Straight White American Jesus cover image

Straight White American Jesus

SWAJ Rewind: The Great American Pornography Wars

Jan 1, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Kelsey Burke, an associate professor of sociology and author of 'The Pornography Wars,' unpacks the intricate history of pornography in America. She explores the tug-of-war between feminist perspectives, the religious right, and sex worker rights, shedding light on their commonalities and conflicts. Burke also delves into societal perceptions of pornography addiction, challenging stigmas and presenting hidden narratives. Her insights on personal identity, morality, and the evolution of anti-porn movements make this a thought-provoking listen.
42:38

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Kelsey Burke's personal journey from evangelical Christianity to exploring pornography underscores the complex interplay between faith and sexuality in American culture.
  • The podcast examines the divisive feminist perspectives on pornography, highlighting a spectrum of views on its impact on agency, empowerment, and exploitation.

Deep dives

Dr. Kelsey Burke's Personal Journey

Dr. Kelsey Burke's personal experience shapes her exploration of pornography, highlighting a unique intersection of faith and sexuality. Raised in a nominally religious environment, her teenage conversion to evangelical Christianity provided her a sense of belonging but came with rigid expectations about sexuality. Upon discovering her father's collection of Playboy magazines, she developed a fascination that juxtaposed her beliefs with her emerging identity. This duality ultimately led her to leave the church, illustrating how personal narratives inform her sociological research on pornography and its cultural implications.

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