Pornography often is degradating and humiliating, but 1) not all pornography is that way and therefore 2) pornography does not have to be that way. Some pornographic performers consider the work to be empowering and fulfilling.
I'm not sure Chomsky is categorically decrying pornography so much as criticizing what is a prevalent flaw in the industry. Chomsky, as he often is, is not entirely clear about his position.
Pornography often is degradating and humiliating, but 1) not all pornography is that way and therefore 2) pornography does not have to be that way. Some pornographic performers consider the work to be empowering and fulfilling.
I'm not sure Chomsky is categorically decrying pornography so much as criticizing what is a prevalent flaw in the industry. Chomsky, as he often is, is not entirely clear about his position.
Sasha Grey is a porn actress. She does say it is an empowering act and makes her feel good. She also is involved in some of the most hardcore mainstream pornography around, which often includes a lot of humiliation such as her being treated like a dog and being told to bark and fetch things...So, empowerment seems to be based on the subject.
Something like "humiliation" and "degradation" can be measured on two accounts. One is how it makes the performers feel. Apparently Sasha Grey is unaffected by the acts she submits to. The other is how it affects the viewers; I think most people watching Sasha Grey playing fetch will interpret that as her being degraded and humiliated. It's not healthy for anyone to be turned on by that, since it would lead to behavior that humiliates and degrades women (even if Sasha Grey would not feel humiliated by those behaviors).
Not that I would ever do anything to stop you from producing, buying, or selling pornographic materials that humiliate and degrade women...
What's the difference in people getting enjoyment out of watching Sasha Grey barking and watching Sherman from American Pie pissing his pants? (Sorry, I couldn't think of a better example) They are both acting and they are both being 'humiliated'. Should we shut down the movie industry? (Shutting down the American Pie franchise wouldn't have been a terrible idea)
What's the difference in people getting enjoyment out of watching Sasha Grey barking and watching Sherman from American Pie pissing his pants? (Sorry, I couldn't think of a better example) They are both acting and they are both being 'humiliated'. Should we shut down the movie industry? (Shutting down the American Pie franchise wouldn't have been a terrible idea)
Is this a confession of having masturbated to American Pie?
What's the difference in people getting enjoyment out of watching Sasha Grey barking and watching Sherman from American Pie pissing his pants? (Sorry, I couldn't think of a better example) They are both acting and they are both being 'humiliated'. Should we shut down the movie industry? (Shutting down the American Pie franchise wouldn't have been a terrible idea)
Is this a confession of having masturbated to American Pie?
I knew guys in college that did... AND NO I WAS NOT ONE OF THEM.
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"Not only is pizza attractive and charming, he also has a huge penis." - Awkward Smile
What's the difference in people getting enjoyment out of watching Sasha Grey barking and watching Sherman from American Pie pissing his pants? (Sorry, I couldn't think of a better example) They are both acting and they are both being 'humiliated'. Should we shut down the movie industry? (Shutting down the American Pie franchise wouldn't have been a terrible idea)
Is this a confession of having masturbated to American Pie?
Well yeah... I thought that was quite evident. I was just about to come when Shannon Elizabeth's boobs came on screen and I lost my erection.