - May 18, 2011, 10:20AM
LOL - so many "experts" are commenting!
10:48 | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:58AM
Another typical story by someone who doesn't understand the different desires/wants/needs/libidos in
the community these days... Many women watch porn, many normal respectable highly paid men and
women watch porn. Personally as a guy I've watched my fair share but I hadn't been into the hardcore
stuff much at all, but the more women I speak to about porn the more I find that they are really into the
hardcore stuff... With this 'metro' trend and men becoming boys these days there are a large number of
women who are turned on by the image of being dominated by a man, a manly man. I've been at parties
with the most innocent of girls, with well paid jobs and stunning looks who tell me their favourite porn
are simulated rape scenes... As a guy this doesn't do much for me as I don't like the stereo type of a
man disrespecting a woman as we hear in society every single day so I usually prefer something that is
more loving but I have spoken to many women who actually prefer this type of porn.... I say do
whatever gets you off, if it's not hurting anyone then what's the problem? 95% of the women in the
movies have chosen that lifestyle and are making good money from it, anyone who is exploited my
heart goes out to.... But at the end of the day this article just shows how disconnected from reality you
really are.
M - May 18, 2011, 10:56AM
As a (recovering?) porn addict, I can testify that porn can be a hugely damaging thing. Only being in
solid, loving relationships has saved me from the serious physical, emotional and psychological harm
that the porn path led me towards when single or in casual relationships. The
desensitisation/normalisation issue is huge, and it can be seen easily in men who are challenged on
their bad behaviour and seem genuinely shocked or upset that others are offended.
Here's a challenge for regular users: stop watching porn for 6 months, and try to mentally check the
amount of hardcore sexual thinking that runs through your mind. As it decreases, you should find that
many other areas of life improve (relationships, moods, energy levels, finances). It does take some
effort, as anything worthwhile does, but it's justified in the end. If you can't manage that, here's a
simpler one - ask yourself if your partner would watch this with you. Despite being related to
"intimacy" porn can be a very lonely pursuit.
Also, the effect on one's sexual energy should not be understated. Maintaining a state of sexual arousal
for long periods of time can result in a loss of energy, so that when on eventually does orgasm, it can
be incredibly draining, and may even feel like sickness. Only giving up porn will help when this stage
is reached.
reforma | melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:57AM
This article is a bit puzzling, as it appears to be about the destructive nature of addiction more than
anything.
Many of the same arguments made here could apply to a lot of different activities. There has been a lot
of noise in the last few years about people (particularly young men) getting addicted to online gaming.
Make no mistake, gaming addiction, like any other addiction has wreaked havoc in some people's lives.
People have lost jobs, mortgages and marriages have broken up over this. Nonetheless, most of us
manage to game responsibly, and the fact that some people become addicted is not a valid reason for
painting online gaming as something that is inherently harmful.
Much the same as with porn. Lots of people, including a lot of couples, do manage to incorporate porn
as a part of their sex lives, without the harmful effects mentioned above. the fact that a lot of porn can
be seen as misogynist, I would suggest has more to do with the wider misogynist aspects to our society,
than anything inherent in porn.
Scarlet | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 10:56AM
Thanks for another good article Gail. I agree that most porn is a problem and has adverse consequences
for how many men see and relate to women - and all these comments porn-apologists, very aggressive,
often hateful posters -well one can only conclude you've hit a raw nerve, or else the porn industry has
its own professional astroturfers. I mean really, if these men think porn is fine and all etc, why would
they be so defensive? Who are they trying to convince? The readership or themselves?
Its the aggression thats key in their messages - I see it as an overreaction - you've pushed their buttons.
Of course the real downside to all of this blanket porn is that it's made it sooo much harder to find a
guy who hasn't been infected by porn and its formulaic (male-centric) conception of sex, and its often
misogynistic attitude to women, and the degrading of the sex act itself to (not even mutual)
masturbation. I will steer clear of a guy if he watches porn regularly, or if I feel it's shaped his
worldview.
One can only hope that these men stay behind their computers and don't breed, and the men that do
breed are the ones who can sustain healthy loving relationships with women.
Oh, and by the way guys, it is in no way accurate or justifiable to call someone who doesn't like porn a
prude. The definition of prude is "a person who is, or claims to be, easily shocked by matters relating to
sex or nudity". Nothing to do with porn, and if you can't see why this is, you're beyond help.
Steer clear of the porn-infected guys - May 18, 2011, 10:21AM
Okay. I see 2 arguments about P0rn. 1- Spiritual and physical/ mental health, and 2) Moral/ ethical As
a Christian I'd say this article is redundant without discussing the spiritual impact of it- but then I
would say that. This article is a half baked (how much was it edited- did the author provide more
information?) effort that appears to be more opinion than one based on empirical data. Seriously, after
20 years if you can't provide empirical data give it up okay. As a 30 something male with kids etc, I
have plenty of male friends. ALL of them like porn, all watch it in some variants, and only one I know
appears to be "controlled" by it to the point that it is distracting. Truly I think there will be long term
damage form this stuff, but shoody academia masquerading as journalism doesn't help discuss it. It also
appears the author has a bias against males- but then, apparently I would say that too. Give me a male
psychologist who understands the male mind, has testosterone and understands the POWER women
and their bodies have over men, and I'll listen. This was just an article written for a space to a deadline.
Poor research, poor journalism, important topic.
Christian | Adelaide - May 18, 2011, 10:23AM
This article was obviously writen by a narrow minded Feminost that has NO idea about what she is
talking about.
Im a member of Abbywinters.com, this is the only pornsite that i visit, as they are ETHICAL, the girls
are treeted with respect, infact the site is run by women, so to say they are exploited for male
gratification is wrong.
All the girls are consenting adults NONE are a result of trafficing, saying that they are being exploited
is like saying if a man has Casual sex with a consenting adult, it automatically constitutes rape.
Get a life, Get educated and Iron my shirt.
TopCat | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:24AM
When my ex dumped me she kept the entire porn collection. I want it back.
D | Bondi - May 18, 2011, 10:24AM
Indians who wrote the sex manual Karma Sutra thousands of years ago are more in touch with sex and
sexuality than a lot of Westerners in 2011. Sex and porn is to be enjoyed however one chooses.
Its hilarious that a woman who studies about women writes about porn problem of men. Biased much ?
Joe the Plumber | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 10:26AM
Blah blah blah... it's drivel like this that makes me stop listening to feminists. You'd do your gender
more good by not showing your ignorance.
DrFriendless | Brisbane - May 18, 2011, 10:26AM
Look at it this way: one single musician is never going to prove satisfying to a music lover for the rest
of their life. Music lovers need to reach out for more and more music, and inevitably their tastes
become more sophisticated and specialised, and they require more complex music in order to reach the
same state of bliss. However as we have seen by the troubled lives of many musicians, the music
industry - and by extension the people who pay for music - are responsible for creating a global
industry which systematically exploits musicians. And then of course, like the porn industry, there are
many musicians who thrive and benefit and derive enormous satisfaction from their profession.
As far as I can tell Gail Dines' argument is essentially one of aesthetics, and as such I would suggest
that what Ms Dines is lacking here is a capacity for self-reflection and self awareness since, by positing
her argument to a background assumption that there is something necessarily wrong with men evoking
pornographic images while having sex with their partners, she is showing herself to be less than
reflexive, and therefore difficult to take seriously as an academic (in fact what she is is a politician, not
an academic).
Of course it goes without saying that everyone who participates in the production of pornography
should be doing so willingly, with all that that implies - and that's what feminists should be targeting if
they are really concerned about womens' equality. But until they drop this notion that there is
something unhealthy about the pursuit of natural curiosity, then all they will do is alienate half the
world's population and perpetuate the myth that women are somehow constitutively disadvantaged, and
that they need help just to be themselves.
ssscrambled | Ashfield - May 18, 2011, 10:55AM
@e
"Did anyone read the article???"
Umm...did you? You clearly missed her last sentence. Go and read it now.
Tim the Toolman | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 11:00AM
Think about it really people - a 40 year old man looking at porn of thin 'sexy' 18 year old's who look
more like 15. Will he be more sexually interested in his 40 yr old, plumping, aging wife? Or his 17
year old daughter? What do you think really? How can this be the best thing for society?
mj | West Pennant Hills - May 18, 2011, 9:41AM
No man finds a plump 40yo woman attractive unless he is a pathetic loser that has set his expectations
so low as to not allow himself to look up. Men will always want the 18yo hottie. We stay with the 40yo
because we're stuck with her as it's too expensive to divorce her. Hopefully, men will realise not to buy
the cow so soon and wait a bit longer and then get the 18yo hottie.
Bender | . - May 18, 2011, 11:11AM
I'm a porn addict.
I watch porn most days. Happily married with a family. Good career. Pretty much happy days all
round.
Sometimes I do visualise a porno when I'm having sex. Having sex with the same person for 20 years
sometimes gets a bit boring. I'm sure my wife fantasises about things other than myself as well.
I'm comfortable with all of the above. I'm happy, confident, well-adjusted, well respected, and have a
loving and happy family life. I have no guilt or regrets about my addiction. I love porn.
PornAddict | Planking - right now - May 18, 2011, 11:15AM
Like much of life the thing itself is not the problem, it how its being used. So I was dissappointed in
Gail showing her prejudice and sexism in her concluding remarks. Normally intelligent people are
more open minded.
The fact that one can get a doctorate in WOMENS studies rather than gender studies says something,
but when that person can make generalisations about men it says something again, when those views
are published in mainline newspapers it says something else again.
DD | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 11:15AM
Wow, a lot of defensive comments on here. No prizes for guessing how some of you conduct
"relationships". And before you go for my jugular..."if the cap fits..."?
Elle | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 11:16AM
Wow, this website has a very anti-male flavour to it today. You know stop painting people with the
same brush. There are a large number of women who watch and enjoy pornography. Did you happen to
interview any women in the industry and ask their opinions? I think you would find they love their job
and find it liberating. Not something that sits too well with an ignorant feminist.
Yo | Jo - May 18, 2011, 11:19AM
What a surprise, typical kneejerk reaction from, mainly, men! Don't tell us what to do, don't like it don't
watch it and as for Ben, has a go because she is a woman professor in a certain discipline. Everyone
busily comes out swinging and tries to justify their actions by attacking the Professor - you don't
mention gay porn, the porn "I" watch is okay blah blah blah, I'm no prude etc etc. This is typical of the
backlash anyone with anything intelligent to say on trying to equalise things for women is subjected
to.Wake up to yourselves people this is a real problem. These days everyone just wants what they want
when they want without regard to any consequences for anyone else and shout down and abuse anyone
who disagrees. Try doing some reading and learn a bit more about what goes on in the world beyond
your narrow confines. Maybe then you will have something useful to contribute.
MJin - May 18, 2011, 11:19AM
What a dumb author. Lets see how to fight something I don't believe in lets write an article puting the
issue into the public so people can get involved. Then we get all these commets my guess is 400 by the
end of the day.
Rather than thinking of measures to try and solve the issue like a warning saying that porn is addictive
or if you think the world would be a better place without porn because of these eddictions give images
of where these people will end up like the weight campagns. If it is an addiction think of ways to
prevent it stop treating it like any other addiction think it starts the same way.
A teenager has all there friends watching porn so they start just like smoking achole all other
addictions. Otherwise they may do it because they are fat or ugly and they don't think that a normal
attractive standard girl will ever date them.
They start getting that image of themselves and it gets worse and worse. If we couched them on how to
be more confident and improve there personality at a younger age they would probaly get dates and
never resort to these things.
