Proposed definition of "pornography"

[jayctravis]

Pornography is imagery of genitalia in "action".

Imagery of naked adult humans is erotic. If the imagery depicts explicitly the manipulation of genitalia, it's pornographic.

Not that anything is wrong with that.

Breasts are not considered genitalia for purposes of the definition. Someone can make a movie about breast-feeding and have it win an Oscar.

[siliconefreak]

1. I'm not sure that we need a definition

Maybe a definition would protect certain types of free expression, but it would make it easier for right-wingers to legislate it and eventually outlaw it.

I think the idea that filming people having sex is either immoral or illegal is preposterous.

[jayctravis]

2. True.

I posted this in the context of the .xxx domain discussion.

And with the internet, there is very little way to outlaw it. But setting up dividing lines is a moderate proposition, same as rating television programs or movies. Keeping it out of the hands of minors and/or easily allowing someone with sensitivities to it to filter it out is what will keep it from being outlawed.

[TalkingDog]

3. Gynecologists...

could never watch a film showing how to do a pelvic exam or examining someone for VDs. Documentaries on the reproductive process (like the one that showed the sperm traveling through the male urethra and up through the vaginal canal) would be XXX.

Sorry...those things do not arouse purient interests...which is where the sticking point (pardon the pun) seems to lie.

[jayctravis]

4. Gynecologigsts can watch whatever they like...

and yes that belongs in the classroom, but I certainly wouldn't want a child to to stumble across video of a pap smear without being able to comprehend what's actually happening. Same as pornography.

I see your point though. I don't think people would have trouble distinguishing a medical or educational or documentary program from genital manipulation to produce an orgasm.

I've seen porn that has a "this is for educational purposes" disclaimer that I've never quite understood.

[TalkingDog]

5. Yeah, but somehow that didn't stop them in NC

from using the newly passed anti-pornography laws to attempt to shut down fine art life drawing for a year at NC State Universities. Of course that was in the dark ages of the '80s. We've progressed past that, haven't we?