Pornography

Well, this will be a hard topic to use as a controverial post, simply because the majority of my friends, I believe, are one-sided, all favoring the revealing nature of our cyber-society. However, since I did say that the poll would decide the next topic, I'll try to keep this working. I bolded certain questions that I think are interesting, and that some of you might respond to.

Now, the controversy lies on several levels. Firstly, there is the initial debate about pornography, sex and ethics. Certainly, times have changed. Earlier in history, people weren't as open about sex as we are now, but why? Why were people so uptight and secretive about a common activity that most people participated in?
Another question to look at is why children are shielded from sex. Obviously, parents (Well, some of them) have the "birds and the bees" conversation, but the awkwardness of talking to your child about sex seems to counteract the purpose of the actual conversation. My parents never gave me the lecture, and I'm sure others leave their kids to find out on their own. But why are some parents overprotective, not willing to let their children near the concept of reproduction? Why are some people against sex ed being taught in schools? (Of course, I have a possible answer for it, but I can't just tell it to you, or else you won't think, and this will all be for naught.)

Now, for the second part, let's look at the definition, or, one of the definitions, of pornography.

Now, I remember a story of a town trying to get a judge to ban the sale of pornography in their area, but they came up to the problem of defining porno. What's the difference between a nude modern woman, and the nude women in ancient masterpieces of art? These paintings and tapestries are considered masterpieces, such as The Birth of Venus. How can one call one dirty without slandering the other?

Well, if you're still reading, kudos to you. I probably wouldn't have bothered reading through that short, pointless post. Anyways, the last controversy that could be stated about porn is the age limit to viewing it. In the U.S., depending on what your local/state legislature is, you have to be 18 or 21 to view sexually explicit content. Is this legal, or fair?

Now, what you all plan on replying to:

• Do you agree with teaching kids about sex? And at what age should this be done?
• Do you think that pornography should be allowed to exist?
• How do you define pornography? Do classical paintings count as porn?
• Can you come up with a definition of pornography that doesn't incorporate the previously stated paintings? (Don't cheat and google up for one, use your head >.> That's why your here. It's all part of the fun.)
• Should there be an age limit to view porn? An explaination would be appreciated, for this one. And, if yes, how rigorously should it be enforced?
• Does erotic literature count as porn? Should it be regulated like its visual counterpart?
• What is your favorite position? (I had to throw a joke in there. Answer if you want to ^^ )

I did not address child pornography in this post. I do not feel that it should be talked about at this moment, I will address it in the topic "Legal Sex Age", when it comes up.