week 8 presentation

Week 8 - The Ethics of Porn of the Net

This is an interesting article that questions pornography on the internet. Kath Albury undertook research in the field of, “representations of heterosexuality in media and popular culture”. She raises several questions regarding moral and ethically standards in the pornographic world of the internet.

The article begins with Albury asking the underlying question of the article, ‘What is wrong with pornography?’ In answering this question, Albury makes it clear that one must look to the question of morality between the different sectors of society. Firstly she makes reference to Judeo-Christian’s who share a rather conservative view regarding pornography. They strongly believe that sex is something private between married couples, and should be kept in the bedroom. They believe that pornography encourages immoral sex and is therefore immoral. She then presents the Marxist view, which is somewhat similar to a radical feminist view. Essentially the Marxist view is one which believes that ‘porn performers’ are alienated from experiencing their own sexuality since their job is the performance of sex therefore making it labour rather than something which should be for recreation or procreation. Albury then goes on to discuss the feminist approach to pornography making it clear that the vast majority of feminists (largely radical) believe that pornography promotes the exploitation of women. She goes on to say that pornography encourages a sexualised view of women by men (the prime group who access porn) and makes women appear as more of a commodity therefore allowing them to be objectified.

Albury then goes on to discuss that while porn on the internet may be considered immoral and perhaps even unethical, it does allow for certain sub-sections of society to express themselves. In terms of mainstream pornography it is clear that they favour a rather unrealistic beauty, i.e. women with ‘silicone implants, taut aerobicised loins, fake tan, false nails, big hair and Brazilian waxes’, when the reality is that this ideal is far from the natural attributes of everyday women. Through pornography, largely via the influx of amateur pornography producers, women and men are able to move away from perceived norms and express themselves for their own unique sexual beauty. Albury makes reference to several websites that encourage a different view of the sexualised woman and man, for example the ‘hair to stay’ website, which encourages women to embrace their natural beauty including their bodily hair.

She concludes the article by questioning whether pornography on the internet is unethical. Essentially it is up to the individual person based on their own beliefs and opinions to decide whether porn on the internet is unethical. This is an interesting article that calls into question a rather controversial issue. Personally I am unsure where I stand regarding this topic. I do agree with the feminist approach presented in terms of the sexualisation of women and how mainstream pornography largely promotes a rather unrealistic woman, therefore often sending out the wrong message. However I am a supporter of freedom of expression, so provided the pornography does not overstep the law it is up the individual to do as they please.

This is an interesting topic and I am excited to hear your opinions. Some questions to consider would be firstly what is your opinion of pornography on the internet? Do you believe it to be immoral or rather as an opportunity for people to express themselves via another form on the internet? Also perhaps it would be interesting to look at your personal beliefs regarding the moral and ethical arguments that surround the issue.

I look forward to hearing your responses.