"In the language of the legislature, 'pornography is central in creating and maintaining sex as a basis of discrimination. Pornography is a systematic practice of exploitation and
subordination based on sex, which differentially harms women. The bigotry and
contempt it produces, with the acts of aggression it fosters, harm women's
opportunities for equality and rights [of all kinds].' Yet this simply demonstrates
the power of pornography as speech."
Much of MacKinnon's argument is based on studies that show that women who "choose" prostitution and pornography are often victims of childhood sexual abuse. The result is often a downward spiral of re-living trauma, complicated by poverty. The fact that the law sees them as criminals, rather than victims, reinforces their dependence on pimps and other oppressors. She notes that acts similar to those done to women in pornography - e.g., the infamous Abu Ghraib sexual humiliation photos - are seen as abuse when not done to women, and not labeled as pornography.
Of course, no one can argue that animals make such a choice in films that (sickeningly) sexualize animal cruelty.
Conservatism obsesses about the sins of sexuality. In response, we liberals obsess about freedom. But do lofty theories about art and freedom blind us to the real life harm that is done behind the camera?
Recently, I had an on-air conversation with Thom Hartmann on this very topic. He had been equating conservatism with an uptight attitude towards pornography. I pointed out that pornography can do real harm to women. To his credit, he agreed.
MacKinnon's accounts of the cruelty surrounding pornography are heart-breaking. Adams' parallels between cruelty to women and animals are eye-opening. Women are often caught between conservatives who blame the victims, and liberals who see choice in choicelessness. Animal suffering is often dismissed by both.
I ask my fellow liberals to look beyond the camera, and acknowledge the suffering that may lie there.
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