There’s a thin line between art and just plain crude, but who’s to say where that line can be drawn? It has always moved a bit further with each generation. Why can’t pornography therefore be a form of self-expression and art?
Pornography is “sexually explicit pictures, writing or other material whose primary purpose is to cause sexual arousal,” according to Dictionary.com. The Supreme Court defines pornography as having an absence of artistic and social value. Pornography, by definition, should be something looked down upon, but an argument can be made for the defense of this persecuted industry.
Plenty of big-name motion pictures, commercials and music videos could be considered pornography but instead are interpreted as a form of art. Why is that? What separates these films from the unforgivable pornography?
The answer is nothing. There is the same level of redeeming social features in Nelly’s “Tip Drill” music video as there are in “Gangbangs of New York.” The only difference is the level of censorship because one has been shown on public television.
More than that, pornographic films always have a basic story line to them. Ragina Humpsalot needs her cable fixed by Bill Bigcox, and I’m sure you can gather where the story goes from there. These particular plots use real-life situations and turn them into something kinky, which is more in touch with human social situations than Nelly swiping a credit card down the ass cheek of one of his “hoes.” Why is “Tip Drill” considered art more than taking a mundane scenario and making it entertaining? Something is clearly wrong with this picture.
I will say this — there are some pornographic films that go beyond the point of human sensuality into a realm of disturbing, haunting images (such as bestiality, snuff films, rape scenarios, etc.). I do not consider those films art, and this article is not based on the defense of such films. It is about the adult films showing basic human nature, the lustful twisted animal inside many humans. We are a barbaric society pretending to be civilized and submerging our animalistic tendencies. Pornography is a release for these emotions — and therefore the truest form of self- expression.
As immoral as pornography is, it does a great job showing the ugly reality of human nature by demonstrating the human weakness for flesh. The honesty of these films is commendable. Humans are lustful creators that constantly crave satisfaction. The porn industry depicts these aspects of human nature perfectly. After all, at the end of the day, we are all animals with the same basic need to mate.
Why is there such a negative connotation with adult films? Why is there a set taboo in our minds that tells us watching these films is wrong? I know plenty of people who watch pornography on a regular basis and are probably the nicest people I know. Pornography will not turn a person into a sex-craving fiend. So, do not be deterred if advocates against the industry proclaim to you that this will be your fate. Porn is a good way to harness sexual tendencies.
Pornography is art in its own twisted way. It takes someone with a vision and a perverted mind to create and enhance human sensuality. It is crude, lude and above all an honest depiction of how twisted and messed up the human species really is.
Kali Babineaux is a 20-year-old English junior from Baton Rouge.
Contact Kali Babineaux at [email protected]