Pornography: An Annotated Bibliography

Pornography: An Annotated Bibliography

Last Name 8student Nameinstructors Nameengl 112annotated Bibliography

Last Name 8student Nameinstructors Nameengl 112annotated Bibliography

Last Name 8 Student Name Instructor’s name ENGL 112 Annotated Bibliography 18 September 2013 Pornography: An Annotated Bibliography

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This annotated bibliography explores various perspectives on pornography, its effects on individuals and society, and its implications for relationships. The sources include interviews, scholarly articles, journalistic reports, and books that examine the emotional, social, and behavioral impacts of pornography, as well as cultural attitudes and legal considerations. The combined insights aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding pornography, supporting both arguments that it can be damaging or beneficial depending on context and usage.

Introduction

Pelucidly, pornography remains a contentious subject that elicits diverse viewpoints rooted in psychological, societal, and moral considerations. This annotated bibliography synthesizes perspectives from scholarly research, interviews, media reports, and books to evaluate its influence on personal relationships, societal norms, and individual behaviors. It seeks to demonstrate the multifaceted nature of pornography's impact, highlighting arguments that underscore its potential harms as well as its possible benefits when used consensually and openly within marriages.

Annotated Sources

Cuilty, Phillip. Personal Interview. 14 Sep. 2013.

In this interview, Phillip Cuilty discusses how his consumption of pornography impacted his marriage. He reveals that his secret viewing habits led to feelings of betrayal and ultimately to divorce, despite his initial belief that pornography was harmless. Cuilty emphasizes that his increased awareness of pornography's destructive effects came only after experiencing its negative consequences firsthand. This source supports the view that secret and non-consensual pornography use erodes trust and damages marital relationships.

Douthat, Ross. "Is Pornography Adultery?" Atlantic Monthly 302: 80-86.

Douthat argues that viewing pornography constitutes a form of adultery because it breaches marital trust and intimacy, equating watching pornography with actual infidelity. Using the example of Eliot Spitzer, who engaged with prostitutes while presumably in a state of fidelity to his wife, Douthat claims that the act of consuming sexually explicit material alone violates the moral boundaries of marriage. This article supports the argument that secret pornography viewing diminishes trust and should be regarded as a form of betrayal in committed relationships.

Eberstadt, Mary. "Is pornography the new tobacco?" Policy Review. 15 Sept. 2013.

Eberstadt compares the societal perceptions of smoking and pornography, noting that while smoking was once socially accepted and glamorous, it became a taboo due to health concerns. Conversely, pornography, once stigmatized, is now widely accepted and normalized in modern culture. This shift signifies changing moral standards and normalization of sexual material, which may lead to complacency and increased exposure across age groups, including youth. Her analysis underscores how cultural attitudes toward pornography have evolved, affecting social norms and individual behaviors.

Linz, Daniel. "Pornography Is Not Addictive and Does Not Lead to Violence Against Women." Addiction. Ed. Christina Fisanick. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009.

Linz challenges the notion that pornography is addictive or causes violence against women, asserting that there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims. He argues that viewing pornography is a personal choice and not an uncontrollable behavior, and research shows minimal negative effects from regular consumption. This source offers an opposing perspective, suggesting that concerns about addiction and harm may be overstated, and that pornography can be consumed responsibly without adverse societal impacts.

Manning, Jill C. "The Impact Of Internet Pornography On Marriage And The Family: A Review Of The Research." Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 13.2. 2010.

Manning’s review highlights that pornography can distort perceptions of intimacy, cause financial strain, and contribute to divorce, with over fifty percent of divorces citing it as a contributing factor. Children exposed to online pornography may develop unrealistic views of sex and engage in early sexual activity. However, Manning notes that mutual consumption of pornography by spouses can sometimes strengthen bonds and enhance intimacy. This balanced perspective supports the view that pornography’s effects on marriage depend on context, consent, and usage patterns.

Naughton, Louise. "Sexual Wallpaper." Community Practitioner, 86: 20-2. 2013.

