Opposing Viewpoints: Pornography 01 - L

The "Opposing Viewpoints" series usually provides an interesting look at a controversial subject from a variety of differing perspectives. Their volume on pornography is no exception. First I will admit that I, as a sex-positive believer in both gender equality and civil liberties, come to this issue with strong opinions against the censorship of pornography. However, what suprised me about this book is just how weak the arguments of the anti-porno side were. Also, somewhat to my suprise, there were more anti-censorship arguments from women and more pro-censorship arguments from men. More feminists wrote for the anti-censorship side as well. The anti-porno opinions mostly came from right-wing male religious fanatics and social conservatives. They generally provided only a a very basic "porno is bad because it is morally wrong and harms society" argument without any real facts or statistics. Among the pro-porno side, perhaps the best essay was written by Carol Queen, a very articulate and knowledgeable sex-positive feminist. I especially liked how she demonstrated the irrationality and absurdity of sex-negative nut cases like Andrea Dworkin and Catherine MacKinnon. Queen explained how the crazy Dworkin, in her book "Intercourse", even went so far as to say that all heterosexual sex is actually rape because women are so oppressed that they don't even the power to consent to their own sexuality. Fortunately, there are feminists like Carol Queen to point out the lunacy of these ridiculous theories. Other sex-positive feminists in this book describe the bizarre political coalition between the pro-censorship feminists and the religious right - both being anti-freedom, moral puritans of the worst kind. OK, like I said, I have strong feelings on this issue. But, after all, that is what the "Opposing Viewpoints" series is all about. A worthwhile read!