PORN

Pornography has become a pervasive part of American culture. The Internet, 'family' video chains, reality television- the pornographic influence can be seen almost everywhere. But what effects, if any, has this infiltration- this 'pornographication'- had on American society? The traditional argument against porn has dealt with its 'morality' but the more pressing concern for contemporary detractors is whether or not pornography promotes misogynistic thought or even active violence against women. Many feminists have argued one or both of these points, but have differed from one another on ideas about what should be done with pornography. Meanwhile, a growing number of women are trumpeting the potentials of pornographic products. In PORN, Christopher Achenbach deconstructs the fundamental assumptions of these very different points-of-view and analyzes their real-world implications. The product is a complex yet accessible criticism of America's most alluring cultural phenomenon.