Naughton examines the impact of pervasive online pornography on youth, emphasizing how it influences boys to adopt hyper-masculine behaviors and girls to pursue beauty standards that can be degrading. The article advocates for parental vigilance and open dialogue with teens to mitigate negative effects. It underscores the importance of proactive parental involvement to address the age-appropriate exposure to sexual content and its potential consequences on gender roles and respect for women.

Paul, Pamela. "How Women See Pornography." Pornified. New York: Times Books, 2005.

Paul discusses the increasing participation of women in viewing pornography, attributing it to shifts in gender roles and sexual autonomy. She notes that many women find pornography empowering and use it to explore their sexuality, challenging traditional stereotypes of female passivity. This perspective complicates the narrative that pornography only objectifies women, suggesting it can serve as a tool for sexual self-discovery and empowerment for some women.

Reynolds, Jeff, and Carla Reynolds. Personal Interview. 12 Sept. 2013.

The Reynolds discuss their mutually enjoyable and transparent use of pornography within their marriage. They report that watching together has enhanced their intimacy and trust, as their relationship is built on mutual agreement and respect. This source demonstrates that when pornography is consensual and shared, it can serve as a positive aspect of marital life rather than a destructive force.

Townsend, Tim. "Porn, an Old Moral Threat, Finds New Ways to Worry Pastors." St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 20 Mar. 2009.

Townsend highlights the growing concern among religious communities about the increasing accessibility of pornography, especially among youth. He references claims that pornography is as addictive as drugs and discusses efforts by churches to combat its influence. The article underscores societal fears about the moral and psychological effects of pornography, emphasizing the need for community and religious intervention.

Wright, Paul J. "A Longitudinal Analysis Of US Adults’ Pornography Exposure: Sexual Socialization, Selective Exposure, And The Moderating Role Of Unhappiness." Journal of Media Psychology, 24: 67-76. 2013.

Wright’s study finds that regular pornography consumption correlates with increased casual sexual encounters and higher levels of unhappiness, suggesting that viewing habits can influence sexual behaviors and emotional well-being negatively. The research indicates that pornography may contribute to riskier sexual practices, including STDs and unwanted pregnancies, especially among individuals experiencing dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

Conclusion

The collected sources collectively reveal that pornography exerts a complex influence on individuals, relationships, and societal norms. While some sources emphasize its potential to harm trust, distort perceptions of intimacy, and contribute to social and health issues, others suggest it can be part of healthy sexual exploration when used openly and consensually. The impact of pornography, therefore, depends heavily on context, mutual consent, moral values, and societal attitudes. Recognizing both its risks and potential benefits can guide more nuanced discussions and responsible use strategies within personal and social frameworks.

References

  • Cuilty, Phillip. Personal Interview. 14 Sep. 2013.
  • Douthat, Ross. "Is Pornography Adultery?" Atlantic Monthly, 2003, pp. 80-86.
  • Eberstadt, Mary. "Is pornography the new tobacco?" Policy Review. 15 Sept. 2013.
  • Linz, Daniel. "Pornography Is Not Addictive and Does Not Lead to Violence Against Women." Addiction, 2009.
  • Manning, Jill C. "The Impact Of Internet Pornography On Marriage And The Family: A Review Of The Research." Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 2010.
  • Naughton, Louise. "Sexual Wallpaper." Community Practitioner, 86, 2013.
  • Paul, Pamela. "How Women See Pornography." Pornified. New York: Times Books, 2005.
  • Reynolds, Jeff, and Carla Reynolds. Personal Interview. 12 Sept. 2013.
  • Townsend, Tim. "Porn, an Old Moral Threat, Finds New Ways to Worry Pastors." St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 20 Mar. 2009.
  • Wright, Paul J. "A Longitudinal Analysis Of US Adults’ Pornography Exposure: Sexual Socialization, Selective Exposure, And The Moderating Role Of Unhappiness." Journal of Media Psychology, vol. 24, 2013, pp. 67-76.

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