This is just a guess but I can not wait to see if I am right and that we end up with 1000 commets
making a joke of the topic.
mm | orange - May 18, 2011, 10:19AM
Why is it every time I turn on a daytime TV soap, some guy is walking around without a shirt on? Soft
porn for bored housewives is mainstream. Are these viewers in need of psychological help?
gateman | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 11:03AM
Yes! Subjugate your most primordial urges! It's healthy! Don't believe? Ask the Church how successful
it was for them!
Orange - May 18, 2011, 11:07AM
I side with the writer on the basic issues, but like many other the line line detracts a lot from the article.
It's a big mistake to promote womens power-over-everything in an article like this.
I was introduced to porn 30 years ago, including Ribald which I think may have been the most extreme
mag back then. Extreme porn these days seems a lot more severe, particulary Jap porn.
I've worried both about how this is affecting young minds that are still developing, particularly those
already on the edge through drug use.
I've also worried about just how some of those attractive girls are lead into extreme porn - in terms of
Jap porn it seems to me that that the Yakuza are initiating young girls into the industry via outright
hard core abuse using rape, drugs and violence - much the same as in Russia and so on. I imagine many
of these girls lives are completely ruined, and some would commit suicide.
jimhapi | Perth - May 18, 2011, 11:09AM
The fact that gonzo porn is most proftible is actually a sign of an industry in decline. The high volume
of films is also a sign of a struggling industry. They can no longer make anything with a budget
because they won't get their cash back - so it is a low cost, high volume industry looking to make small
margins. That dictates the films they make (no sets, no plots). All because they can't charge much
because all their product ends up 'free' on the net. The only stuff people have to pay for is niche stuff,
so that is what is produced.
Whatever your stance on porn whether for or against, Gail Dines is so discredited and fixated that her
arguments diminish her cause. The porn is anti-woman ignores the huge gay market which is often
more extreme.
She talks about porn addiction and obsession. Well she seems to display more of a fixation over 20-
years to her one opinion than any of her poor subjects.
Kris - May 18, 2011, 11:09AM
Based on the comments it just goes to show how many have the habit of paying to watch other people
have sex.
What does this say about them.
These people need help.
How sad that some people think they need to be stimulated by watching other people.
Yes the female addiction is becoming greater too.
If it weren't a problem you wouldn't be getting huge numbers of people seeking help and you wouldn't
get this as a major reason fro divorce (I know of a few men who couldn't break the habit and chose that
over their wife and kids).
Go on, justify your sick habit.
Free Thinker - May 18, 2011, 11:09AM
The brain responds differently to disturbing images than it does to pleasing images. With pleasing
images, the response is slower, longer and then it finishes. With disturbing images, the response is
quicker, then stops, then starts again, the stops etc.
In terms of Freud's use of the cathartic method for people with WWI PTS, we can see how the
disturbing images replicate the kind of cathexis (binding) and de-cathexis (unbinding) that is still used,
in modified forms, with cognitive therapy.
Some pornographic images (gonzo for example) promote the cathartic brain response. In this way,
these images are useful as a way of promoting stress that can then be released (catharsis).
Such a process is potentially addictive and would seem to match the accounts of people needing more
extreme disruptive images to promote the Stress/De-Stress experience.
There are other kinds of pornography that offer what might be called transcendental images. The brain
responses to these images might best be termed kenotic (loss of identity in orgasm).
Such kenotic pornography is attractive but not addictive.
The brain experiments to evidence this theory (mine) are yet to be done.
Keith Russell | Newcastle - May 18, 2011, 11:23AM
I always find the most disturbing element of some feminist articles is the outlandish misogynistic
comments that follow. Blind hate and stereotypes are not a way to argue a point (I think one brilliant
genius earlier remarked that porn was a way to get out of buying a house, paying for children and
buying dinner, WTF?). To argue that Gail's hypothesis was merely based on stereotypes of porn and
gender (which yes, admittedly it was), and then prove this argument by trotting out some terrible
hackneyed ideas about the female "home maker/wife/mother" stereotype is (to me anyway) a pretty
negligible to construct an argument. I think it was perhaps poorly argued but the point about images of
violent porn and overtly degrading women is an important one to address. Such images are incredibly
problematic. Much like "rape fantasy" video games available in Japan, this is perpetuating an
acceptability of sexual violence. This is never ok and such images can blur the idea of what is
acceptable in some people's minds. Of course not all porn is bad and it is narrow minded to saw "it all
needs to go". But then accepting this, let's not make blanket assumptions about feminists and women in
retaliation!
Ejay | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 11:23AM
@ Steve, Mark & anyone else making comments about gay porn - this article is about pornography as a
whole in generalised terms. Most porn is aimed at heterosexual men. Just because you're gay doesn't
mean everything has to relate specifically to you. Most of the population is not gay.
I think porn is great but I agree that there is a serious lack of intimacy. And yes, most porn is giving
men a warped perspective. Sex is all about in-out, but making love is so much more. This is what's
missing from adult films. Maybe more women would enjoy watching porn with their partners if there
was more intimacy.
Bruce | La Bruce - May 18, 2011, 11:24AM
Watch porn or don't watch porn, that's your choice, but doesn't the concept of Gonzo porn not bother
anyone else?
R - May 18, 2011, 11:25AM
A well written article,i have experienced the terrile lows that the Professor speaks about and i know
many others who do. The problem is the use of Porn as a medium desensitives and detachees the user
from actual sexual emeotionand there for you have comments like many on this page. Such as: "i never
feel discusted" and "there is a place for porn". The reality is our society is murdering itself on an abuse
of privilages and the abuse of one another, but we are all to small and shallow to stop and pull our
heads out of the instant gratification that we are in and take notice.
Jack | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 11:26AM
"Think about it really people - a 40 year old man looking at porn of thin 'sexy' 18 year old's who look
more like 15. Will he be more sexually interested in his 40 yr old, plumping, aging wife? Or his 17
year old daughter? What do you think really? How can this be the best thing for society?
mj | West Pennant Hills - May 18, 2011, 9:41AM
mj, the real problem here is not that his "aging" wife has put on a few pounds. The problem is that in 8
out of 10 homes, she has become frigid and uncooperative. This is partly a cultural problem and partly
a biological one. That problem is the elephant in the room which none of the experts ever want to
discuss.
enno | sydney - May 18, 2011, 11:29AM
Er, gonzo is a reference to hunter s thompson and a particular form of journalism in which the reporter
reports on what they themselves witnessed, it is a 1st person format rather then the 3rd person method
that is normally used in journalistic reports.
AFAIK the term in the porn industry refers to when one of the people having sex is the camera person.
troymclure - May 18, 2011, 11:30AM
I am a white man, 28 year old, professional. I agree with the contention of this article, but find it poorly
executed and overly judgmental. I have used pornography before, and have felt poorly about it, so have
tried, over the years, to stop using it. I would use it very irregularly, maybe once every week, but then
sometimes several times a day, then other times, not at all for about 3 months. I can attest to its
addicitive qualities. The immediacy and clarity of the imagery is a much stronger stimulus than what
sex au natural offers. There are a few physiological, and pyschological effects that I find disagreeable. I
find the imagery intrusive afterwards. I find that it becomes part of the way I fantasise, though in an
unwanted way. And I find that when using it, I have an adrenalin rush, which feels unnatural. I also
have a moral opposition to it, because I suspect that the women who partake in its production may have
a degraded view of themselves, and that their degraded view of themselves may have been caused by
some physchological disturbance in their youth, such as sexual abuse. After using pornography, I feel
like I have fed on their degradation, and feel predatory. I feel a part of a cycle that is damaging. Hence,
I have endeavoured to stop using it. I've been mostly successful, but use it again from time to time,
especially when I feel stressed. Addressing the article, although I agree with its overall contention, I
recoil from the self-righteousness of the author. She pretends to speak with authority, though she
doesn't seem to really understand the dynamics involved. She has also tried to politicise the issue,
which I think is wrong.
Ummmm | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 11:30AM
OK, let's start looking through the error's in Gail's article.
Firstly, "Gonzo" is a filming method, across all genres of film and writing, in which the documentor
inserts themselves into the story (named by Hunter S Thompson). Gonzo porn is the most profitable,
not because it makes the most money, but because it is cheap to make, and sells for the same price as
blockbuster porn titles. There is also gay and lesbian gonzo, so the men degrading women line is not
right.
Why is it you are more than willing to quote stats and research on the value of the porn industry, but
when you get to the social aspects of the porn industry, you rely completely on anecdotal stories? In
academia, that would get your paper thrown out on peer review.
As has already been mentioned, not all porn is made for the hetero male market. Your article also fails
to mention that there is a lot of porn made for different purposes - from tender softer porn, all the way
up to stuff with leather and whips.
Another thing you fail to mention, in a lot of the so called "violent porn" you mentioned, there is a
strong female. I find in a lot of scenes, the women are completely in charge!
Lastly, you mentioned that sex should only be about making love. If you like vanilla only, all power to
you, but sex and sexuality involves more than just "making love", it sometimes involves passionate
sex, quick sex, tender sex and many other (I'm running out of words) for the full gammut of human
sexual beings. Saying that we should only make love would make the world a very boring place.
ST | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 11:30AM
Yes men use porn and you are never going to change that. We love variety and novelty and you are
never going to change that. You can argue from whatever academic feminist perspective you like till
you are blue in the face. You can throw around your nonsense words like 'cisgendered' and it will not
change this one basic point: men like sex more than women, and we will not change.
I more or less agree with this, with a slight exception. (Hetero) men like hard, fast penetration more
than women, and are aroused, consistently and satisfyingly, by the external object, ie. the body of a
woman. After fifteen years of having different types of sex, I am utterly unable to associate my
ultimate pleasure and gratification with men. I have accepted pornography use in my relationships but
inevitably it leads to less actual sex (women are aroused by "feeling desirable" to an attractive man, are
less able to purely objectify, and porn often, not always, makes one feel like sh*t). I don't think the
problem could possibly be porn - it is just the male psyche on display. I would rather know about it in
full than have it hidden away. The problem (and there will be haters) is relationships. It is *women*
who need sexual variety to maintain their libido's - men just need a few gym trips or a different bra or
some hot jeans. Women want *situations*, seductions, interesting characters. Not to be trapped in a
house performing routine second rate porn scenes.
Polly | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 11:32AM
in a porn the women earns the most for one. the blows his away.
regardless gay or not this article is nothing. men got to pron sometimes for thier women has a headach.
the women goes to pron for the guy cant or doesnt know how to work it. gay guy goes to porn to see
cute tight asses . les go to porn for they see what the biggest dil do fits .
so to say men get ruin by porn is a dumb thing to say. i know women who like porn and have broke up
in realtionship with guy for they prefer to watch then do.
dom | melb - May 18, 2011, 11:36AM
Dines makes some good points about the negative effects of pornography addiction, but these may as
well be made about any addictive behaviour. Her doubts about applying an addiction model are
admitted by her to be grounded in an aggressive, (and with its loose and violent aphroisms) "gonzo"
moralism.
Dines asserts that industrial pornography in general is bad. However, this assertion may as well have
been made about the industrial production of any commodity—It rakes in billions, exploits workers,
and leaves workers disgusted with themselves.
Dines problem is that she posits a utopia of human sexual interchange and self-actualisation, laying
critique at the door of personal sexual preferences for particular acts and methods of acting, and fails to
consider the industrial. Porn, like all elements of the sex industry, and like all elements of human
industry in general; ought to be controlled by the workers themselves.
With industrial power, the only potential exploitation is self-exploitation. Unless Dines wishes to assert
that a morality of preferring one sexual act over another creeps invidiously into women's minds making
them self-betrayers. Such a moralism of preference is the basis for people condemning homosexuality.
