Even if a person freely enters a life of prostitution, getting out is not so easy. Diane Sawyer and ABC’s “20/20” researched the lives of prostitutes for over two years. They report: The world of high-end, high-priced prostitution has been in the news lately because of former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s scandal involving an […]
Debate on the Issues
Escort Prostitution: A Response to Tom Vannah, Editor of the Valley Advocate
On March 4, Tom Vannah, editor of the Valley Advocate, took a few minutes to voice his displeasure with NoPornNorthampton on his WHMP radio show (listen to the mp3). We have been bringing Mr. Vannah large amounts of information about the sex industry since 2006. We have asked the Advocate to drop ads for escort services […]
Now on Sale at Amazing.net: The Swirlies (explicit)
Counter-protester holds up a sign near Amazing.net at 135 King Street, Northampton in 2006Porn defenders will claim that it’s about love for women, an expression of art, not violence. TalkBackNorthampton, one of our more vigorous opponents for a time, prominently displays this graphic on its home page:In the post, “I support pornography”, blogger Libby Spencer leads […]
Now Showing at Amazing.net: The War on Privacy and Consent (explicit)
A major argument advanced by our opponents is that we have no right to criticize the actions of consenting adults. On 3/16/07, Activist Scott commented: I want consenting adults to be able to do, purchase, and view whatever material they want. I may not like what choices people make, or what they say, but I […]
Herbert, Brooks and Osayande on Misogyny, Money and Power; Amazing.net’s War on Women and Blacks (explicit)
In 2008 America, where front-running presidential candidates include an African-American and a woman, it’s hard to believe how ingrained misogyny and racism remain in our culture. Not only that, but pornographers are doing a thriving business in selling both, with nary a peep from the progressive community. Bob Herbert publishes a spot-on column in January 15’s New […]
Influence of Porn on Sex Practices: Dispatches from the Field (explicit language)
Many of our opponents argue that porn has little influence on behavior. The blogger GruntDoc, for example, claims “these images are harmless. No image has ever gotten up off a page and caused harm to anyone.”Let’s check in with Jezebel on the subject. Jezebel is a busy website devoted to “Celebrity, Sex, Fashion. Without airbrushing”. […]
Green Sexuality Is a Concept Worth Exploring – Voices of American Sexuality Blog
Voices of American Sexuality is a blog hosted by American Sexuality Magazine and the National Sexuality Resource Center. They noticed our November 25 press release, which mentions our concept of “green sexuality”: Before our loyal readers tear me apart, I think it’s worth exploring this concept a bit more in good faith. Here at American […]
Military Still Selling Porn on Bases Despite Law (explicit)
In 1996, Congress banned sales of sexually explicit material on military bases, but many say enforcement has been lax. According to USA Today, magazines currently approved for sale include:Celebrity SkinPenthousePlayboyPlayboy’s College GirlsPlayboy’s LingerieNudeThe Pentagon says they have barred about 67% of 473 “titles” reviewed. Nadine Strossen, head of the ACLU, says the ban violates soldiers’ First […]
Letter to Harper’s: “Boys on the Side”
The November 2007 issue of Harper’s publishes a letter from NPN’s Jendi Reiter, “Boys on the Side”. Reiter is responding to a September article by Laura Kipnis, “Lust and Disgust: A short history of prudery, feminist and otherwise”. In her article, Kipnis reviews Intercourse (Andrea Dworkin), Girls Gone Mild: Young Women Reclaim Self-Respect and Find It’s Not Bad […]
Cognitive Science: Don’t Give False Claims a Free Pass
The mainstream porn industry can be viewed as a pervasive propaganda industry that spreads certain myths. Dr. Mary Anne Layden characterizes these as “Permission-Giving Beliefs”, such as “All men go to prostitutes”, “Women like sex mixed with violence” and “Children enjoy sex with adults”. Myths surrounding the latter are particularly visible in incest pornography, such as that sold […]