6. What to do about pornography?

It would be misleading to claim that the elimination of pornography would put an end to men's violence against women. However, pornography reinforces a sexist and racist system in which men are valued over women, and whites are valued over people of color. If you, like me, believe that pornography enables and excuses men's violent, exploitative, and humiliating behavior toward women, and reinforces racist views, you will work on making pornography less appealing.

Make pornography less appealing by explaining to your friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances why pornography is a problem. Describe how pornography enables and excuses men's violent, exploitative, and humiliating behavior toward women, and reinforces racist views. Encourage them not to buy pornographic material, including porn magazines, "women's magazines" and general interest tabloids found at convenience stores, and explain how these are filled with images that insinuate that women have second-class status.

Make pornography less accessible in magazines and newspapers by making the magazine and newspaper editors accountable for their decisions on what ads are ran. Encourage editors to refuse to accept any sexist or racist ads. This is not about censorship. This is about magazine editors deciding whether their ads, just like the rest of their content, will fit their own ideals and the ideals of readers.

Work on challenging --every day-the sexist and racist ideas that reinforce a culture that enables men to commit sexual violence against women.

 

Natalia Deeb-Sossa deebsoss@email.unc.edu

 

 

My deep thanks go to Sherryl Kleinman for her insights, conscientiousness and mentorship. I am also indebted to Heather Kane-Odonovan, Josie Brunner and my family for their unflagging support and their helpful feedback on the multiple drafts.