Vandenberg PHI-102 T/TH 8:30 Megan Kupres
Robert Jensen, Associate Professor of the Communication Department at the University
of Texas at Austin, began his lecture by asking members of a packed audience to finish the
statement, “Pornography is…” Upon his command, answers to this question were shouted across
the room. While some people claimed it is “misogynistic” and “degrading to women,” others
argued that it is “a form of art,” “misrepresented,” “empowering,” and “someone’s job.” These
are incredibly varied responses and reveal the longstanding controversial nature of this
confounding issue.
Jensen revealed a very perplexing paradox that pornography poses. Without a doubt,
pornography has become more mainstream and widely available. It is a billion dollar industry
that has taken over Hollywood culture and has seeped into the lives of all those who own a
television. At the same time, pornography is undeniably degrading to women and often presents
a manner of racism. Thus the paradox arises—how can a media genre be so degrading, and at the
same time, be so widely accepted? Jensen asserts that pornography is what the end of the world
would look like when the very basic human capacity for empathy and morality is eroded and
replaced with an abundance of overwhelming animalistic cravings that portrays women as sex
objects and commodities.
Aquinas contends that inclinations should not be avoided. If God gave one a certain
inclination, then there is a reason for it. Sexual tendencies are inherent qualities for all human
beings. Without this urge to have sex and thus reproduce, how would all of humanity exist? This
is indisputable. What is questionable, however, is whether or not Aquinas would regard
pornography—visual sexual stimulation—as an acceptable outlet for sexual gratification. My
guess is not. Pornography is visual stimulation and doesn’t necessarily reach or entirely satisfy
one’s sexual desires. Pornography feeds into primarily males’ fantasies and creates a longing for
Vandenberg PHI-102 T/TH 8:30 Megan Kupres
more realistic applications of the images. Oftentimes they imagine replicating porn’s style into
everyday relationships and interactions, which sometimes simply isn’t possible. Thus, as mere
gratification leaving more to be desired, Aquinas would argue that it is not true happiness.
Seventy-percent of porn consumers are men. Pornography feeds into the desires of these
viewers or consumers. The porn industry has adopted new porn techniques and continues to
increase its revenue due to its increasing demand. Ostensibly, with regards to Hume’s Greatest
Happiness Principle, pornography would be an acceptable art form—bringing the greatest
happiness to the greatest amount of people. However, the desire for sex is an animalistic faculty
and not a true means to happiness. In that case, pornography—a billion dollar industry and
growing representation of our culture—can’t even amount to higher, more intellectual faculties.
What does this say about our society? Yes, pornography is created and distributed upon demand,
but is this not somewhat embarrassing that the top industry in our nation is one that produces
films, pictures, toys, video games and other products that essentially place women as
commodities? Is this really what we cherish most?
In addition, pornography lacks certain reciprocity. While the viewer is satisfied, others
are harmed in the process. Yes, some women have created luxurious lifestyles for themselves
from the porn industry; it’s somewhat disturbing to know that this success was achieved by
essentially selling their bodies. The porn industry has turned women into commodities. This is a
harmful message to women and can result in false interpretations of their sexuality and how they
should perceive themselves. In relationships, it can be discouraging to a wife or girlfriend to
know that a partner is looking at porn, sending the underlying message that “any woman can
fulfill the job I am doing.”
Vandenberg PHI-102 T/TH 8:30 Megan Kupres
Pornography is controversial. It has grown into a billion dollar industry and is projected
to grow even more. It has provided jobs for innumerable women across the globe. At the same
time, its underlying degradation of women cannot be ignored. It’s unreasonable to suppose that
pornography can be eliminated—it’s become far too popular for that. However, its appearance in
other more public media venues, such as music videos and movies, should be regulated or
monitored more closely.