Harrisonburg, VA – Adult film star and director Ron Jeremy debated xxxchurch.com founder Craig Gross on issues surrounding women in pornography at James Madison University this week.
The event was part of the Porno Debate Tour, during which Jeremy and Gross travel to colleges across the country discussing important issues regarding pornography.
The debate addressed many questions regarding the business, such as, “Is porn degrading or empowering to women, and is it addictive and destructive or just another way to enjoy one self?” according to porndebate.com. Question-and-answer time was built into the debate as well, in order to provide increased interaction with students.Senior Elizabeth Koucheravy, vice president of programming for UPB, said the idea for the event came up when she saw an advertisement from a production agency last spring. The ad displayed information about a series of debates called “Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n Roll.”
“A big issue on college campuses and amongst youth today is pornography and what part it should take in society,” Koucheravy said. “A lot of people aren’t aware of the big issue of pornography addiction and sex addiction, and the negative connotation it gives to women in society.”
The drugs portion of the debate, Koucheravy said, was held at JMU four years ago involving a former DEA agent and the editor of High Crimes magazine.
Many students already have strong opinions on these issues, especially in regard to pornography’s portrayal of women.
“I think pornography can be degrading toward women, but so can any form of media,” said Maggie Sibley, a graduate student studying clinical psychology. “Pornography itself is not a bad thing, but like many things, its misuse can be very unfortunate.”
Junior Alyssa Melberg said, “I think pornography is degrading to both men and women since sex is such a personal thing. But if that’s how you get your kicks, go for it.”
Jeremy has starred in more than 1,800 pornographic films and directed more than 100. According to porndebate.com, “Ron is actually quite articulate and informed on the subject and his industry practices to keep it safe and responsible.” Jeremy received two undergraduate and one graduate degree before he got involved in the adult entertainment industry, Koucheravy said.
According to wikipedia.org, Jeremy has previously participated in other debates dealing with pornography, including one with Susan Cole of the National Organization of Women at Middle Tennessee State University about the effects of pornography on society.
“I think that it’s good that Ron Jeremy was coming to campus,” said Sibley. “I believe that diverse perspectives on issues promote good discussion and enhance understanding. It’s always important to understand why people do controversial things.”
Koucheravy agreed. “I like the controversy of it because, in all honesty, that’s what drives learning,” she said. “We’re here to learn, we’re here to be open-minded.”
Gross has also been involved in many pornography-related debates across the country. His Web site, xxxchurch.com, is devoted to telling the “truth about pornography” and is the largest anti-porn Web site on the Internet. With more than one million visitors a month, his site not only tries to address the source of people’s problems with pornography, but tries to offer those who feel trapped in the business a way out.
“I think the campus reacted very strongly to this event,” said Melberg. “Some went because of their strong opinions on the subject, but I think most people did because it was Ron Jeremy versus a religious figure.”
Junior Megan Smith said, “Overall I think the general campus would be interested in seeing the debate regardless of individual views on the topic. I think it would be good entertainment for an evening.”