I, for one, would not wish to get into bed with moralism.
Anonymous - May 18, 2011, 11:37AM
I am a heterosexual male with a wife and kids and I have indulged in my share of online porn viewing.
I feel this article is 100% correct and society has every reason to be concerned at the way women are
portrayed in these "movies. Attitudes towards women are being influenced by these sites and the easy
access to them. When young, immature and impressionable minds are exposed to this harmful
"fantasy" footage, it is not hard to understand why young men are increasingly being caught up in
violent sex offences and young women themselves are feeling increasing pressure to behave like
tramps and "perform" for their peers. As a father of both boys and girls I am extremely concerned for
the future and would dearly love to see the trend towards these deplorable sites reversed. Great article.
Please don't be too quick to dismiss the author's comments.
Spot on | Lower Plenty - May 18, 2011, 11:37AM
This piece is full of generalisations.
Porn is just a masturbation aid. Women have vibrators, men have porn. But it seems according to some
feminist thinkers, when a woman masturbates it is empowering, when a man masturbates it's perverted.
Women in porn are playing a role. Their participation is their own choice, and they are well paid. They
are not performing with a gun to their heads. If you object, rather than blaming it all on men, why don't
feminists work on changing the decisions made by the female performers to participate? Perhaps we
should ban all depictions of violence in all genres of film? Hmmm.
Another tiresome piece that is so one-eyed it cannot be taken seriously. Call me old fashioned but
academics should be able to think objectively. Porn serves a purpose, I would argue a need, for men
not to bottle themselves up with sexual frustration that may otherwise spill over into more instances of
sexual assault on women.
JR | Earth - May 18, 2011, 11:38AM
LOL - @As it is, you clearly don't. F minus for you.
Jeff - May 18, 2011, 8:10AM
Excellent comment and very funny Jeff
jj | sydney - May 18, 2011, 11:40AM
This is one sided scare tactic rubbish. The lie that men watch porn and then don't understand why all
women aren't like porn stars is like saying people watch movies and cant understand why orchestras
don't start playing when moments of emotional depth occur in real life.
Fantasies can be just that, and no amount of telling everyone how bad they are will make them go
away. Look at the persecution of gay and lesbian people. How has that stopped gay men from wanting
gay sex? It hasn't, it won't and it's a waste of time.
James Price - May 18, 2011, 11:41AM
I am more concerned of the social conditioning that indicates that frequent masturbation is indeed
physically healthy, but it does not consider the psychological effects of excessive exploring one's body
in isolation. The very idea of pleasuring oneself in front of a computer seems foreign to me when the
act of orgasm should be shared with another to reach some form of transcendence. We need to do away
with this idea of instant gratification and seek more mutually beneficial ways of satisfying our sexual
desires. I have a solution. Have more sex. Preferably with another person
concerned | melbourne - May 18, 2011, 11:41AM
Whilst I'm not defending certain types of porn out there, I am sick to death of post-feminist writers still
claiming that porn is some sort of male only domain like a Lodge Meeting, or that women get zero
pleasure in viewing porn that appeals to them.
jezebel.com, a site run by women for women, entirely about getting a bit smutty with it is one of the
top 1000 websites (considering how many there are, that's an achievement of note). Hell, there's even a
PSA for how women who are into porn should declare it.
Egofreaky | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 11:43AM
Interesting reading the comments here which are heavily against this article. The author has failed
badly in delivering her message. She fails because she slips into generalisation. The article comes
across as "All porn is bad; all porn exploits women; all men who use porn have a problem". This
alienates many people - as seen from the responses.
Yet beneath it all is a genuine concern - the increase in porn that shows violence against the partner;
and the increase in men and women being concerned about their own excessive use of porn.
But unfortunately these important issues were lost in her generalisations. And that sets back the
opportunity to have real and important and intelligent discussion about these actual issues.
Regards her generalisations, I'd like to know who's exploiting who here? What percentage of
participants in porn do so unwillingly or even reluctantly? I've always felt it's people's weakness for
porn that is being exploited. Are football players being exploited because we like to watch footy?
The negative issues around porn should be discussed, but as long as they're wrapped in male-bashing
and generalisations, it benefits no one.
ChrisH | Vic - May 18, 2011, 11:48AM
Yes, let's shut down porn ... and a lot of women will lose signficant sources of income. Women do it by
choice, yet women criticise the men? Besides, porn has shifted to You Tube and Facebook - by
personal choice of the women involved! If they are forced into it, then they should go to the law to stop
the problem - but that is not porn, it's illegal behaviour.
The Commentator | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 11:49AM
Ugh. Pure monomania and dogma. We get it, you hate any sexuality other than that you approve of (ie.
your own). Feminist moral police are hardly any better than the garden variety.
Stuart | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 11:53AM
As others have pointed out there is a lot of porn out there that is not the degrading type. This article
though makes out like it's hard to come by. It really isn't. It's very easy to find.
The article also discusses people wasting all their money on porn and even going into debt. The issue
here is actually stupidity. If you are paying for porn YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG. As with movies
and music the porn industry has a huuuuuuuuuge problem with piracy. But also, most porn companies
give away lots of porn. They will make a 2 hour DVD or have long HD clips on their pay sites but they
will make free promo videos or short SD clips that are given away on the porn equivalents of
YouTube.
So, in summary, there is plenty of free, normal porn out there. Anyone paying is doing it wrong.
Anyone watching and enjoying gonzo, well, you have to ask what was wrong with them already to
make them enjoy that. There are likely to be issues regarding the way they relate to women that drive
this, it's not necessarily the porn affecting the way they view women. The writer seems to be of the
mind that it is mostly this way though. They need to rethink this assumption that men's minds are like
playdough, malleable and morphed into any shape by the mearest outside force. This is ridiculous.
Ambris | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 11:54AM
Porn movies don't complain endlessly,you can put it away for months without it saying a thing,you
dont have to talk to it,you dont have to buy it stupid flowers or presents,you don't have to meet its
dumb family,it doesn't bleed once a month,its much smarter and the sex is much better.Why wouldn't
men watch it?
greden - May 18, 2011, 11:55AM
Once again SM/Age comes through with a feminist bent. Stop beating up men as one dimensional
creatures. The editorial st smh is becoming a completely useless tribe of Amazons.. articles like: "so
and so gives an insight into the minds of men"
stop please | sydney - May 18, 2011, 11:56AM
What is the real problem here? Is it that the human being can't face seeing what really happens behind
closed doors 24/7? I think the only time porn becomes 'dangerous' is when it is turned into a fantasy
and acted out on an unwilling participant. If used to enhance ones love/sex life then it can only be a
good thing. Are the people involved in the porn films coerced? I think not. Linda Lovelace is no longer
involved. The only way to watch porn on the net is to log in. There are ways of blocking unwanted
sites.
TAG - May 18, 2011, 11:58AM
You are spot on Gail - hard to believe anyone buys the "don't like it, then don't watch it argument"
these days. Do you people not realise that private actions always have public consequences on others
and on wider society.
There are serious consequences which come from viewing porn and a whole generation of men are
growing up believing a lie about what sex, women and themselves should be like – taught to them by
the porn industry. It's our society and our kids who are going to feel the effects of growing up in a
world where men do not respect or value women but view them as unhuman objects for their own
satisfaction.
I'm certainly no feminist, but even blind freddy could see that porn seriously undermines relationships
at every level.
Tim | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 12:01PM
Hey I have studied porn for twenty years too. And I turned out just fine.
Fingers | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 12:01PM
There's a bit of arrogance in this article. This female author has "spoken" to a few blokes so now she's
an expert. Give me a break. Also, keep in mind that women constantly exploit their sexuality for
personal gain. Ever heard of "ladies night" at a bar where they get free drinks. Ever seen a female use
her sexuality to get free drinks or to get a guy to act as her personal driver? What about the pretty girl
that gets the promotion? Or the female gets the kids or money in a divorce due to more sympathy for
women? Or what about the fact that vastly more funding is given to female cancer research than male?
The list goes on and on. More on point though. If young women didn't play so hard to get then maybe
young men wouldn't be forced to turn to porn. You made your own bed, now sleep in it.
JamesM - May 18, 2011, 12:03PM
@Ummmm: you say women who partake in the production of porn have "a degraded view of
themselves" and then you go on to say that you feel you "feed on their degradation" while watching
porn. Yet despite feeling this, you still use porn "occasionally."
To me, it sounds like you are (a) judging porn actresses as inferior human beings; and (b) struggling to
accept your sexuality. I feel sorry for you and wish I could help you! Let me tell you, women in the sex
industry are not degrading themselves, if anything they feel empowered! They sure don't need your
pity... you are the one deserving of pity, for you clearly cannot enjoy a sexual urge without feeling
guilty about it. Why do you feel so dirty? Sex between consenting adults is normal and natural.
FYI, at age 13, I started masturbating with NO influence from anyone and not having ever seen any
porn or erotica of any kind. The images that naturally came to my mind were all violent in the extreme,
and the one thing that turned me on was fantasising that I was being hurt. As an adult, I realise I am a
masochist (and a bit of a sadist) and I can play out my fantasies with other adults similar to me. Porn
did not influence me and I rarely watch it, I rest my case!
sasa | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 12:04PM
I can't believe the amount of vitriol that has been directed at this acedemic for writing and highlighting
the socially destructive effects of pornography. And I think the reactions and comments condemning
her (mostly by men) actually underscore the validity of her claims. Comments against her have been
abusive, irrational and scathing - and overhwelmingly by men who are self-confessed porn users. It's
probably not surprising that an article about pornography would attract mostly porn addicts and that
they would react in a way that defends their addiction. I am a man who has used porn in the past, and at
times when I feel low or depressed feel drawn to view it again. I have come to hate this because I can
see that it has distorted my view of women and impacted upon my relationships and I know from
talking honestly to my friends that I am not the only man who feels this way. Viewing pornography can
be emotionally uplifting and exciting - temporarily - and so can illicit drug use. Afterwards I feel
diminished in ways that I struggle to describe. I feel disappointed that I have looked upon a woman as a
source of my own gratification. That's not the way that I want to be, nor is it the way that I normally
am when I am enjoying healthy and supportive relationships. And the fact that it is so readily
accessible and available is problematic - not ust for the viewers, but for all women who want to be
looked upon as people rather than just desireable 'meat'.
David | Victoria - May 18, 2011, 12:04PM
Here's an article from the Age on 8th April 2011 titled "Why more and more women are using internet
porn".
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/why-more-and-more-women-are-using-
internet-porn-20110408-1d6oe.html#ixzz1MfJY0neA
Here's another from May 6 2011 "Feminist porn faces hardcore critics"
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/feminist-porn-faces-hardcore-critics-20110506-
1eb1y.html
Seems women are lapping it up.
gateman | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 12:06PM
Within the confines of decency and morality Women are rightly sexual objects to Men. Nature
designed us that way and the survival of the species demands it.
rext - May 18, 2011, 12:06PM
@ harry the heretic "80% of u.s. death row inmates have issues with pornography. what does that tell
you?"
Hey harry more than 99% of US death row inmates were fed on milk as infants...what does that tell
you!?
crackaz | Newcastle - May 18, 2011, 12:07PM
@ R : 11.25am "doesn't the concept of Gonzo porn not bother anyone else?"
And what "concept" would that be?
Assuming that the double negative was a typo and you're not actually disagreeing with yourself, at least
try to get your facts right.
If you'd bother to read any of the previous posts you'd know that "Gonzo" refers to the cinematic
technique wherein the filmaker is part of film itself, rather than being filmed by a third party.
