The True Cost of Porn: A Barry Moment

Pardon me if I take, um...umbrage with Barry McDonalds hysterical opinion piece in the L.A. Times about the deleterious effects of porn. Yes again, the deleterious effects of porn. First of all, never, EVER, trust an opinion piece when the word 'true' is used to act as the definitive statement on, as in this case, the "true" costs of porn. Nobody knows that and, besides, at least define 'true' for us at the very least. Second, as an amendment to First, never, EVER, trust an opinion piece where sweeping generalizations about porn are made without considering alternative pornography. "They are essentially forced into it by some combination of dire financial straits, broken homes, lack of education, drug or alcohol problems, and physical or sexual abuse." Okay. Gee, sorry. But what about those that aren't? Oh, and if they're gay? Bisexual? Transgendered? Then what? And why is it the Porn Industry's fault that some are broken BEFORE porn gets added to the mix? Sure, directors and casting agents have a moral responsibility to dissuade actresses (and actors) who are clearly unfit for the job because of their already unstable state of mind. But  you can't always know that initially. (See: Mysteries of Life.) Finally, if Porn can trigger violent behavior in men towards women who already have said propensity then why punish porn? Shouldn't we punish violent instincts if we must punish? Sooo, the whole thing is riddled with intellectual holes but I guess when your an associate professor of First Amendment Law at Pepperdine University, you've earned the right to spew absolutes. Isn't that where former prosecutor Ken Starr teaches? I'm just saying... (VH/TE.)

Comments

[Laurent]

I could not agree more. Why pick on topics that have been with humanity since time immemorial. Here in Italy and next door in Greece museums are full of naked male and female statues. In Athens an erect penis is a common thing, just look into any museum. Prostitution, porn,homosex, has been with us and will be with us forever.
But some people just cannot accept it.