What is pornography?
Topics:
Defining Pornography
Embracing Paradox
Sexual Values & Goals
Everybody knows what pornography is, right? In 1964, United States Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart was asked to describe the line indicating what “hard-core” pornography was in the case of Jacobellis v. Ohio. In his concurring response, he stated his now-famous line, "I know it when I see it" (Lattman, 2007).
This expression speaks to the honesty and candor with which many of us feel that we can quickly point out what is pornographic, as if pornography were a universally agreed-upon medium. Yet, at the same time, it speaks to the individuality and arbitrary nature of that which elicits a strong or compelling sexual response. Let's look into the history of the definition of pornography.
A Very Brief History
The Greek Origin - The word “pornography” has been used in English since the middle of the 19th century. This word comes from the Greek words pornē, meaning "a harlot", and graphein, meaning "to write" (“pornography” Merriam-Webster.com). Originally, “pornography”, literally meaning the writing and depictions of prostitutes, was not culturally shamed, but was part of social discussion and commentary.
Pompei - The discovery and study of Pompeii, particularly its art, played a role in shaping the modern definition of pornography, as it exposed the public display of sexual imagery and practices in ancient Roman culture. This discovery influenced Victorian perceptions and legal definitions of obscenity as items depicting nudity and sexuality were locked up and deemed a threat to a stable moral society (Moore, 2007).
Print and Visual Communication - Sexual imagery has been displayed throughout history, including cave paintings, Classical & Renaissance art, cathedrals, and prayer books during the early Middle Ages. Depictions of sexuality were made more publically accessible with developments such as the invention of the printing press (1440), daguerreotype and photography (1840’s -1850’s), Edward Muybridge’s moving pictures (1887), stag films (1900’s), pin-up (1940’s), erotic magazines (1940’s-1980’s), VHS tapes (1980’s) and the internet (1990’s). For a more detailed but still brief article on the history of pornography, see Weiss, R. (2020). Technology often moves faster than culture and societal efforts to create laws, guidelines, and healthy management strategies can span decades.
A Working Definition
Merriam-Webster defines “pornography” as
Material (such as books or a photograph) that depicts erotic behavior and is intended to cause sexual excitement.
The depiction of acts in a sensational manner to arouse a quick, intense emotional reaction. (“pornography” Merriam-Webster.com)
Based on Merriam-Webster's definition, there are three primary considerations in defining pornography.
Material - A medium where information or ideas are expressed.
Intent - The material is deemed as sexually “erotic” with content created with the intent to cause sexual excitement and arousal.
Impact - The effects of the material on the observer are “sensational” or a “quick, intense, emotional reaction”.
Beyond the traditional definition, the word "porn" is now used to describe non-erotic materials that are visually appealing or desirable, often to the point of obsession or intense engagement, such as “food porn”, “house porn” or “lifestyle porn”. Objects that are taboo or treated with exaggerated sarcasm are often labeled as porn. For example, within the Mormon* culture the shoulders of active members are often covered by religious garments or not exposed due to a cultural focus on “modesty”, thus the comical concept of “shoulder porn” with exposed shoulders.
One’s Own Experience
In applying this definition to sexual imagery, the determination of “what is pornography” is culturally defined. In other words, our reaction to sexual imagery is dependent on how an individual is socialized to perceive nudity and sexuality. For example, Amazonian tribes who wear little to no clothing experience nudity as common vs. pornographic. That which is protected, hidden, and taboo can result in increased interest, desire, longing, lust, and obsession. Thus, individual traits and cultural influences determine what is erotic, taboo, or a focus of obsession.
Imagery related to sex and the body can be created with many different intentions and can result in varying impacts on individuals. Imagery can be deemed aesthetic, informational, educational, and inspiring, but on the other hand, it can be seen as obscene, exploitative, unrealistic, and manipulative. Sexual imagery can arouse feelings of lust, envy, disgust, revulsion, anger, humiliation, comfort, but also can lead to feelings of connection, love, and joy.
With that said, there are categories of material where cultural acceptance has generally found agreement with the “pornography” definition. For example, the term “mainstream pornography” is often used to describe sexual or erotic imagery produced by the adult entertainment industry, focused on sexual imagery used for financial gain, exaggerated and unrealistic narratives, and themes common to male fantasies. This is the industry that supported underground stag films, pornographic magazines, sexplointation films and the internet’s porn tube sites.
Questions to Consider
As we discuss our values and boundaries around sexual expression and imagery with our children, spouse, friends, or loved ones, here are a few questions to consider.
What specific material and imagery is being looked at?
Who is the producer or distributor?
What was the intent of the product?
What is the individual’s intent/desire in seeking this imagery?
What is the impact on the individual of viewing the imagery?
How does the use of this imagery align with one's personal values?
How does this align with one’s relationship agreements?
Concluding Thoughts
In social discussion and dialogue, determining “what is pornography” is more complex than many have assumed. Cultural context and emerging technology has shaped what we now define as sexual imagery or pornography. Understanding the intent and impact of what we view is valuable. Ask yourself, “Does what I view align with my values, or am I seeking mindless entertainment or compulsive escapism?” I encourage discussion with family members and loved ones, and being intentional about our sexual learning and expression. You might ask, “So what does that look like?” Well, if you are self-aware “you will know it when you see it!”
References
Lattman. P. (2007). "The Origins of Justice Stewart's 'I Know It When I See It'". LawBlog at The Wall Street Journal Online. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
Moore, M (2007). “We Didn't Start the Fire: Discovery of Pompeii's Erotic Art and its impact on Victorian Culture” https://victorianweb.org/sculpture/nudes/1moore2.html
“Pornography” (n.d). In Merriam-Webster.com https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pornography#:~:text=%3A%20the%20depiction%20of%20erotic%20behavior,a%20quick%20intense%20emotional%20reaction
Robinson, S. (2010). "Defining Pornography," Social Sciences Journal: Vol. 10 : Iss. 1 , Article 15. Available at: https://repository.wcsu.edu/ssj/vol10/iss1/15 R
Weiss, R. (2020). The Evolution of Pornography: The medium may change, but the needs of our species do not. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-and-sex-in-the-digital-age/202007/the-evolution-pornography
* The word “Mormon” is used to denote the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the correct name of the church). The cultural terms and concepts are not an indication of church statements or teachings.
