A reader issues the challenge based on an earlier post about Steve Abram's labeling some classroom books as "porn."
"Is this one of the pieces of "well-regarded literature" that you want your daughter reading? Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison"
Well, I haven't read it. But I have read "Beloved" by Morrison and parts of "Black Boy" by Richard Wright. And I would LOVE for my daughter, in American Literature class, to be exposed to them. These are difficult books that challenge the reader, but in the hands of a good teacher they are powerful illustrations of the American experience.
I'll use the Bible defense — take passage of it out of context and it could be labeled "porn," too. Fifty years ago they wanted to ban "Catcher in the Rye" for a few cuss words. Huck Finn, etc.....
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Etymology: Greek pornographos, adjective, writing about prostitutes, from pornē prostitute + graphein to write; akin to Greek pernanai to sell, poros journey — more at fare, carve
Date: 1858
I would suppose that one has to evaluate the intent of both the creator of topic specific material and those who might effort to teach from the materials.
What is used to educate and edify might not be argued as pornography.
What is used to incite and arouse or provoke a sensual response would offer the counter.
Can we introduce explicit materials, literature or videography in a clinical fashion that does not evoke sensual desires within the target group?
The motive influences that determination as much as almost any other determining criteria.
I think we have allowed license to establish the meaning of the label to address things that are of personal offense. without attempt to consider the design of the script. Some thing may be considered an offense without genuinely being pornography.
Then there are those things which are no-brainers. It's like the folks who muddle the issue of discipline by a spanking with child abuse. Would you rather spank a hand and say "hot" or would one prefer to spend months in a burn center because "time out" didn't get the message across.
Sensual can be offensive or romantic. In contrast, pornography is a specific intent and design. Be careful not to overuse the label. Be even more careful not to yield a generation of ignorance on human sensuality.
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