Erotic art is not simply a modern means of sexual expression
Erotic art is not simply a modern means of sexual expression. Sexual representation of the human body dates back to prehistoric times, where the worship of genitalia and sexuality were considered integral in promoting fertility, educating newly weds and warding off evil spirits (Kelly, 2001, p.424). The commercialization of sexuality is not a contemporary movement either. Prostitution is considered to be one of the earliest professions, and provided, in many instances, financial security for women in a largely male dominated society, and sexual pleasure for men without long term financial or emotional restraints. In the mass-communicable literate society we find ourselves in today, pornography continues this ancient tradition, providing a functional alternative to prostitution (Polsky, 1967, p.187). This industry continues to thrive, as can be seen by simply perusing any of newsagent or pornographic stores in Vancouver. An estimated eight billion dollars a year is spent in the! US on pornography, six billion of this by men (Strossen, 2000, p.xxiv). Voices for and against pornography are equally loud and persuasive. Those against pornography cite associations between pornography and aggressive behavior (Cameron & Frazer, 1992, p.
Strossen, N. (2000) Defending pornography: free speech, sex and the fight for women¯s rights. New York: New York University Press. Kelly, G. F. (2001) Sexuality today: the human perspective. New York: McGraw-Hill. Kaminer, W. (2000) Foreword to the new edition. In: Nadine Strossen. Defending pornography: free speech, sex and the fight for women¯s rights. New York: New York University Press. 367), the portrayal of men¯s bodies simply as machines (Livingston, 2001, p. E2), and the degradation of women, including the socialization of the of submissive female, the portrayal of women solely as sex objects, and the perpetuation of the rape myth; that women want to be raped (Kelly, 2001, p.429). Advocates of pornography shout the right to freedom of expression (Kaminer, 2000, p. xi), note the number of jobs it creates (Polsky, 1967, p.196) and the benefits associated with the normalization of sexual desire (Moore, 1985, p.64), as well as promoting the ability of pornography to provide treatment for sexual dysfunction, and to improve marital relationships through modeling of sexual technique (United States Department of Justice, 1986, p.1028).
Some common words found in the essay are:
Deal Myers-Bowman, , Playboy Hustler, Men± Moore, Cameron Frazer, Hefner Playboy¯s, Nadine Strossen, Company Strossen, Strossen Defending, Department Justice, university press, fight women¯s rights, defending pornography free, sex fight, pornography free speech, york york, fight women¯s, rights york, kelly 2001, york university, free speech sex, free speech, speech sex fight, strossen 2000, polsky 1967,
Approximate Word count = 999
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
