TJ Secretly Enjoys Pornography And Gets A Great Reaction ✓ Solved
Pornography TJ secretly enjoys pornography. He gets a great deal
Choose only one of the ethical dilemmas below to address in your essay. The questions at the end of each dilemma are intended for you to reflect on. For your paper, you must organize your writing using the sections and underlined titles listed on the assignment page. Do not copy the case study into your essay.
1. Pornography: TJ secretly enjoys pornography. He gets a great deal of gratification out of viewing Internet pornography and masturbating, though he always acts behind closed doors and believes that his actions have no effect on others. He justifies his behavior by saying, ‘Who am I harming?’ Then he discovers a statistic on the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking website stating that 43% of human trafficking victims are used for forced commercial sexual exploitation, of whom 98% are women and girls, and that the pornography business is a multibillion-dollar industry. His freedom to view pornography is now at odds with harm to himself (addiction) and others (abuse through forced trafficking and media exploitation). How should TJ respond? Should he maintain his lifestyle because of his freedom of choice or should he change his behavior because of the harm done? What is his responsibility for the harm that the pornography industry can cause, even if he himself is not directly harming someone else?
Paper For Above Instructions
The ethical dilemma surrounding pornography is multi-faceted, involving personal gratification, addiction, freedom of choice, and the broader implications of contributing to a harmful industry. In the case of TJ, he initially perceives his enjoyment of pornography as a private matter devoid of consequences. However, upon learning about the prevalence of human trafficking and exploitation associated with the pornography industry, he is confronted with an ethical dilemma that challenges his views on personal responsibility and moral action.
Understanding the Dilemma
The first significant aspect to consider in TJ's case is the concept of personal freedom. Many individuals argue that as adults, they have the right to engage in behaviors that provide them pleasure, as long as those actions do not directly harm others. However, this belief system can overlook the widespread consequences of certain industries, particularly those like pornography that are often linked to human trafficking and exploitation. Though TJ feels no direct harm is done in his consumption of adult content, the statistics suggest otherwise—his actions may indirectly support a system that exploits vulnerable individuals.
Moreover, the issue of addiction cannot be ignored. TJ’s private consumption of pornography may initially seem like a victimless act, yet the nature of addiction can lead to personal detriment, impacting relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. This recognition of the self-harm involved leads to deeper questions: Is it ethical to engage in a behavior that is potentially addictive when aware of its consequences? This question brings TJ’s choices into a moral landscape where he must weigh his freedom to choose against the negative effects on himself and others.
Weighing Freedom Against Responsibility
When confronting the question of whether he should maintain his lifestyle or change his behavior, TJ must consider the responsibility that comes with knowledge. With the realization of the exploitation within the pornography industry, maintaining the status quo becomes problematic. Is it ethical to pursue personal pleasure at the expense of others’ suffering, even if one does not physically engage in harmful practices? This dilemma forces TJ to evaluate the moral implications of his choices and reflect on the interconnectedness of individual actions and their societal impacts.
In reflecting upon these questions, it is essential to consider the broader societal implications not just of consumption but of collective behavior. If TJ continues to support an industry that exploits others, even inadvertently through his private viewing habits, he becomes part of a system that perpetuates harm. He may need to ask himself: What type of person does he aspire to be? His decision should reflect his values and beliefs, leading him toward actions that align with a commitment to ethical living.
Possible Courses of Action
So how should TJ respond? There are several potential paths he can take. First, he could choose to reduce or eliminate his consumption of pornography entirely, recognizing that it contributes to systemic exploitation and addiction. This may require significant lifestyle changes, engaging in healthier outlets for gratification, or seeking support groups to address his dependency. By abstaining from pornography, he would disrupt the cycle that supports exploitation and, hypothetically, lessen his own risk of addiction.
Alternatively, TJ might seek to engage in advocacy, using his awareness of the exploitation connected to pornography to educate others and support initiatives aimed at helping trafficking survivors. By actively working to combat this issue, he could transform his earlier blind indulgence into informed activism, which could significantly impact society. He might also explore ways to experience intimacy and pleasure without participating in an industry fraught with ethical dilemmas, thus reclaiming his autonomy in a way that promotes personal and social well-being.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the dilemma for TJ centers on the intersection of personal freedom, responsibility, and the moral implications of individual choices. In recognizing the harmful realities embedded in the pornography industry, he must evaluate the kind of legacy he wants to leave through his actions, considering both personal fulfillment and social accountability. His response should reflect his values and a commitment to ethical conduct—prioritizing the well-being of himself and others over transient gratification.
References
- Dawkins, R. (2014). Abortion & Down syndrome: An apology for letting slip the dogs of Twitterwar. Retrieved from [URL]
- Gianna Jessen, abortion survivor in Australia part 1. (2008). Retrieved from [URL]
- Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking. (n.d.). Human trafficking: The facts. Retrieved from [URL]
- May, W. E. (2010). The social costs of pornography. Retrieved from [URL]
- Stetzer, E. (2014). InterVarsity “derecognized” at California State University’s 23 campuses: Some analysis and reflections. Christianity Today . Retrieved from [URL]
- Winston, K. (2014). InterVarsity, college Christian group "de-recognized" at California State University campuses. The Huffington Post . Retrieved from [URL]