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The Dissenter

#1016 Gail Dines: Is Pornography Harmful?

Nov 7, 2024
Gail Dines, Professor Emerita of Sociology and Women's Studies, talks about the profound societal impacts of pornography. She delves into its evolution, tracing its journey from Playboy to the internet, and discusses its links to sexual aggression and mental health issues. Dines critiques the idea of feminist porn, arguing it often fails to uphold true feminist values. She emphasizes the need for better sexual education and resources for those grappling with pornography's effects, highlighting a public health crisis in modern media.
54:29

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Pornography centers on the objectification and exploitation of women, reflecting broader societal issues regarding sexual behavior and consent.
  • The rise of extreme and degrading content in pornography necessitates comprehensive sex education and regulatory measures to protect vulnerable individuals.

Deep dives

Defining Pornography and Its Core Aspects

Pornography is fundamentally defined by the debasement and dehumanization of women, as explained by an expert in the field. Instead of focusing on definitions, it is more relevant to observe what the industry produces, as it is driven by a multibillion-dollar enterprise. This perspective emphasizes that, similar to other industries, one's understanding of pornography should stem from the products it offers. The notable aspect that defines pornography is its focus on the objectification and exploitation of women's bodies.

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