Pornography vs Sexuality vs Society:
Pornography inherently degrades and dehumanizes. Art celebrates the meaning and value of sexual intimacy between two loving individuals.
Of course to the unhindered mind, any classic nude art can be reduced to the selfish needs and perverted tastes of the individual whose gaze is steeped and altered by such needs, perverted mind and wicked heart. This clearly sends the indulging viewer into a more destructive and debased loop of further depravity. From which state becomes almost impossible to rescue. But help is available in some forms ranging from blocking apps, psychologists, counsellors, accountability groups and self-help books.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses pornography as well:
Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials.
One need only look at the major cultural, technological, psychological, biological and spiritual factors converging in our world today to see how pornography has become one of the trademark corruptions of humanity. The fact that our culture is dedicated to capitalism and consumerism contributes to one of the age-old advertising mantras, “Sex sells.” Nearly half a century after the so-called,political, cultural, economic,relational and sexual revolution of the 1950s, 60s,and 70s we are still experiencing its aftershocks.
( P.Paul,*). (Edited)
Of course many may read, chuckle and mock this post because pornography is largely accepted or treated as "normal" by societies in the West. There are robust exceptions and a blind eye for some "softer" forms is used by most jurisdictions, instead of enforced prohibitions. Gone is the brown paper- bordered shop in the early 60s culture, some businesses carried print copies openly in the later 60s and 70s and now the internet is the medium. Adults are treated separately as they are of age having the adult ability to access or purchase pornography almost upon demand in almost any available medium.
But in more recent years there are movements occurring that are treating pornography as an evil against women, but there is ambivalence. I believe because of the twin realisation that the female form is hypnotic and natural yet exploited by some nefarious individuals and organisations. The ambivalent attitude is shown in the quotes following.
" Our Western culture increasingly rejects the sexual objectification of women, why has it simultaneously rejected the Biblical sexual ethic that gives the strongest philosophical reason for objecting"
"Christianity has never taught that sex is bad or dirty, but rather a gift from God and something that should be reserved for marriage."
"By contrast, the prevailing culture has spent decades claiming that sexual expression is liberating, while increasingly discovering that treating people as sexual objects isn’t liberating at all"
Unknown Contributor.
( It can be noted that many may mock and ask the sarcastic question, " Oh, have you just researched the topic ? " Or "so well researched, this post " And may even criticise the conclusion forming in their own minds by saying,"everyone or at least,boys and men, have looked at porn or they are just plain lying !" )
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil 4:8)
by Digital Anvil
References:
* Paul, P. 2005. Pornified: How pornography is transforming our lives, our relationships, and our families. Times Books.
and others.
