I hate the fact that I am unable to be my usually opinionated-self when writing these blogs — the material and the controversies simply don't allow me to successfully take a stand on one side or the other! The topics we learn about in the lectures and the things I read on other student's blogs are so sensitive and multi-faceted.. PLUS the fact that a lot of people are so articulate in explaining all sides of the matters.. I see all sides and arguments and find myself stuck somewhere in the middle of it all. Sheesh.
Luckily, the series of lectures on consequences allowed me to somewhat stand on one side. I have to say that I completely agree that the effects of pornography on behavior can be shown in more of a limited-effects type model. Clearly, almost anything one watches or comes in contact with can effect their thoughts and behaviors. When people start claiming that pornography or violent films or music or anything like that is the sole CAUSE of a behavior.. I get really irked. The rape porn film you just watched the other night did NOT cause you to go out and rape the girl down the street. It may have influenced you to an extent; it may have added fuel to your sickly disgusting fire.. but it did not cause you to physically take action. I understand there have been many studies done on both sides of the argument, and I am aware that convicted rapists have claimed they "did it all for the porn," but I still don't buy it. I probably never will.
I was also interested in the studies and experiments done on the increased amount of violence towards women after watching a rape video. Isn't it obvious though? I know after I watch certain kinds of movies, when I leave the theatre, for a little while afterwards I feel like I could kick some a$$. I also know that after I watch, for example, a romantic movie, afterwards I feel all lovey-dovey and want to hug my boyfriend. The thing is.. I'm not going to leave the theatre and knock out the person in the car next to me just because I've seen a certain movie. And I'm not about to walk down the aisle with my boyfriend just because the wedding scene in some movie was just breathtaking. IF I happened to have pent up aggression towards one of my roommates for ruining my favorite boots and saw a violent-natured movie.. it may inspire or influence me to come home screaming at her though. And IF I happened to be considering marriage or something like that and saw a romantic movie, I may be more likely to head in that direction. It's not just porn — it's everything in life. Things you see and hear and do are going to IMPACT the actions you take. But they aren't going to completely change your ways of thinking.. they may just add to what was already there.
