By: Nguyen & Wing

I have noticed Wing’s curiosity about the topic of “sex” and we sometimes debated on topics related to sex (e.g., Are strip clubs good? What would you do if your 21-year-old son/daughter becomes a porn actor/actress?).

So, what are your thoughts on “pornography” and “porn industry”?

Nguyen: I am for pornography. Pornography shouldn’t be a taboo. There are people who think porn is bad due to the objectification of women. However, sexuality and sexualization are two different words! Sexuality involves what makes you feel good and what attract to you. Sexualization is when an individual is objectified. I think our society has been using these two words interchangeably. I believe pornography is more about helping an individual explore their sexuality. Also, I consider myself a feminist (equality and equity for everyone). If an individual wants to pursue a career in the adult entertainment business, why would I ruin their dream job/hobby? If they know the consequences / risk in being part of the porn industry, why would I care what they do to their bodies? It is their life as well as their happiness. The porn industry regulates and inspects performers’ health before doing any sexual activities. I believe it is great to have many options to explore our sexuality or sexual fantasies. My point of view derives from living in a secular world where “sex positivity” as well as women’s rights are inserted in today’s society or ingrained in people’s minds.

However, I do acknowledge that there is an issue with pornography. For instance, if an individual was forced or had “no” choice/option but to pursue a pornstar career then we as a community need to find a solution to help this individual. In addition, there are different types of “Pornography” ranging from softcore to hardcore. It could be a problem for young and impressionable individuals. According to Walt Mueller, the average age to begin exposure to porn is around 11 years old (Mueller, 2013). Therefore, it may be dangerous for 11-year-old adolescents that may not understand or perhaps confuse about “sex” when watching different types of pornography.

Wing: For me, I still have a lot of mixed feelings about pornography. I was brought up in a Christian home and still uphold Christian values. For most of my life, I was taught to think that pornography is bad, shameful, and immoral. This is because sex and all sexual acts should remain within the sanctity of marriage. Also, we are taught that our bodies are holy temples of God and that engaging in sexual acts, prematurely or outside the marriage relationship, is to defile the body. Watching pornography can also lead one astray and to having sinful thoughts about other people’s bodies.

For me, I still have a very complicated relationship with pornography. Working as a sexual health information consultant at my university has helped to change my perspectives on pornography, but I still struggle to accept it personally. Professionally, I believe the legalization of and free access to porn wonderful catalysts for a more sex-positive society. I believe that we should live in an environment that is sex-positive and that no one is ashamed of their sexuality or sexual desires. I think pornography can be liberating in that it can teach us how to use our bodies to find pleasure and it can help us express ourselves beyond the imaginations of the gender binary.

However, personally, I can’t help but cringe or feel guilty when I am exposed to pornography. Don’t get me wrong, my sex drive is normal (?). But despite the sexual politics that I advocate for, I can’t bring myself to accept pornography personally. If I watch it, I feel dirty. I think it’s because I have very deep-rooted values in my faith. I do believe in the sanctity of marriage and the role of sex in it. I do believe in being exclusive and I would be devastated if my partner preferred pornography over myself. I acknowledge that much of this paragraph is not so much a response to porn as it is to the values I hold in religion. I’ve yet to debunk this and will gladly update the blog when I do.