In addition to commercial studio productions, this type of film would make up almost 100% of the
amateur films made by couples who subsequently share them on free to view websites such as yuvutu.
I would agree that such Gonzo or POV films feature more hard-core sex than some feature style films
but that is primarily because plot, dialogue, sets etc do not play a significant role.
However, to label the entire gonzo film genre as one which exclusively portrays violent sex is simply
incorrect.
Linda - May 18, 2011, 12:08PM
You would think from reading this article that women in porn were voiceless slaves. I'm sure they are
not contorting their bodies for charity, thank you very much.
Studying porn for twenty years? Well if that were the case then why is this article not presenting more
thorough and balanced research using primary sources - with views or profiles from men AND
WOMEN actually in the industry?
I know young and older women who also enjoy their share of porn. It would be nice to hear some of
them speak up about this subject.
The "young men" who are left feeling guilty and disgusted with themselves need to be taught how to
get over it, put porn in context, and jettison the religious or conventional morality which burdens them.
It is usually when I am confronted by this kind of stereotypical and sensationalist rot that I, like many
others, am disgusted.
roody | melbourne - May 18, 2011, 12:09PM
Sigh. Another misguided article full of crap. First of all, sex is not love. It need not be all sweet and
tender. Secondly, it does not ruin the lives of most of its viewers. My wife and I both look at hardcore
porn. Neither of us feel any guilt about viewing it. My wife personally finds the more touchy feely porn
boring (same with most women I talk to) in contrast to the stereotypes and marketing. And, guess
what?, we have a healthy sex life. Sometimes it is tender lovemaking. Sometimes it is just sex. People
who confuse all sex with expressions of love are idiots who are missing out on fun, and those limited to
sex that is just animal fun also are missing out. You, Gail, are arguing the equivalent of "if we eat
chocolate we cannot possibly enjoy a roast chicken, and therefore should not eat chocolate. Chocolate
ruins lives". Utter nonsense. And chocolate is also addictive. The only sex that ruins lives is ILLEGAL
or highly frowned upon -- that is rape, sex with people too vulnerable or immature to physically or
emotionally deal with it, sex without consent, and sex causing physical harm. Plus there ARE addictive
personalities, but we don't ban all acts people can become addited to. Stop wasting time tilting at
windmills and go after real problems. More men are into it than women? So what. Why don't you
advocate banning romcoms?
Jon - May 18, 2011, 12:09PM
@PD
"If you don't like porn don't watch it, but don't you dare telling other people what to do !"
Apart from the bad grammar which may mean it was written in haste in response to anger, it is a
typical brain dead, self centred response one gets when perversion and moral degradation gets
discussed.
Taken to its logical conclusion this is what you get....
If you don't like......
Child abuse, then don't do it but don't tell me I can't abuse children
Murder, then don't do it, but don't tell me I can't murder someone.
Stealing, then don't do it, but don't tell me I can't steal when I want to.
Carrying knives around with you then don't do it, but don't tell me I can't.
Being a hoon driver then don't do it, but don't tell me I can't be one even if I end up killing someone.
There is no doubt that moronic thinking is alive and well in Australia 101.
Rescue Me!! - May 18, 2011, 12:11PM
Thank you. Really apprciate you writing about the negative effects porn has on our society. Don't be
afraid to hold back.
It is something that I have seen personally causing strong addictions that wreck family and healthy
relationships.
It also feeds the need for sex trade and human trafficking. People need to speak up.
JB - May 18, 2011, 12:12PM
I don't like the misogyny exhibited in some of the above comments. I think some people are attacking
the clumsiness of the author, which is warranted, without being honest about what repeated use of
pornography does to them and to their partners. As an aside, has anyone else noticed the spate of
articles in today's Age online that paint men in a very negative light? We kill our children, we cheat on
our partners, we steal photos of girls on facebook, we wank to porn. Albeit that those articles are based
in fact, I'm saddened by the way men are viewed. It makes me want to be a different type of man. It
makes me want to be a legend. Like, the best man you've ever seen.
Ummmm | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 12:13PM
Nearly everyone of my girlfriends has been into porn and we've watched it together regularly.
And I would go so far as to say, most 'normal' fellas don't like that violent type of porn anyway. I can't
stand it. Give me the old vintage classics of the 70's and 80's, natural looking people, a bit of story, and
a bit of bush. oh yeah. :0)
Thinker | Brainsville - May 18, 2011, 12:13PM
Sounds like the writer is focusing on a small minority suffering significant negative effects. I've
watched and enjoyed all sorts of pornographic material, but I also have a much more fulfilling and
healthy sexual relationship with my wife that doesn't involve porn or porn-inspired fantasies.
It all comes down to respect, and at worst, porn is reinforcing the same patterns of disrespect prevalent
in most advertising media, pop music and many parental relationships. If kids are taught respect for
themselves and others, then exposure to this sort of thing is like water off a duck's back.
Priapist | Canberra - May 18, 2011, 12:15PM
Oh, it is the same woman, my apologies. I'm now searching for her last article on SMF, btw I also
clicked on the SeaFolly link below to look at women in swimwear, got to love irony
Pat | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 12:17PM
Thankyou Gemma for your opinion. If as you say not all pornography is violent, degrading, and
perverted, why is it the average (sic) woman that appears in such degredation, last no more than three
months in the industry as they are pysically and emotionally traumatised by the violence, degredation
and perversion that they are subject to.
Your joking of course - May 18, 2011, 12:17PM
I think 4 & 8 on the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster's "I'd Really Rather You Didn'ts" covers
this debate:
4. I'd really rather you didn't indulge in conduct that offends yourself, or your willing, consenting
partner of legal age AND mental maturity. As for anyone who might object, I think the expression is
"go f*** yourself," unless they find that offensive in which case they can turn off the TV for once and
go for a walk for a change.
8. I'd really rather you didn't do unto others as you would have them do unto you if you are into, um,
stuff that uses a lot of leather/lubricant/vaseline. If the other person is into it, however (pursuant to #4),
then have at it, take pictures, and for the love of Mike, wear a CONDOM! Honestly, it's a piece of
rubber. If I didn't want it to feel good when you did it I would have added spikes, or something.
ST | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 12:17PM
As a straight woman I can kind of see the concern with porn addiction in young men, but I don't agree
with doing away with porn anymore than I do with doing away with alcohol or drugs or chocolate.
Some people will consume safely, and some will become addicted, and for those who do, there is
always a reason for their addiction - a perfectly happy, well adjusted person doesn't one day decide to
become self destructive and miserable just because a substance is presented to them.
In my relationships, when the man has wanted me to do something that I didn't want to, because it was
painful or degrading or whatever, it's turned out that he has done it before with other women, not that
he saw it on porn and so thought that real women would want it. He thought real women would want it
because in the past, ones who weren't me did. And while I can see it would be upsetting to have the
expectation that I should f**k like a porn star when I don't want to, I also accept that sexuality is
different for everyone, and if I won't do the things he wants, maybe we're not meant to be together and
he should find someone who will. Being sexually compatible is really important and not everyone
wants the same things. I think it would be impossible to impose one kind of "healthy" sexuality on the
whole world and expect us to play along. Just because I don't want it up the back door, should no one
be allowed to ever again?
A. - May 18, 2011, 12:19PM
Its not the government's job to tell people what to do. Women who get involved in that industry should
never be forced. If they do do of their own free will--its their choice despite some bad people who
manipulate. The problem is where do you draw the line on freedom.
Child porn is the only place the law should come in and stamp it out. Women are intelligent enough to
make their own choices.
Censorship is never good for any society and leads to unintended consequences.
Silence Dogood | Double Bay - May 18, 2011, 12:20PM
Prohibition will not work. Some sort of regulation would be better, to discourage violence to be
portrayed with sex.
Some education that you are watching sex not love would not go astray.
Lazy Guy - May 18, 2011, 12:21PM
You haven't rested your case sasa as one example a body of evidence does not make.
One, Won, Fail - May 18, 2011, 12:22PM
Where do you start...firstly - I want to make it clear that I am not anti-porn and am a woman. Believe
that porn (in its various forms) have been around since the beginning of time.
But I am concerned by the mainstreaming of porn and desensitation - there are stacks of evidence
based research pointing to this. This is a newspaper article and not an article in a scientific journal -
hence the author has not cited a stack load of research. A google search will give you ample evidence.
However to all the men out there saying that their wives and partners should so as porn stars do - here's
some sobering facts for you. In the five years, most major hospitals in Australia have reported a
significant increase in fistulas and anal tears thanks to men wanting their partners to 'act out'. These are
painful and quiet a few require surgical intervention for repair. The reason porn stars get away with
doing it is because they use ample lubrication and do it all the time so the trauma is reduced.
In none of defenders of porn have thought of the female pleasure aspect of sex - in my experience - a
woman who experiences pleasure is more likely to reciprocate. So - try thinking of it as mutual
pleasure.
SeaBreeze | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 12:25PM
It scares me how little people understand about themselves. Porn is one of the most horrible and
insidiously obliterating influences on people. Young men are the focus in this article because young
men are by far the biggest targets and users of porn, and least aware of the debilitating effects on it has
on them or the women who are involved.
However, as mentioned in other comments, the article does not address women who want porn or men
who are feature in porn. Women who watch are being destroyed inside, and men who feature in porn
are being abused with life-long pain. Ask anyone who has worked in the sex trade of their view on sex
and the gender who has used them and they will agree.
Never in the history of the world have we had such sexual 'freedom' and permissiveness... never in the
history of the world have we had so many people tormented and in need of sexual counseling and
support.
If you are watching porn, I please believe me that you are being destroyed, and you are destroying
others.
jamespbeasley - May 18, 2011, 12:28PM
By far the vast majority of porn ends with the man or men ejaculating on the face of the woman. If you
don't consider that to be degrading to the woman then things are indeed in a bad way.
Cherb | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 12:30PM
Freethinker,
So it's a major reason for divorce because 'a few men' you know chose porn over their marriage? I
think that says more about their marriage than the porn, and more about you needing to exaggerate a
problem to fit your argument.
Liberated women, see comments, enjoy all kinds of sex, so there's something/someone for everyone. It
doesn't matter if this is sweet sex, solo sex or leathers and chains, people are free to indulge in
whatever they enjoy. My household, much like yours I suspect, as a kid was a strictly enforced 'sexual
image free' zone, also with all the 'show respect to women/men are bastards' trappings of this article.
So you'll be surely flabbergasted to hear that my porn-free initiation to sex-ed was under my
girlfriend's consenting parents' roof, practically every night, as well as at other times of the day, at an
age that youcertainly wouldn't think of as appropriate for sexual relations. And no, the member's of my
household weren't happy about that either. Seems they, much like you, thought sexuality is something
to be controlled, trampled and not explored. Shame, people like that are the ones missing out on
another thing to enjoy in their lives. Even the sweetest girl has naughty thoughts and fantasies, so let
them have and enjoy them. If they find someone to fulfill all of their wishes then you are not the one to
deny them it.
Matheus | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 12:32PM
The author obviously follows the hardcore, unregulated underground stuff.
Had she based her article on the outputs of the the big production houses she would have known that
the women in these films are highly paid 'celebrities' who are privy to significant industrial benefits.
Unfortunately, this would not cohere with, and support, her philogynistic argument and so we are left
with opinionated tripe by a two-bit gynocrusader.
Orange - May 18, 2011, 12:34PM
I think a lot of people are missing the point of this article.. the last few lines may seem somewhat
extreme but generally this article is condemning hardcore porn that depicts the sexual degradation of
women. Sexual violence is not okay! I am not saying all porn is degrading, and I don't pretend to be an
expert but I feel that the industry needs to be more accountable for the part it plays in shaping how
people think about sex, and at least attempt to make it more equal.
kp | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 12:35PM
@ Roody
" The "young men" who are left feeling guilty and disgusted with themselves need to be taught how to
get over it, put porn in context, and jettison the religious or conventional morality which burdens them.
