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Rutgers Depth of Field Series
Pornography: Film and Culture
Porn is big business. By some estimates, it grosses more revenue per year than the entire "legitimate" film and entertainment industry. Most large hotel chains offer pay-for-view adult movies, many video stores have adult movie rental sections, and Internet porn sites have proliferated by the thousands. With porn so ubiquitous in mainstream American culture, why is it that when "respectable" people talk about this phenomenon, they act puzzled, as if they cannot imagine who would watch such worthless and meaningless smut?
In this collection of path-breaking essays, thirteen respected scholars bring critical insights to the reality of porn and what it can tell us about ourselves sexually, culturally, and economically. Moving beyond simplistic feminist and religious positions that cast these films as categorical evils-a collective preserve of sexual perversion, misogyny, pedophilia, and racism-the contributors to this volume raise the bar of the debate and push porn studies into intriguing new territory.
The essays are divided into two sections. The first reprints important debates on the topic and traces the evolution of pornographic film, including comparing its development to that of Hollywood cinema. The second part presents new essays that consider current trends in the field, including pornography's expansion into new technologies.
This book separates this compelling genre from the sensation and shame that have long surrounded and obscured it. It will be of interest to general readers and film scholars alike.
In this collection of path-breaking essays, thirteen respected scholars bring critical insights to the reality of porn and what it can tell us about ourselves sexually, culturally, and economically. Moving beyond simplistic feminist and religious positions that cast these films as categorical evils-a collective preserve of sexual perversion, misogyny, pedophilia, and racism-the contributors to this volume raise the bar of the debate and push porn studies into intriguing new territory.
The essays are divided into two sections. The first reprints important debates on the topic and traces the evolution of pornographic film, including comparing its development to that of Hollywood cinema. The second part presents new essays that consider current trends in the field, including pornography's expansion into new technologies.
This book separates this compelling genre from the sensation and shame that have long surrounded and obscured it. It will be of interest to general readers and film scholars alike.
271 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
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March 28, 2023
The book examines the ways in which pornography has both reflected and influenced societal attitudes towards sex, gender, and power dynamics, and explores the debates surrounding pornography and censorship.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides a historical overview of pornography, tracing its origins from the earliest erotic art to the rise of the mainstream porn industry in the 1970s and 1980s. Lehman discusses the cultural and technological factors that have contributed to the proliferation of pornography, and examines the ways in which pornography has evolved over time.
The second part of the book focuses on the cultural impact of pornography. Lehman argues that pornography has played a significant role in shaping societal views on sexuality and gender, particularly in terms of objectification and the normalization of sexual violence. He also explores the debates surrounding pornography and censorship, and argues that while censorship may not be the answer, it is important to acknowledge the potential harm that pornography can cause.
The third and final part of the book examines the ways in which pornography has been used as a tool for social and political activism. Lehman explores the feminist movement's response to pornography, and discusses the various ways in which pornography has been both embraced and rejected by feminist activists. He also looks at the role of pornography in contemporary debates surrounding sex work and the sex industry.
Throughout the book, Lehman draws on a wide range of sources, including academic research, interviews with porn performers and industry insiders, and analysis of pornographic films themselves. His analysis is nuanced and complex, acknowledging the multiple perspectives and controversies surrounding pornography.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides a historical overview of pornography, tracing its origins from the earliest erotic art to the rise of the mainstream porn industry in the 1970s and 1980s. Lehman discusses the cultural and technological factors that have contributed to the proliferation of pornography, and examines the ways in which pornography has evolved over time.
The second part of the book focuses on the cultural impact of pornography. Lehman argues that pornography has played a significant role in shaping societal views on sexuality and gender, particularly in terms of objectification and the normalization of sexual violence. He also explores the debates surrounding pornography and censorship, and argues that while censorship may not be the answer, it is important to acknowledge the potential harm that pornography can cause.
The third and final part of the book examines the ways in which pornography has been used as a tool for social and political activism. Lehman explores the feminist movement's response to pornography, and discusses the various ways in which pornography has been both embraced and rejected by feminist activists. He also looks at the role of pornography in contemporary debates surrounding sex work and the sex industry.
Throughout the book, Lehman draws on a wide range of sources, including academic research, interviews with porn performers and industry insiders, and analysis of pornographic films themselves. His analysis is nuanced and complex, acknowledging the multiple perspectives and controversies surrounding pornography.
Displaying 1 of 1 review