by Bethany Johnson

Created on: August 05, 2010

Pornography in itself is a violation against traditional societal values. Sexual intercourse, viewed in past times as something to occur behind closed doors, has evolved into a showcase of vulgarity. The internet has made pornography into a widespread epidemic that has infected the minds of adults and teenagers alike.

There is no XXX section of the internet that checks identification to ensure that underage viewers are banned from having access to pornographic material. This instills in our country’s youth a sense that women can essentially be used at will for entertainment and personal pleasure. This causes an immediate rift between the genders when young men begin to view girls a prize to be won, had and left for someone else. It also affects teenage girls as they battle with their opinions of their bodies and sense of self-worth. Young ladies are more likely to view sexual intimacy as having an inherent commitment, while their partners may simply think of an evening together as a fling or bragging rights. Pornography is a factor in how children grow into their own sexual identities. In many cases, adult films are the first exposure that teenagers have to sexual intercourse. This only tells future generations that unprotected sex with multiple partners is acceptable. How many 12-year-olds have to become pregnant before a correlation between the pornography industry and pregnancy is drawn?

The objectification of women is a great stain on modern society. It only furthers the idea that women belong in the home and their primary purpose is to either bear children or give their husband sexual satisfaction. Pornography bolsters this idea by constantly displaying male-dominated images and scenes to the subscribing public. While there is nothing wrong with powerful female sexuality, the kind of sexuality expressed in pornography is demeaning and animalistic. Female porn stars often endure abusive treatment and willingly trade their dignity as women for a few moments in the spotlight.

In the age of Angela Merkel, Nancy Pelosi and Sarah Palin, it is simply inconceivable that women will still tolerate such a grievous insult against the female integrity. The glass ceiling will not break itself without the help of decent male employers, peers and significant others. Sexual harassment, often the source of male humor, is a very serious issue in today’s workforce. Women are reluctant to tattle to their superiors, but sometimes it is required to enact change.

 Men abstaining from watching or reading adult material is simply a sign of common respect and an acknowledgement of equality. Pornography is not natural, nor does it need to be a component of a healthy marriage or relationship. True respect must be demanded because it will never be given. The elimination of pornography from the daily lives of so many people is simply the start.

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