"
No doubt Roody who the most important person in your life is. Just imagine a world of Roodies who
all had to be like and do what Roody does. It would be totally boring as porn is totally boring. The
same old scene after scene after scene. It is so boring I cannot bring myself to watch it, apart from any
other considerations.
I hope that Roody never gets near all the young people that I have taught and mentored over the years
as his answer to everything seems to be "get over it"
You obviously don't know Roody or don't want to know that a lot of young people "don't want to get
over it" as you so quaintly put it. They want a mind that's free of perversion and that enables them to
see and be seen as normal and natural allowing them to treat women as equal in their relationship, not
just someone they can poke a stick at.
But then, I guess you would not understand that being as self centred as you are.
One, Won, Fail - May 18, 2011, 12:36PM
@One, Won, Fail: your point is very valid, but it applies equally to the author of this article! THAT
was actually my point... as I mentioned in my previous post, some 100 comments ago... lol
sasa | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 12:37PM
I tend to AGREE with this article. I'm a woman in a loving, long term relationship and I admit that I
indulge in the guilty pleasure of porn, including the "Gonzo" genre.
I believe my exposure to this type of porn (Gonzo) IS getting to the point where I AM finding it harder
to get aroused when I'm with my partner and I worry that one day I will become uninterested in him all
together.
And should this happen, what kind of man is going to be out there for me?
Porn can inspire "lessons for the bedroom" and while I like watching Gonzo, I don't want to be "doing
it" that way. I feel this genre of porn is fairly common place and mainstream now and while it is/can be
titilating to watch, it also breeds a misconception of "that's how sex should be" and "that's how sex is
done" which I don't think is right or healthy.
Lucy - May 18, 2011, 12:42PM
@ Joe "If some people find this hard to swallow, tough."
That's precisely the sort of attitude the author was complaining about!
Long John Silver | On a pirate ship - May 18, 2011, 12:43PM
@ sasa - You've got it wrong mate. I can follow through with my urges, I just place filters on them.
That's normal. You know, like when you're on a train and you see a girl with a nice chest, you don't
follow your urge to caress her, because that's an assault. Make sense? I feel like a goose watching
strangers have sex on my computer with my wang in my hand until I cum, so I try not to do it. But I
still have sex with my gf. I'm still a sexy guy my friend. I didn't say pornography actresses have a
degraded view of themselves, I said I suspect they may. Whereas, you say they are empowered. Please
evidence your assertion of fact. Do you know any personally? Or is this something you have studied?
Ummmm | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 12:44PM
"The problem is where do you draw the line on freedom."
Very simple Dogood. When it impinges on other people's freedom. Behind many rapes is pornography.
A man sees what he wants but can't have it so he goes out and steals it for himself, leaving a very
traumatised young lady who has had her freedom snatched away from her.
He gets a couple of years in jail most of the time and she get a lifetime sentence.
Until men can look at porn and not rape women as a result, it should be banned and sod all you who
say I look at porn and don't rape women because all you are saying is that you want what you want
regardless of women being raped as a result.
Others First - May 18, 2011, 12:45PM
"By far the vast majority of porn ends with the man or men ejaculating on the face of the woman. If
you don't consider that to be degrading to the woman then things are indeed in a bad way."
Well said Cherb.
Lost our way - May 18, 2011, 12:49PM
"there is no room for porn in a just society"
Good luck! Is she living in the real world to think that could EVER happen. You will always have porn
in a FREE society. She has an EXTREME view that is totally out of touch with reality.
Are women better off in societies where porn is banned???!
C - May 18, 2011, 12:55PM
Of course there are some deviants out there and men's attitude towards sex varies from women's
somewhat, however the issue is not necessarily with porn. I think it has more to do with other women
being submissive, allowing themselves to become sexual objects. You are treated the way you allows
others to treat you, if your partner wants a particular type of sex you are not comfortable with then
simply say no, if they don't like it then you shouldn't be with them, it's that simple!
Melbourne Woman - May 18, 2011, 12:55PM
I am a woman and enjoy watching porn. I even like GONZO/ full BDSM porn. Why as a women
should I not like this and why is it that we must be portrayed as being victimised. If both the men and
women in the porn flick want to do it and we want to watch it why should we not be able to?
Kate | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 12:56PM
" Or what about the fact that vastly more funding is given to female cancer research than male? "
You could not have been more offensive if you had tried JamesM. Cancer research is not a
competition. it is a response to a need and unless you have had cancer as both my wife and I have, you
know nothing.
Doctor - May 18, 2011, 12:56PM
Lazy Guy - May 18, 2011, 12:21PM
Actually, I agree. I think the situation is so bad that its time schools started educating older teens about
the social, psychological, gender and medical issues arising from porn.
Cherb | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 12:30P
Yes, I don't know any women that would allow this - its disgusting; how would men like it if we used
their face as a tissue?
Steer clear of the porn-infected guys - May 18, 2011, 12:57PM
@ Others First
What an example of a failed attempt at logic!
By your reckoning, everyone should just stop driving cars, because there are people who want to drive
cars dangerously, and someone innocent will lose their life, and their family will suffer. So we all have
to put up with not driving cars to stop innocents dying.
"Until men can look at porn and not rape women as a result" is probably the most bizarre comment I've
ever read on this site, and believe me, I've read lots of bizarre comments!
TechHead | Not Inner City Sydney - May 18, 2011, 12:57PM
With children as young as 11, 12, 13 + having internet phones and laptops they are becoming
increasingly exposed to it at a younger age. These are the future policy/lawmakers of society. They will
grow up thinking it is normal to treat women in this way because there is NO EDUCATION on it
whatsoever, NONE. Id say 99% of parents would not even know their 12 year old boy has seen girls
suck horse dick. What does this do to his brain?? And the way he sees women?
girls do what to horses? - May 18, 2011, 12:58PM
I'm sorry Others First, but saying pornography is the leading cause of many rapes is irresponsible.
Rapes are perpertrated for a number of reasons, power being the leading cause. Sexual gratification
ranks very low on the reasons.
People are want to take things that aren't theirs, or have no permission to take. That is an ugly side of
human nature, but has existed throughout human history.
As you say, rape will generally leave a victim scared for life. But bringing rape into a debate about
pornography is low, as there is no significant link between porn and rape.
ST | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 1:00PM
Gail - simple Google search of the tern Gonzo will give you:
Gonzo: founder of gonzo is John "Buttman" Stagliano. His wife Tricia Devereaux was kind enough to
give us THE definition: "Gonzo can take on several different forms. It can vary from the cameraman
(in adult, very often the director) interviewing the actors, or participating in the scene with dialogue
and/or sex. It can also mean that the actors are simply acknowledging the fact that there is a camera
shooting what they are doing. So, although in adult gonzo, the cameraman is usually somehow visible
or audible, simply the actors playing to the camera constitutes a gonzo scene."
When it comes to pornography the term 'Gonzo' refers to a style of film making pioneered in the 1990s
by directors such as Seymore Butts and Ben Dover. Gonzo porn took the storyline out of adult movies
and headed straight for the sex. No longer would the pornoholic have to fast forward through 10
minutes of inept dialog to get 5 minutes of sex. They got sex throughout the whole video. Gonzo porn
was not always shot in the first person or in point-of-view fashion as some have suggested here and the
quality of the movie depended largely on who was producing it.
An extremely low-budget genre of porn in which one person acts as director, actor and
cinematographer. First person porn. "Watching a gonzo blow-job is just like being there"
JJ | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 1:10PM
"and in their place are those we normally associate with hate: fear, disgust, anger, loathing and
contempt.
The man "makes hate" to the woman, as each sex act is designed to deliver the maximum amount of
degradation."
This article discusses hard-core pornography. To all those people who are refuting the author - which
part of the above do you not understand? Instead of pathetically fluffing around trying to justify
"sexuality" - why not just admit that you ENJOY & SUPPORT voyeuristic acts of rape?
MSG (Dragon Slayer) | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:10PM
@ Justin here's a hot tip for you.
Turn off the computer, take your hand off your joystick and stop reading interviews with high priced
hookers. Maybe then you might be able to relate a conversation you've had with an actual woman!!
panthy | Melbs - May 18, 2011, 1:10PM
Cherb and Steer Clear - if you don't want him to come in your face, ask politely that he doesn't before
you start. It's not rocket surgery. If he goes down on you, are you allowed to come during?
But seriously, this is exactly the problem with this article. One person's horribly degrading is another
person's harmless fun. I don't like anything painful or scary but come in your face is - IN MY
OPINION - harmless. Get it?
A. | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:11PM
There's so much truth to this article! Porn mucks around with the heads of the men who use it,
degrades/hurts the women it affects and as a counsellor i've seen it destroy countless relationships!!!
I think there's something sick about a society who considers it normal and healthy to use porn... shows
how desensitized and deceived we've become.
jo | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:12PM
I knew this was going to be a fair, balanced and well researched article when the author labelled the
people attending the porn expo "wankers".
As a female, I will admit that I enjoy watching explicit yet loving and sensual pornography. I would
love to see all degrading and humiliating porn wiped off the face of the earth, only then can all people
truly enjoy porn without the guilt and shame that so many people feel after viewing such material.
Common Sense | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:12PM
Problem is, many of the male readers only read it because of the title...;-) and then took exception!
Unfortunately, the moment you criticise something that is so important to so many men (and a few
women) they will start to feel threatened and attack.
Pornography is all pervasive, and is having a significant - and unchecked/unmeasured impact on
society. I've spoken to forensic psychologists and law enforcement professionals who've recorded a
3000% increase in ten years of men being charged with possessing child pornography. Porn normalises
the bizarre, it puts pressure on relationships and causes teenagers - younger and younger - to become
more sexually active. Sexting and sex related privacy abuses (upskirts, camel toes etc etc) has become
a huge growth industry and massive problem. While the whole idea of 'normal' is obviously subjective,
I fail to see what possible positive impact images of bestiality and explicit BDSM can have on a
emergent sexuality. I am opposed to absolute censorship, and adults should have the opportunity to
view whatver they like - but lets put some restrictions. We censor everything else - books, movies,
magazines - why is the internet a sacred cow? And men (and I am one, and have viewed porn), think a
bit further than your own viewing enjoyment and think about what it might be doing to your kids, or
how your wife feels about it.
Cadwallon | Belgrave - May 18, 2011, 1:13PM
Rolly | Watching Pr0n - May 18, 2011, 10:44AM
Excellent comment, couldn't have put it better myself.
TechHead | Not Inner City Sydney - May 18, 2011, 1:13PM
ahh yes. Men are in such a healthy state when it comes to women. Just reminded myself of that fact
when reading an article about a father who stabbed to death his 2 year old daughter, another that killed
his ex before gassing his daughter, all to get back at the women they could not control anymore. Does
anyone remember the guy that met the real estate agent at a house for sale, raped and strangled her,
leaving her body in the bath? He based it all on 'hard- core' porn movies he had become obsessed with.
Some of you men think that women are there to control and dispose of anyway you please. and, should
we refuse to be controlled, we will suffer the worst of consequences. The women in Gonzo -porn are
not actresses, they are actually having those things done to them. Probably the only acting is in
pretending they enjoy it. And for the poster that said earlier that' Until you have a penis and a males
libido you don't know what you are talking about' Well buddy, Until you have had 2 penises up your
anus, YOU don't know what you are talking about!
