from www.collegiatetimes.com – Research varies, but the pornography industry in America is presumed to gross anywhere from $1 billion to $4 billion in annual revenue. This is quite a number for a country considered sexually conservative when compared to its other Western counterparts. Porn has been the source of incredible controversy, accused of increasing the incidence of sexually based crimes. Porn has also been accused of promoting unrealistic body images, relationships, practices and even teaching sex as a vehicle for violence and drug use.

However, on an individual basis, attitudes about porn vary widely. Even fields of study such as psychology have shifted over the decades in their beliefs about this dark and contentious pastime. While there are no hard and fast positive associations between pornography and increases in sex crimes, it is also no secret that porn-addictions exist and the industry has at times provided dubious if not desperate means to entertain its audience. At what cost does it? So, let’s talk generally about pornography and its worth in our society.

The greatest opposition for the removal or censorship of pornography in the media is that is sets a precedent for censorship in general. Some people believe they have a tacit right to view naked bodies in a way that pleases them. It is not as though nudity is thrust upon the public unexpectedly. You have to subscribe to “Playboy”; it doesn’t just show up in your mailbox. Similarly, one must actively seek out a Web site. Despite what some believe, it does not simply pop up while you’re reading a Wikipedia article.

It is also potentially difficult to draw the line between artful nudes and what some would consider pornography. Where do Americans’ notions about sex and pleasure leave artful depictions of the naked male and female forms in the debate over sexually explicit material? Would that too be considered pornography? Technically, pornography is the depiction of sexual subject matter for the use of sexual pleasure.

Certainly, at least for some, even the statue of David meets that broad standard. But then again, other definitions define pornographic depictions as having no artistic merit whatsoever, rendering the decision between the two voids. But the same has been said for works of modern art as well, so whose opinion do we turn to?

Supporters of banning pornography make a variety of interesting and powerful indictments against pornography. While the feminist community has long been split on its opinions regarding this industry, those against it believe it is demeaning to women, promoting violence, rape and subjugation.

Other communities have noted pornography’s penchant for promoting unrealistic body images. Oftentimes actors in the porn industry have model-like figures with disproportionate and unnatural body parts, all enhanced for the audience’s attention. The acts themselves can be questionable, advocating promiscuity or polygamy. In reality, many sexual relationships function perfectly well in just the opposite circumstances. The message is that for sex to be fun, one must have multiple partners and be unbelievably attractive.

Issues of race and violence also come into question. Interracial pornography plays with power relationships in a dangerous and often offensive way, just as it does with its depictions of men and women.

But instead of looking at pornography as offensive to certain groups or certain individuals, why not look at it as hurtful to all? This is an industry that cheapens everyone, not just some.

As an American, I believe people have the right to view sexually explicit material in the privacy of their homes, but I have to wonder why it has become such a lucrative industry.

Pornography does not depict just women as objects or bestialize just one group, but everyone. In this industry, everyone is utilized as a fetish for another’s pleasure. Whether that person is dominant or passive is irrelevant. The fact is that pornography exists to stimulate an audience sexually, so the moment it’s turned on, anyone participating in that activity is instantly objectified by the viewer.

Advocates of pornography have to be honest about its role in their lives. It is a little different in purpose than a nap, a meal, or even a toy. It meets a perceived need by the person using it and the desire is not explored, simply had.

As Americans living in a society with copious amounts of sexual violence and a popular pornographic industry (simultaneously acting shocked and awed when someone loses their bra on television), we need to examine why it is that these extremes are not reconciled and also the sexual repression of our country. It is possible that if we lived in a world that allowed greater honesty and exploration of the human body in public forums, there would be little need for such clandestine and sordid depictions of human sexual behaviors in magazines and on the computer screen.