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The Dissenter

#995 Nadine Strossen: Defending Pornography

Sep 19, 2024
Nadine Strossen, a prominent legal scholar and former ACLU president, dives deep into the intricate debates surrounding pornography and free speech. She contrasts anti-porn feminist arguments with pro-censorship stances, advocating for evidence-based dialogue. Strossen addresses the impact of censorship on sexual expression and sex workers, stressing the need for individual rights and safety. Her insights challenge societal norms and encourage listeners to consider diverse feminist perspectives on pornography and its implications for women's autonomy.
59:19
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Episode guests

Nadine Strossen

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Quick takeaways

  • The podcast discusses the complex legal and societal interpretations of pornography, emphasizing its protection under the First Amendment despite various feminist perspectives.
  • It highlights the risks of censorship in pornography, arguing that it may exacerbate issues of exploitation rather than protect individuals, particularly women.

Deep dives

Defining Pornography and Obscenity

The term pornography lacks a binding legal definition in American law, often being used derogatorily to describe sexually explicit expression deemed distasteful. It is commonly associated with a subjective interpretation, influenced by societal views and community standards. Historical feminist movements attempted to redefine this concept, labeling it as degrading to women, while differentiating it from erotica, which they considered acceptable. However, the First Amendment generally protects most sexual expression, with notable exceptions for child pornography and obscenity, the latter being narrowly defined by the Supreme Court's three-part test that examines societal standards.

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