AT | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:13PM
"As someone who has studied porn for more than 20 years,..."
Then you've been into it longer than I have.
Perhaps you should drop your obsession, step back, and listen to what the eople here are telling you.
Curious Onlooker | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:14PM
The evidence appears good that youthful marijuana use does lasting psychological damage; does the
same apply to youthful exposure to extreme forms of pornography? Alternatively, are those who
already have a damaged attitude towards women attracted to more degrading and abusive forms of
pornography as they begin to move into using it?
After all, pornography tends to be categorised, suggesting that users probably favour a particular
category. So I am reasonably sure that there is material depicting men and women genuinely enjoying
sex -- and material where they do a reasonably good job of simulating their enjoyment. On the other
hand, it's well-known that violent and degrading sex is also depicted -- and that it is not always the
woman who suffers.
Can any clear judgments be made regarding the effect of watching pornography without differentiating
more clearly between the kinds of pornography watched, and without assessing whether there is any
truth in the contention that "gentle" porn leads inexorably to violent or degrading porn?
What does trouble me, though, is that several people who have commented assume that women who
participate in pornography or have webcam sites are necessarily doing it because of healthy enjoyment.
Several years ago, in relation to legalisation of brothels, I talked with men who use prostitutes, and
discovered (from their accounts) that many of the girls working locally had mental illnesses and
backgrounds of child sexual assault. It leaves me wondering how freely chosen their careers are -- and
whether the same applies to women in the pornography industry.
peter1 | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 1:18PM
This article is clearly concerning itself with the extreme end of the porn industry and the effects it is
having - in some areas. But it does not deal with a significant majority of pornography consumption.
For anyone wanting to educate themselves about the breadth of the market that consumes porn, read
The Porn Report (link below) - the result of an extensive and deeply considered survey into porn
consumption.
The issue of pornography is complex, and warrants an informed perspective.
http://www.thepornreportbook.com/
Hugh | Brisbane - May 18, 2011, 1:18PM
I've had a predilection for porn all my life & I use the internet as a source these days, so I don't have to
pay for it. I have noticed that the gonzo/violent stuff is becoming more prevalent & I find it harder to
find the more old-school stuff that I prefer.
When you see a lot of porn inevitably this affects your real-life. For guys like me this just means a little
dress-up &/or position variation. But if your taste runs to violence - then that's a little more
problematic.
Disappointed to see a lot of macho chest-beating responses to this article. I think we're gonna hear
more about this kind of stuff. A lot of ppl don't - or don't want to - see this issue.
steveh | melb - May 18, 2011, 1:19PM
What a load of crap, the vast majority of actors and viewers take part in porn of their own accord and
for their own reasons. You make it sound like every woman that acts in a porn movie and every man
that watches has a problem. I think you've probably watched to much and it's clouded your judgement
GMC - May 18, 2011, 1:23PM
As far as I'm concerned, romcoms lead to more dysfunction than porn. Romcoms teach women that
they should treat their friends as enemies, and backstab other women without remorse because "you
deserve happiness". It teaches both sexes false images of relationships, and perhaps leads to a sense of
disatisfaction that causes the breakdowns of families. They teach women (and men) that they are
worthless without a partner. But you won't see the feminist who wrote this article going after them
because, unlike porn, romcoms don't commit the crime of being liked primarily by males. Au contraire,
most of romcom's fans are women. So they must be okay despite their totally dysfunctional nature.
Jon - May 18, 2011, 1:26PM
@steveh
Nice to hear a reflective, honest response. and you are right, there are a lot of people who do not want
to see this issue, because lo and behold if they are questioned or prevented from doing exactly as they
please to women. I would like to know if any faters out there reading this, or men who can imagine
being a father, would be plesed to know that their daughter when she is an adult, performed in hard-
core gonzo porn?
AT | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:28PM
I hope you men are happy. A relative was stolen from her village, and abused to make snuff films. She
died after being released. Terrible Trauma to her Anus and vagina.
It is not funny anymore. It is serious criminal network and mafia interest.
Sovereign Risk | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:29PM
""Gonzo" by the industry. In this type of porn, sex is not about making love...fear, disgust, anger,
loathing and contempt.
The man "makes hate" to the woman, as each sex act is designed to deliver the maximum amount of
degradation...Yet the women are still portrayed as enjoying these scenes."
You've contradicted yourself. If they're portrayed as enjoying it, then the goal isn't degradation is it?
And as far as I've read, "gonzo" porn is a style of filming, not some sort of extra-hardcore genre.
Why this woman keeps getting press exposure is beyond me. It's just fear mongering. Every "fact" is
extremely questionable, and most of her claims are based on nothing more than assumptions. Grow up
Gail, you're giving real feminists a bad name.
Brian | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:30PM
'The feelings and emotions we normally associate with such an act'... No Miss Dines, that you associate
with such an act.
When journalists start referring to their assumptions through the word WE,, they sound like a bigoted
politician. And we all no what we think of them.
marc - May 18, 2011, 1:30PM
"As someone who has studied porn for more than 20 years"
Great job if you can get it..
ltw - May 18, 2011, 1:31PM
Come on Gail. You're viewing this issue so negatively. The guys are merely watching instructional
videos for their next romp in the sack! If more women did the same could you imagine what would
happen in bed! A purely hedonistic society would form where we would f*$k the pain away then fight.
Big thumbs up from me to the porn industry who believe in sex rather than war...
Porn for everyone | PNG - May 18, 2011, 1:33PM
As for the more "degrading" porn, it has a lot of female fans. Read any sociological study about the
sexual fantasies of women. They tend to be a lot more degrading than the fantasies of men. Fantasy and
reality are two different things. If we were to ban all depictions of fantasies that would make for
terrible reality because some psychotics fail to make the distinction, there would be almost no art or
literature or film left. Terrible things happened long before most art or most forms of communication
existed. We never lived in a world in which we all worshiped mother goddesses and practised
vegetarianism whilst singing kumbayah and petting bunnies. The world has always been a place full of
danger and violence. Banning something that isn't the cause or even a symptom does NOTHING. Gail
is no better than someone trying to ban gay porn because he or she doesn't like it, all under the
supposed banner of trying to improve society. Guess what? We don't want or even need your help.
Jon - May 18, 2011, 1:34PM
It's really about the women not the men.
It is the women that expoit the men,check it out a woman or girl and not just any woman or girl some
of the ones doing porn in Japan for instance are models and actresses, not the average looker walking
down the street and frankly they don't care what they do for the money.
Show them enough money and they will let the producers of these videos "sexploit" them in every way
possible.
But are they being sexploited ?
No, they are not, they are doing something for money and are quite happy to do it as long as they get
paid.No better than a prostitute, although most of them are prostitutes, they just get higher pay and
don't care if 100 million men watch.
wakeywakey - May 18, 2011, 1:35PM
So many opinions presented as fact, so little empirical data.
Yes, The Age is complicity in man bashing too, quite obvious. I guess fellas are at work, academics
can get their $800 freelander fee for selling their anecdotes masquerading as opinions. We are a drunk
society, selling abortions on demand and making revenue from cigarettes, but make laws against
euthenasia and Marijuana, while our faces are filled with soft porn and bank adverts from the moment
we wake up until the moment we go to sleep. Pity our young children, growing up under hypocrites
like us who will sell anything to them for a dollar and have our own messedup views on the world. And
we call ourselves progressive, advanced, civilised.
Christian | Adelaide - May 18, 2011, 1:39PM
Excellent article Gail. But I fear too little too late. Unfortunately judging by the comments already
made the desensitising process has already had its effect. Cant anyone stand up for good moral living
these days?
Wayneiz | Central Coast - May 18, 2011, 1:43PM
I totally agree with this article! And its no surprise to see all the porn watchers (mostly guys) quickly
jump in to point out what is wrong with the article, instead of what is RIGHT about it!!
Let me guess, you can give up porn anytime you want to, you just don't want to... Well, I'm worried to
think about the impact that this type of addiction will have on my two daughters as they grow up and
are to objects of mens porn fantasies. If young boys are growing up watching hardcore porn and then
expecting girls to play out these fantasies, my girls are going to need to learn self defence before they
end up getting get raped 'because the women in the movie seemed to enjoy it'.
There's a big difference between watching it with your partner and enjoying it, and young boys
watching it and thinking that this is the norm!
saddened | a sick society - May 18, 2011, 1:43PM
Men have been dreaming about other women whilst having sex with their partners since the dawn of
time. I find it difficult to believe women dont either. Porn is a fantasy, are we seriously to believe that a
fantasy will eventually manifest into a behaviour carried out or the need to be carried out. I thought that
was the fantasy in the first place. The inability or unwillingness to carry out that fantasy whilst
enjoying the act with the one you love. As simple as it sounds its the same argument about video game
violence. A insignificant minority using a frivolous argument to validate their extreme behaviour.
CMON please. Next you'll be saying porn = rape.
4ta | funny that - May 18, 2011, 1:45PM
@ harry the heretic "80% of u.s. death row inmates have issues with pornography. what does that tell
you?"
Hey harry, only women "have issues" with anything. Are 80% of US death row inmates women ? No. I
didn't think so. What does that tell me ? That you are a gullible idiot, mostly.
enno | sydney - May 18, 2011, 1:45PM
There's so much truth to this article! Porn mucks around with the heads of the men who use it,
degrades/hurts the women it affects and as a counsellor i've seen it destroy countless relationships!!!
I think there's something sick about a society who considers it normal and healthy to use porn... shows
how desensitized and deceived we've become.
jo | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:12PM
This deception has been engineered ever since the 1960's. Whilst porn has been around since the year
dot, it is only in the last 50 years or so that it has become mainstream and so easily obtainable. The
thinktanks in Britain and the US that started it all knew exactly what would happen and engineered it
that way. A populace obsessed with sex is a distracted populace, a distracted, sexually satisfied
populace is MUCH easier to control and subjugate...
Geoff | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:45PM
Only a capital F Feminist could (rightly) claims that it is irresponsible to blame rape on a woman for
dressing like a slut, and (rightly) claim that sexual liberation for women is good, but then
(hypocritically) go ahead and accuse other women of causing rape by freely dressing / acting like sluts
in front of a camera.
Jon - May 18, 2011, 1:45PM
The comments from men defending porn (do they have daughters??) against 'prudes' and worse
'women' sound just like Americans talking about their precious guns. It staggers me to read how many
people think that porn and/or prostitutes is okay. While not a crime it really sorts the men from the
boys...wankers ;-)
It's the tip of the iceberg...the pornification of our sex lives and the sexualisation of our kids...all part
and parcel I feel. I certainly don't want my son to grow up thinking that sex is about power and
intimidation and I don't want my daughter thinking that being treated like a 'bitch' is acceptable.
Had a male friend who used a lot of porn...still single and sexually dysfunctional at 40.
Wank on brothers.
Mollyduker | Fryerstown Vic - May 18, 2011, 1:46PM
The number of delusional respondents on here is predictable. That porn destroys men's and women's
understanding and expectations of sexuality is clear; it always was.
I have a friend who is into internet porn up to his nostrils. He cannot look at good-looking woman
without projecting upon her the violent sexual imagery he has filled his mind with. Tragic.
But it is shameful in the extreme that so many on here would defend an industry which does this to
men and women.
Mike | Perth, WA - May 18, 2011, 1:47PM
Thanks Gail for telling it like it is. Instead of (some) men defending this industry they should be
examining the truths outlined in your article. Too many men think hardcore pornography is a right with
no negative impact on any individual. Wrong. Whatever happened to self-control? Men who can watch
women being debased in this way obviously have no respect for their mothers, wives, daughters or
sisters.
