FREE ESSAY ON PORNOGRAPHY

PORNOGRAPHY

Liberal Feminism: The Glimmer of Hope
Individualist Feminism; A True defense of Pornography
Wendy McElroy
Summarized and Evaluated by
Art Mandalas (200721019)
The censorship of pornography has been an issue that has been under constant debate in
our society. There are many arguments for and against the censorship of pornographic
materials. In the broadest of explanations, the argument supporting an increase in
censorship is rooted in the belief that such material may cause direct and/or indirect
detriments to society. Advocates for freedom of expression feel that increased censorship
violates many basic human rights and consequently may harm our society. In looking at a
topic such as this, one must take a close look at the positions of various individuals
and groups. At that point it will become apparent that the debate on this issue cannot be
confined by the broad explanation given earlier. 
As mentioned, it is important to examine the views of specific individuals and groups in
order to gain a better understanding of this topic. For these purposes, this paper will
attempt to summarize and evaluate the position of the author Wendy McElroy. The articles
that will be examined are entitled: Liberal Feminist Arguments Against Censorship and
Individualist Feminism: A True defense of Pornography. 
McElroy discusses various issues concerning pornography as they pertain to feminism. It
is a popular belief that pornography through its negative portrayal of women has impeded
the feminist movement. What McElroy attempts to argue through her articles is that
pornography does the exact opposite of this. She attempts to explain that increased
censorship of such materials in fact hinders the feminist movement. 
In the article liberal feminism: the glimmer of hope McElroy raises issues concerning the
differences between the views of liberal and radical feminists as they pertain to the
topic of pornography. It is her view that liberal feminist organizations such as the FFE
are responsible for strengthening the feminist movement through their strong
anti-censorship stance. The liberal feminist stance is one that supports anti-censorship,
consequently freedom of speech and expression even as it pertains to the issue of
pornography. McElroy outlines in detail the position of liberal feminists and their
arguments against censorship. She states that there are three main articles in support of
anti-censorship. In this article she introduces two of these arguments, the third is
discussed in her second article; Individualist Feminism; A True defense of Pornography.
The two arguments raised in this article are that Freedom of speech is a necessary
condition for human freedom and The suppression of Pornography will hurt women. In the
first argument McElroy points out that in using the argument for anti-censorship of
pornography one is not necessarily in support of pornography but rather that one feels
that the right of freedom should not be sacrificed despite their disapproval on this
issue. McElroy points out that once the basic right of freedom of speech is breached
through censorship then many works of art and literature would be scrutinized and in many
cases banned. She also points out that this would put a damper on political expression
and creative culture. 
McElroyOs second argument against censorship is rooted on the notion that the suppression
of pornography will hurt women. In support of this argument she raises and addresses a
serious of concerns. 
McElroy cautions against increased censorship as it may lead censors to include
homosexuality under their definition of degrading material. It his her view that
censorship may also lead to the banning of feminist literature. The author cites previous
examples in history such as works by feminist author Margaret Sanger. McElroy also warns
that censorship will be used against those who hold the least popular views. 
McElroy also feels that the anti-pornography crusade perpetuates the myth of women as
victims. She feels that the pro censorship stance is often supported by the notion that
women need protection under the law. This according to McElroy implies that women are
helpless and require the protection that censorship provides.
She is also states that many radical feminists in their pursuit in strengthening their
anti-pornography position are compromising the feminist movement by siding with
anti-feminists conservatives. McElroy points out the dangers in adding to the credibility
of groups that may turn on a dime against them. It is also the position of the author
that many radical feminists are in fact diverting many of the real issues confronting
women today. 
ARNT RADCAL FEMS DIVRTING ATTEN FROM REAL ISUES CONF WO
BLAMING PORNOGRAPHY EXONERATING RAPISTS
CHRONICLE THEIR OPRESSION ? NO ACCESS TO HISTORY