I was talking to a friend (female) the other day and she said something that I hadn't considered before, namely that, in her view, softcore pornography is far more damaging in society than hardcore.
To illustrate the point she used the example of the portrayal of women in a typical lad's magazine or page 3 of the Sun or Star or Sport, compared to the explicit R18 style DVD. In her mind, softcore is much more detrimental to women because it portrays women as vulnerable, stupid and open to the exploitation of men.
In her view hardcore is more egalitarian because it shows women enjoying sex as much as men, and more importantly, showing women enjoying men as sex objects (as well as men enjoyiong women as sex objects). She explicitly excludes porn where women are obviously being mistreated as, she says, "that is just out and out exploitation... the difference between working in a sweat shop and M&S".
Upon rumination, I understand completely where she is coming from. And as a non-buyer of lad's mags or red tops, but having seen them in the gym from time to time I actually totally agree.
Any views, both women's and men's, would be good to see.
This probably won't make sense but then what does!! There will always be sweat shops no matter what but M&S could well go bust at any minute...
I have actually worked with some of these exploited women as you say (soft porn models etc) and if anyone were to say to these girls your being exploited they would laugh at you.... they are hard working very bright and focused on what they want from life....... maybe not all granted but most who appear as you stated are very well paid and have a fab lifestyle to boot!
Lets face it men or women of some professions are always going to make someone look bad!
Mike
Hi,
Got to agree with the original poster that the effect is upon those reading/ viewing hte material not necessarily with the models themselves.
When the laddies are reading this and egged on into believing every woman is getting their tits out for them 'personally' is it any wonder that they have scant regard for women.
I think a point here, that is often missed, is the language used in articles associated with the women in magazines and porn sites. It is the violent nature of the language that is abusive to women rather than the scantily clad women that causes the denigration of women.
Think of it this way: It is perfectly possible to tell someone to "get los"t in a variety of different ways by the intonation of your voice and the speed and volume of the delivery - you may smile or not. Try it with other phrases and you can see that its the hidden aggression that is really at fault not a naked image IMHO
Shay
I think there is a difference between commercial high tech/quality and home grown porn.
I like erotic natural as possible, real looking porn. In this case I like home grown and commercial.
But when the wind fans come out and its all glossy, contorted poses, its not real enough for me, so does nothing for me. If the home grown gets a bit too adventurous, it starts to look messy and nasty to me.
Sorry haven't got the hang of doing part quotes need some lessons lol
I disagree with you littlegem in that i think a lot of English people are brought up to hide there bodies or are to self conscious,so would find it hard to even undress in front of friends let alone straighers.
I have a friend i have known for 10years yet when bra shopping i am not allowed to see her in a state of undress to say what i think about the fit.
The other thing you have to think about is that a lot of people are not happy with there bodies so there is know way that they want to put it on show to anyone.
I was brought up in a prudish family my mother would be shocked if i even walked around the house in my underwear, yet i have never had a problem being naked but i respect people that do.