Jane | around the traps. - May 18, 2011, 1:51PM
Oh, I forgot to mention the wagers.
Women have been fighting for equal wagers and finally got what they wanted the other day,but not so
in the porn industry,where by men get paid maybe 50 to 100 per go and the women get paid anything
from 500 to 10,000 per unit depending on the length of time,the particepants and the extreme.
As someone mentioned previously about raising the bar for performance in the bedroom or kitchen or
where ever you do it,it is a correct statement.
If women in general took a look at themselves they would see why men are driven towards
Pornography.
It fills a gap made by women who use their sexuality to manipulate men.
let's face it men are different from women.
men are driven by what they see and women are driven by their manipulation of sex,it's a weapon to
get what they want,but porn has stepped in and removed that traditional manipulation,so it has become
a case where a man can say bugger off to a woman who thinks she is in control by using her body or
good looks it does not work anymore men do not have to put up with attractive women with a mind fit
for a hamster.
wakeywakey - May 18, 2011, 1:55PM
As Kenneth Williams said decades ago "Obscenity is in the mind of the beholder".
Some people are going to "ruin their lives" in whatever way comes to hand, as it were. Others just want
some light relief from wars, crises, budgets, bills, work. Porn is just one way, music, sky-diving, or
model railways probably work better, but need more effort.
Doubtless there are some really creepy people in the porn business, but the same can be said of banking
and religion, so let us keep some perspective on this.
Anyone who "studies" porn for 25 years needs to get a life.
Just Another Penguin | Croydon - May 18, 2011, 1:59PM
Porn is meant to reduce a person's concept of sex to visuals. It's not sex. So long as you can keep them
separate then it should be fine.
What needs to be balanced is the ability of those who can distinguish, with the effects on society of
those who can't. Unfortunately we are not all as controlled and smart as we think we are.
Does the impact of one fantasy land nut job cancel out the effect of 10 normal people who can use porn
'properly'?
And what does it cost the actors?
On balance I think porn is bad.
Steve - May 18, 2011, 2:00PM
Nonsense, absolute nonsense.
Don't know what era or planet you're living on. I can't believe that you think so little of men and their
ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Porn does have a place in our society and so do
brothels. I really wouldn't like to see the rape, sex assaults on women without these.
I think you have the blinkers on and cant see what what your saying.
Good luck with your crusade.
ZAPPERMAN | Zapptown - May 18, 2011, 2:01PM
I'm a woman who enjoys watching hardcore porn but does not enjoy participating. Does this mean I
belittle women and empower men? Is society a little more immoral? I think not. Hardcore porn exists
because there are people out there who enjoy it, there is a market for it. There are people who enjoy all
sorts of fetishes. The Japanese get it, why can't you?
Mel | Brisbane - May 18, 2011, 2:01PM
I agree with an above poster that pornography in and of itself is not an evil thing. It's not evil to look at
a picture or a video of someone and be aroused and attracted to what's happening in it. It's not
necessarily damaging, either. Just a having a glass of chardonay in the evening doesn't make you a
closet alcoholic or damage your relationships.
However, the porn industry is an extremely powerful and mysoginist entity. Commercialization of porn
has turned it from being somewhat innocent pictures of naked 'ordinary' woman such as we saw on
playing cards from the 1920s, to violent, horribly demeaning acts that are commonly consumed today.
This commercialization is the problem, not the presence of pornography in the first place.
Asynca - May 18, 2011, 2:02PM
I agree that porn has existed throughout human history. But today there is just so much porn and its not
just Playboy centrefold stuff (how innocent that seems!) some of it is just putrid and very dangerous to
men, women and children. There are more and more men having problems because of their use of
porn.Problems in relationships, at work and with the law in the case of the use of child pornography.
This needs to be acknowledged.
sylvie | melbourne - May 18, 2011, 2:03PM
So explain this. I'm a 30-something tertiary educated, professional female, in a loving, sexually
satisfying, heterosexual relationship, but don't mind a bit of exploitative gay porn now and then (maybe
an older male violently 'sodomising' a younger male), and will even conjure up those images
occasionally to help get me over the line, so to speak, with my partner. Where do I fit into these stats?
Clearly I'm a sicko.
Lorelei | Port Melboure - May 18, 2011, 2:03PM
its interesting that 99% of serial killers interviewed admitted to pron addiction.
Porn only leads to other problems. Sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, child porn, beastiality, these
all started with innocent porn, to the point where men or women couldnt gert the same satisfaction so
they turn to more harcore things.
there have been comments, :"if you dont like it then dont watch it"
but these days you only have to turn on the tv for two minutes to be flooded with pornographic images.
i mean even kids movies these days are filled with sexual content.
to all the parents out there.....those guy and girls that would love to get there hands on your children
and rape the living daylights out of them. they all began by watching porn!
like they say, if there is no demand for it then no one needs to supply it. the biggest problem is not
those who make the porn but those who consume it!
Timbo | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 2:10PM
"Studies show..." Really? Which? Sloppy, sloppy article.
Saer - May 18, 2011, 2:17PM
Poorly written article. How on earth did Gail Dines become a professor?
"As long as we have porn, women will never be seen as full human beings deserving of all the rights
that men have."
Define porn and stick to that definition. Otherwise this is just another rant from another evangelist.
Radar - May 18, 2011, 2:18PM
This is just a rehash of Gail Dines last effort.....
Not only is it blighted by an obviously prudish bias, but it is manifestly inaccurate. If someone that
hides behind an academic qualification isn't even able to do the most basic of fact checking (e.g. what
the term 'gonzo' really means) then how can the rest of her article be taken seriously.
This is just one more ignorant man-hating rant and the worst possible kind. Dines has manufactured her
own bigotted view of how life is and then she's gone trawling around trying to re-arrange the facts to fit
her vile view of the world.
Who does she really think she's kidding. My grandparents and my kids would both be able to see
through this article for the loathful piece of rubbish that it is.
Oz | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 2:22PM
MSG (Dragon Slayer) | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:10PM
Firstly, it's factually incorrect. Secondly, the statement has no basis and no measurement. It's merely a
statement from the author with nothing backing it up. There is nothing to quantify it with.
Cadwallon | Belgrave - May 18, 2011, 1:13PM
AT | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 1:13PM
Porn doesn't do anything to a person. It's like saying cars kill people when in fact it's the driver who is
at fault. People cause those things to themselves. Blaming porn is a simplistic scapegoat for the
intellectually bankrupt.
At most there is only the argument that what we have coming out of the woodwork now is people's true
desires after having them repressed for so long by a very conservative culture. Now that we are no
longer herded down the aisle at a young age we are realising that there is more to life than buying the
cow and having our sexual desires being determined by the beck and call of one woman for the rest of
our lives. We are free.
Mike | Perth, WA - May 18, 2011, 1:47PM
It's not "clear" at all. There has never been and proven causal link in any reputable study.
Bender | . - May 18, 2011, 2:31PM
For all you people defending the porn industry, have a look at: www.shelleylubben.com 'The truth
behind the fantasy of porn'.
Open your eyes to what REALLY happens to these men and women!
saddened | a sick society - May 18, 2011, 2:38PM
I agree with this article. I have greatly reduced the amount of porn i view on the net over the last few
years for the sole reason that i have noticed it has changed. Women are told what to do, how to do it,
and i don't see them having much fun. Rough sex and domination seem to be the 'norm' these days and
if any young people watching it think that that is the way to treat a woman then enjoy your single life
cos i don't know too many women who would put up with it. I find it more exciting watching Amateur
porn, as the professionally made stuff is the same every time. Amateur features real people, doing real
things and that i can relate to. Not all of us have six pack abs and full arm tattoos, and i don't know too
many women who have perfect boobs and were born without hair other than on their scalp!
No Thanks... | Ipswich - May 18, 2011, 2:38PM
The author needs to realise that most porn is not the extreme kind, and to live in a male body for a
while...preferably a 20-30 year old male body.
Society simply does not allow an outlet for some folks sexual drives. Part of being "gentlemen" is
suppress all violence and most sexual behaviours that the body considers "normal", yet our culture
considers unacceptable.
To suggest that all porn degrades women and corrupts men is simply naive. Banning it would of course
be much worse...as we know from the "war on drugs"...some things must be tolerated in moderation as
extremism makes things much worse.
Bob | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 2:40PM
I tend to agree. We ban cigarette smoking and worry about alcohol, yet the mind damage from porn
and violence are largely ignored. And if women stopped selling themselves, they wouldn't be treated
like commodities.
peter | vietnam - May 18, 2011, 2:40PM
Great article and well presented Gail, I'm sure that there are a lot more to it that did not make it to print.
As a recovered on/off porn addict for many years, I must I agree mostly with what has been said there.
Porn has gone from soft/just picture of naked women (in my youth) to "now/everyday" acts of
bondages and sex parties that use (mostly) women bodies to be exploited in the form of entertainment,
not intimate sanctity between a man & a woman.
It's one of those self-indulgence addiction that is difficult to get rid off as I thought it will stop one day
(marriage) and will not affect anyone else but me, unlike smoking, drugs & alcohols, etc.
Obviously, I was wrong. Porn degrades/devours one's life "slowly" to the max; not just consuming
your mind with sexual images & arousal non-stop, but further "normal" relationship with the opposite
sex, spouse, etc.
I do not believe in government policies of limiting sales, different internet bandwidth, etc. etc. will
deter men & women from consuming this "self-indulgence destructive addiction".
The only policy that government wants to introduce for the welfare/quality of its citizens (mostly men)
and in turn reducing crimes & violence against "mostly women & children is introducing initiatives
that will assist porn-addicts to recover by restoring/reforming a person inner being/soul as it has been
contaminated with wrongful image/s about oneself and sex as means of fulfilling that lack of image.
The only enjoyable, most fulfilling & "safe-sex" is "sexual intimacy" between a "whole" man and a
"whole" woman under the covenant of marriage.
jtrika | doncaster - May 18, 2011, 2:53PM
I am a woman who loves porn! I mostly enjoy bondage and S&M pornography.
My partner and I maintain a healthy sex life with respect for one another, and are open about our own
(often differing) interests or fetishes. We can separate fantasy from reality, and WOW- he doesn't
expect me to bleach my arsehole or shave any bodily hair I may have so that I will more resemble a
porn star.
In fact, I don't think either one of us finds the actors attractive in most porn we watch- it's not about
seeing tits and dicks, it's more about the power play and other elements, for us.
I find it so strange that people can't accept that others have sexual interests different to their own, and
that there is not necessarily anything wrong or sick about that!
Katie | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 2:58PM
Great article; i agree with everything you said;
There are, however, many girls who find ordinary love making boring; they like to be beaten up,
choked, tied up...etc; my last girlfriend for example repeatedly asked me to be rough in bed " the
rougher / harder the better.." seriously i remember being scared to hurt her, but she goes you are soft....
now i have became really nasty in bed with girls they love it;
Assman | St. Kilda Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 3:01PM
Hard core porn hasn't had any effect, negative or otherwise, on my life. Nor that of my circle of mates.
Porn: see one film, see two (adolescence), then it's just boring. The freak show bit comes in when
someone comes along with a grainy video of women doing just about anything with just about
anyone/thing. Disgusting. You wonder what drives them to such behaviour. But there is absolutely NIL
transfer to the women you know/love/respect/just encounter during the course of your day. Just the
acknowledgement that there are lots of freaks out there, both XX & XY, and you're quite happy you
don't know them. This article is painting with the proverbial broad brush, but that's to be expected from
a professor of women's studies. Such is Andrea Dworkin's legacy.
Neddy | NQ - May 18, 2011, 3:07PM
Surely porn is preferable to cheating on one's partner?
