Pornography

This was a short, easy to read book on the truth of pornography and its harmful effects. I'd recommend it for anyone interested in getting a bit more credible info on the subject. A very good read and certainly very relevant to anyone interested in the effects pornography is having on the world around them.

I say this is a must for everyone because pornography effects everyone (whether you use it or not). This is an honest look into the world of pornography including the producers, consumers, and victims. Since it was written by 3 outspoken liberal feminists (e.g., one author claims to be anti-capitalist, and they all dismiss religious conservatives such as fundamentalists as often hypocritical; not to mention, they make a point of naming the Catholic religion of many of the users and abusers of porn). Even with those quibbles (since I'm a conservative/fundamentalist Baptist, pro-capitalist, and for the most part, anti-feminist), I still highly recommend this book. Beware, however: the illustrations of mainstream porn and the accounts of the victims are very graphic. For those of us who never "got into" the world of hardcore or semi-hardcore pornography, this will be an eye-opener that will make you both sad and disgusted. If you don't have the money to buy this book, please go see if your library has it (like mine). A must read no matter where you are on the left-right social/political spectrum.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding a feminist anti-pornography perspective. It is careful, responsible, and evenhanded while also engaging moral and political passion about this very important subject. The authors effectively describe pro-pornography positions that some feminists have supported, and respond to these views with careful arguments that, to my mind, settle the issue firmly for the anti-pornography side. [...] Gail Dines' chapter on the growth of the porn business, beginning with Playboy, is alone worth the price of admission. Even (or especially) if you don't agree with feminist anti-porn politics, you should read this book.

As a student of Gail Dines, this book was part of the required reading. What an eye opener! The book gives an honest account and analyzation of the pornography industry, how it keeps the status of women below men, and the effects of it on the women who are in the industry. It gives valid responses for the arguments that pornograpy is part of free speech and is a great opportunity for women to earn a lot of money and boost their career. The information is brutally honest and will never leave you. I highly recommend it.

The thing about this book is that it's pure honesty from start to finish. These authors do not shade the truth at all. One can tell, just from reading one line of Gail Dines' essays (or anyone else's for that matter) that she has been there, done that, seen it all, and ready to share it with the reader. It's the point of no return and only intended for the strong-stomached, but a quality piece of work. Definitely recommended.