218X: Pornland

For this assignment I decided to choose the prompt or theme of porn dehumanizing women/promoting violence or abuse of women.  Upon watching the in-class film Pornland, I found that much of what the pornographic industry offers to its viewers is what a lot would consider sexual abuse.  Many examples were mentioned in the film outlining how the industry has evolved from the so called “art-form” or cinematic art that it was originally intended.  Now a days, its seems that the industry offers products for viewers that are intended for a male dominated population.  Because of the dominant male presence in porn viewership, it has led to the industry adopting many methods, practices, and “types of products” (videos) that appeal to the typical male sexual fantasies/desires.  Much of what is presented is a man doing as a he wants to a young submissive female who’s sole purpose is to please him and do as he wants.  As stated in the film, many “actors” play out scenes of fantasy where they are bridging the gap between imagination and reality.  The problem lies in two areas in my opinion.  The first being that, these female “actresses” are actually being physically and sexually abused in the making of these films.  Despite many warning messages, and disclaimers claiming that all participants are legal and did what ever not against their own will yada yada, in the video you see a young girl being beaten to a pulp or forcefully maneuvered to solely “take” or bend to the will of the sexual desires of the male actor.  Now just because a young 18 year old who thinks this is the industry she wants to be in, or in a pinch for cash, does not just allow for basically, sexual assault to occur, be documented on film, then to be exploited for profitable gain.  That goes against basic human rights.  Now the flip side of that is the problem is  young men with access to these videos seeing how sex is depicted, and then thinking that what is shown is normal and acceptable to expect in real life.  Yes, as young adolescents, with proper guidence and education can distinguish what is right and what is wrong to do to a women or man, but if what is being shown is being glorified, not only in the porn industry, but in the movie industry, music culture, it seems that this theme a men disrespecting and using women for themselves is constantly being glamorized and glorified, I mean the Kardashians are multimillionaires because Kim K filmed herself having sex with Ray J.  The video is still available on porn sites to this day.  What is that showing the upcoming generation about sex.  That if you film yourself doing it and doing all sorts of weird things on camera you’ll become a star? That you will be the stud with all the girls “crawling” for you? That abusing your sexual partner is acceptable and viewed as a “good” thing?  It makes me sick that this industry tries to hide behind statements and a “all find and dandy” front, but when you dig deeper, and see the behind the scenes business side of the industry, it opens your eyes to how sick it all really is.  All of these people and companies operating and “actors” and “actresses” doing the unthinkable just to keep the money flowing, just to make videos for people to watch and do whatever to?  Its pathetic.