4 HOURS

Your work is very simple.

· Go through the question which we were supposed to discuss about and understand it.

· Go through each discussion and understand each.

Your task

· Respond to each discussion with at least 150 words, and provide 1 reference on each.

· Separate the 2 responses but should be on the same doc.

Note: RESPOND TO DISCUSSIONS not tackling the question

responding is to agree or disagree with the discussion and support your stand. Separate the responses.

The Relationship between Pornography and Violence (we were supposed to discuss this)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the conditions that lead to sexual attacks against women are an area that needs increased focus. Investigations have cited the role of the media, especially the role of pornography, in encouraging sexual violence.

Prior to being executed, the serial killer Ted Bundy was interviewed by a psychologist, James Dobson. Bundy disclosed that his addiction to hard-core pornography fueled the terrible crimes he committed. Bundy also made the startling statement, "I've lived in prison for a long time now, and I've met a lot of men who were motivated to commit violence. Without exception, every one of them was deeply involved in pornography—deeply consumed by the addiction.”

Through research and discussions, you will try to understand the role of pornography in causing sexual violence.

· Summarize what you have learned from your readings on the relationship between pornography and sexual crimes. Share additional references to support your summary.

· Explain whether, according to you, there is a strong correlation between pornography and sexual violence.

· If pornography were not so easily available, explain whether sexual violence would decrease.

Discussion 1

From my readings I’ve learned that many people from different social groups have had a serious problem with pornography and its relation to sexual crimes. Feminist groups view pornography as a form of sex discrimination and political conservatives viewing it as a concern for protecting family values and a way to not reduce sexual promiscuity a cause for a ban for this type of “entertainment” (Linz & Donnerstein, 1992). The 1980s saw a common fight among conservatives and feminists going after the spread of pornography. In previous time, the fight to “stamp out smut” was based on morality but with pornography, not only is morality a focus but so is public safety. (Chapman, 2007). “They argued that hard-core erotica was intolerable because it promoted sexual violence against women. “Pornography is the theory; rape is the practice," wrote feminist author Robin Morgan. In 1986, a federal commission concurred. Some kinds of pornography, it concluded, are bound to lead to "increased sexual violence." Indianapolis passed a law allowing women to sue producers for sexual assaults caused by material depicting women in "positions of servility or submission or display. “The campaign fizzled when the courts said the ordinance was an unconstitutional form of "thought control." “(Chapman, 2007).

I don’t necessarily believe there is strong correlation between pornography and sexual violence because I believe the desire to want to do something sexual, is already present. I believe that pornography only validates, in the mind of someone who sexually abuses someone, their desire to fulfill their fantasy. If pornography was not easily available, I feel that sexual violence might decrease but not that much because being exposed to sexually suggestive music videos and certain music will spark something in someone if it’s already there.

References

Linz, D., & Donnerstein, E. (1992). Research can help us explain violence and pornography. The Chronicle of Higher Education,39(6), 2. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/214639021?accountid=34899

Chapman, S. (5 November 2007). Is Pornography a Catalyst of Sexual Violence? Retrieved from

https://reason.com/archives/2007/11/05/is-pornography-a-catalyst-of-s

 

Discussion 2

Ma'am and Class,

Through my readings I was able to get to views from two different perspectives.    The first reading the author tried to see if there was a connection between pornography and rape.  Using data collected in the USA she noted that there were five times higher of sales per men’s magazines where the rape rates were found to be six times more than that of other states and also that in Michigan, pornography was viewed just before or during 41% of 38,000 sexual crimes.  In New South Wales for a certain period of time when pornography became available there was an over 90% increase in the level of rape (Goodsmith, n.d)

My other reading however believed that the answer to “Does pornography cause rape?” was clearly no.  The reason being is because of the belief that some men who use pornography don’t rape and some men who rape, don’t use pornography. He also went on to say that it was all psychological (Jensen, 2004)

            Personally as a male and meaning no offense to anyone, I think that there is a slight correlation between pornography and violence.  It will all depend on the person who watches it and how much he believes in it.  All men are dominant in my opinion and watching porn will make them think that “this is how women should be treated” especially if you are too young and don’t have a good upbringing and grasp of the situation.  An example, a boy growing up not knowing anything about adult relations and accidentally sees a bondage video that his uncle is watching.  He will automatically think that what happened in the video is a norm and will try and do it when he is older. 

            I think that sexual violence will keep increasing even with it not being easily accessible.  In fact, because of the fact that a person will not be able to easily rent or purchase it for self-gratification, he will seek it out and try and create it by actually doing it and committing a crime.

References:

Goldsmith, M. (n.d.). SEXUAL OFFENDERS AND PORNOGRAPHY: A CAUSAL CONNECTION? Retrieved from http://www.aic.gov.au/media_library/publications/proceedings/20/goldsmith.pdf  

Jensen, R. (2004, July 1). Retrieved March 25, 2009, from http://www.mincava.umn.edu/documents/arpornography/arpornography.html Respectfully, Xody Yano