Maybes - May 18, 2011, 3:09PM
Police should be cracking down in internet porn.
Brizben - May 18, 2011, 3:11PM
I agree men are scum...society should nanny them into a hard-core catholic realm where sex is
suppressed into something semi-evil only meant for procreation...men and women dont have sexual
urges, thats crazy talk...oh yeah i just watched a violent movie, i suppose its influence is forcing me to
become a serial killer...anyway better not waste any time before the influence kicks off!!
Rob | Canberra - May 18, 2011, 3:11PM
"This is a business with considerable political clout, with the capacity to lobby politicians, engage in
expensive legal battles and use public relations to influence public debate. The business is increasingly
able to deploy a sophisticated and well-resourced marketing machine, not just to push its wares but to
cast the industry's image in a positive light....."
I thought she was describing religion....oh sorry they all do it.
Go peddle your wares some place else Gail...maybe the 19th Century?
sniffer dog | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 3:16PM
Will we now have a right of reply from Australian Professors Alan McKee, Catharine Lumby and Kath
Albury who wote the first academic study of porn in Australia?
Their findings were clear - and completely the reverse of this over-hyped US-based drivel.
"While there it's often assumed that there's a link between watching pornography and having bad
attitudes to women our research suggests that people who consume pornography tend to have more
socially progressive attitudes towards women than those who don't. One of the most likely explanation
for this is that they are less likely to have old-fashioned religious or politically conservative attitudes to
women."
http://www.thepornreportbook.com
Religious and political conservatives - anti-porn AND anti-women! What a surprise! NOT!
Jeff Poole | Brisbane - May 18, 2011, 3:22PM
I have recently come across anti-porn web sites and documentaries.I have decided, personally, to drop
porn and its' influence from my life. This was relatively recent - perhaps 6 weeks ago - but I have felt
better and felt relationships with those around me, especially women, improve. Why? I used porn for
entertainment, until I saw the documentary "Hardcore" (recommended!). My reasons for giving up
porn are
1. Performers are treated badly by the industry. Between 5 and 10 die each year from drugs, STDs,
suicide, or (women) murdered.
2. The industry is completely unregulated. Performers are put in harm's way by agents who are
completely unscrupulous. Performers aren't protected from disease -testing is inadequate, and about
75% of them have Herpes and /or HPV. They only last about a year before they are forced out , and
end up with nothing.
3. It aids and abets the sex trafficking industry. In Sydney, 2/3 brothels are illegal, staffed by trafficked
women. Since the NSW Police are busier busting us for traffic instead of running a Vice Squad, I have
to try reducing demand somehow.
4. I felt disenchanted / alienated from what I saw. I don't like watching anals, D.Ps, facials - which are
more frquent, and not anything I could relate to.
5. Watching documentaries, I felt empathy for many of the performers. Once that happens, you can't
enjoy what you are seeing.
There are two types of porn critics. The Christians and the feminists. Of those, Christians are more
consistent: porn is an affront to human dignity. Feminists have contributed to the problem by
destabilising marriage and disenfranchising men. They then wonder why there is an increase in porn
since they began meddling in our lives.
rp - May 18, 2011, 3:30PM
I disagree with Gail on her last point, as I believe that porn allows a release for men and women
(literally and metaphorically) and can have a place in our society.
HOWEVER, she raises many valid points that it wouldn't hurt to consider. Porn addiction is a serious
issue and education about this is essential. Also, I would like to know what most men would think if
they had heard of or witnessed their female friends/sisters in a Gonzo situation -- would you be
horrified that they were treated like that? Porn is dangerous when the line between fantasy and reality
become blurred and not everyone has the capacity to control when they cross this line, especially while
inebriated.
As a woman I have experienced many internal and external pressures to look and act a certain way. I
believe that the porn industry plays at least a partial role in exacerbating this unrealistic ideal image of
an attractive and sexy woman.
Boys.... before you prematurely spray your knee jerk reactions over the Internet to a piece written about
porn by a Woman and Professor in Women's studies... have a think about the content, what does porn
mean to you, and what are the consequences that degrading portrayals of woman have on your lady
friends/girlfriends and sisters.
Emma - May 18, 2011, 3:32PM
Porno may have adverse effects on a small percentage of men, but for most its a fantasy and viewed as
such. Men know that the degrading acts performed on screen wont be tolerated by most women, and
therefore know the line not to cross. It is therefore of the highest importance for a man to find a kinky
woman who will do all that nasty stuff so he can get his rocks off.
Dave - May 18, 2011, 3:33PM
I live in cambodia,a very conservative society.
Yet many women have western porn clips on their phones.
Available at the market for 25 cents each.
mrhump | phnom penh - May 18, 2011, 3:35PM
Thanks for asking the hard questions. As the father of older teenage boys I believe that porn can be
very very disturbing to young men, when you consider the process of a young persons emotional
maturation, and the number of pressures and issues they already face in modern society, i simply
cannot sensibly arrive at a conclusion that porn, particularly violent shamelessly degrading porn, is
harmless for teenagers. I believe it has real potential to be extremely disturbing for teenagers, unless
contextualised for them as the output of commercial enterprises whose only motivation is attracting
paying viewers by whatever means, almost completely irrespective of the narrative portrayed, the roles
projected. A lot of the material available does deliver a graphic, seductive and distorted view of sex,
women and the role of men and women in sexual relationships. Thank goodness there are some people
who have the time and resources to assess whats going on and raise warning flags while the rest of us
rush through our busy lives. Keep up the good work.
Getreal | Perth - May 18, 2011, 3:36PM
As College Humour points out here
http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6478389/girls-watch-porn-too
Girls watch porn too.
I'm a woman, and I watch hardcore, violent porn and it turns me on. Sorry Gail, but not everyone is a
prude like you.
cassia | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 3:37PM
Where do I fit into these stats? Clearly I'm a sicko.
Lorelei | Port Melboure - May 18, 2011, 2:03PM
Yep.
e - May 18, 2011, 3:47PM
Mark of Mudgeeraba says of this article, 'Codswallop. When you've got a penis and male libido maybe
you'll have a viewpoint worth hearing.' I say to Mark, 'When you're a woman on the receiving end of
violent, demeaning sex, then you'll have a different viewpoint equally worth hearing.' The point is that
men pay to watch or participate in such scenes, women get paid for enduring them. How can you say
it's not brutalising for all involved?
Pat of Noosa - May 18, 2011, 3:50PM
David | Victoria - May 18, 2011, 12:04PM
The comments like yours and other people are very sad to hear, but I'm glad you've recognized the
problem and have tried to work on it.I wish you all the best.
People are kidding themselves, if they think this is not affecting us as a society. It will all come out in
the wash.
Dame - May 18, 2011, 3:58PM
The reality is our society is murdering itself on an abuse of privilages and the abuse of one another, but
we are all to small and shallow to stop and pull our heads out of the instant gratification that we are in
and take notice.
Jack | Sydney - May 18, 2011, 11:26AM
What on earth are we to do? You even try and talk about it, you are the "fun police" trying to "control
others".
Dame - May 18, 2011, 4:01PM
Mollyduker,
If you are concerned for your children why not try explaining to them about porn before they get to see
it first hand? You can explain the difference between porn and regular sex before they hear things in
school. Your home computer should have child-proof software, and then I think you can leave it up to
your kids. As far as I can gather not many of them are budding pornstars, but what would I know as a
childless 30-something.
To be frank I, like other recent posters, don't enjoy suffering and violence in sex, and that includes
porn. My ex was no prude but when it was clear where we were heading she said she doesn't like porn
sex. Well it turns out she meant she didn't want to be degraded or something, which made me find her
more attractive. Sex is only a turn on if both of you are turned on by how you're doing it.
Matheus | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 4:08PM
I am a single lady, who has many and varied interests... occassionally I watch a bit or porn,
occasionally I get up to all sorts of things!
What I find quite disturbing is I can tell by being with a man what sort of porn (or if any) that he
watches. I can tell you, men who watch a lot of porn do just act out their favourite scenes, slap you
around a bit and then are done. Men who watch a little or not much (we are talking the hard core stuff
here) generally ARE more intimate, are interested in the females desire, and who they are as a person.
It is actually quite scary.
That is not to say that men who do indulge in porn cannot have intimate expereinces, just usually the
men who are sexually agressive do have a penchant for the harder porn.
I think we do not give the power of the media to influence social behavious enough credit. Porn is a
high form of advertising.
It does disturb me that people now need more extreme acts to become aroused...
I love men and sex, but it has been a disturbing trend that I can really tell who is really into the hard
stuff and who isnt, just by their bedroom antics.
Boobies | Melbourne - May 18, 2011, 4:09PM
Couple of points.
Firstly, the term "addict" has appeared in almost every post but I'm not aware that anyone has actually
quantified this - what exactly would make one a porn addict?
Secondly, I have watched porn on and off for the past 20-odd years too - latterly via the intenet where I
enjoy visiting amateur porn sites where couples have uploaded films of their own sex lives (dare I say
lovemaking?)
Now following the argument that people (men?) who are "addicted" to porn must somehow be so
affected that they must replicate what they see on screen in their own bedrooms as they cannot separate
fantasy from reality, one might expect these home made films to copy much of what so offends Ms
Dines - namely the brutalisation and objectificaction of women.
But guess what - they don't! Much of the content features very ordinary men and women doing their
best to bring their partners to orgasm as part of what appears to be a very loving and normal
relationship.
No doubt this would be seen by Ms Dines and her fellow Feminists as somehow dis-empowering since
wimmin ought to be able to climax on their own terms without us beastly men taking control of that
part of their loves too.
What's an addict? - May 18, 2011, 4:11PM
Feminist tripe or not, this is about the
"most profitable porn today that depicts hardcore, body-punishing sex - called "Gonzo" and the
emotional ramifications of watching it.
It's a bit worrying that that's what the consumer is demanding you have to admit.
Tabs - May 18, 2011, 4:11PM
Reminds me of the feminist off Borat! Jokes.
This person is way too uptight and out of touch with society. Everyone I know has no issue with Porn,
and I think sex in general in society is quite open these days, what we even have a sex political party
now.
I agree with many of the above comments that she has not included gay porn in her argument, or
softcore porn or sensual love making types of porn. She as the extremist unrealistic feminist that she is,
has instead focused on the worst part of the industry that whilst may be profitable, does not represent
the vast majority's use of porn.
Damo - May 18, 2011, 4:16PM
Like many of my male and female friends I occasionally enjoywatching non-violent explicit erotica.
None of us watches violent sexual movies and we are not interested in doing so. This article is so
biased that it totally lacks credibility. The whole notion of erotica exploiting women amuses me. A
woman gets paid (a lot more than her male co-stars) to have sex in front of a camera. Men (and some
women) pay money to watch them. Business people (both male and female) make a lot of money. It
would seem that it is male sexuality that is being exploited to me. What about the many women who
make a post sexually explicit videos of them selves (with or without a partner) because they enjoy
being watched? Who is exploited in the rapidly expanding amateur porn genre? My friends and I far
prefer amateur porn because it features real people actually enjoying sex. Who is being exploited? It
seems to me that the underlying belief which causes negative reactions to porn and even possibly the
existence of less positive things like violent porn is that sex is "dirty" and still wrong somehow.
Those of us - both performing and watching - who enjoy our positive porn don't agree. We love our
sex, our erotica and one another. I wish the prudes out there would just leave us alone.
Old firey | Brisbane - May 18, 2011, 4:17PM
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/how-the-hardcore-porn-industry-is-
ruining-young-mens-lives-20110517-1erac.html#ixzz1MgUDfvAL