by Rosemary Redfern

Created on: April 28, 2011

Whatever is published in the media, whatever we see and hear about, frequently affects us subliminally or even overtly. Pornography degrades sex. It assumes many things which are not true, such as if someone looks good they are asking for sex. The multitude of magazines published pander to a sad group of people who do not seem to be able to form healthy relationships and as a result think that their activities are sophisticated.

Pornography makes sex out to be something which uses people. Women are seen as objects rather than persons in their own right, who can be used however a man wishes. Less dominant men are treated in the same way. Often, as in wars, rape is used as a weapon of degradation. All that does is fuel more anger and revenge. The case of the young woman in Asia who was condemned to be gang raped in punishment for something her brother is thought to have done is hard to understand. The decision came out of distorted thinking.

There is a lot of sad thinking by those who produce, read, view and need pornography. It creates a distortion of something which should be a pleasure shared between a couple, in their own time and space. 

Part of the problem is that there are so many taboos around sex, which treat it as a forbidden subject and activity. As soon as something is prohibited, it enhances its attractiveness. The alcohol prohibition in the early 20th century showed that. The result of prohibition is that sex becomes even more attractive, adding to the natural drive we all have. Some of the taboos are understandable because parents fear for the health of their children, fear unwanted pregnancies. Misperceptions abound because sex education is not taught in some places to counter the extraordinary ideas and myths that ignorance generates. Being more open about sex would be far more healthy and lead to fewer odd ideas.

Sexual activity is a normal, healthy way of expressing love, of having fun and sharing with another person. It is also, usually, a private occupation. This also raises curiosity by those inexperienced and lacking in knowledge. Those with twisted ideas think something is happening that they are missing out on.

Any material that is published, whether in printed form or as in films, which degrades another person brings out the bully and the wimp in those inadequate individuals. When you view enough ugly material, as in the reports of terrorist atrocities, you become immune to the normal human responses of horror that such things happen. 

The problem with prohibiting pornography would be to drive it underground and compound the problem.

Learn more about this author, Rosemary Redfern.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.