Hey, everyone, Brad here. Thanks for the comments.
You know, I used to think ’twas ever thus. Pornography is, after all, derived from a Latin word. But then (yes, Xanthippe, you are right) I started to see things through the eyes of a parent. So, of course I am more concerned about things I used not to be worked up about. For instance, I wish to segregate my middle-school age daughter from all males of her age +/- 4 years.
But, having said that, I agree with Dan and Herr Morgenholz that things are qualitatively different now. Things come into my home that used to be over there, in a movie theater or across the street. Now they are on my desktop.
And, by extension, it is far, far easier for any individual to disseminate material in such a way that it is likely to be seen and cause harm (at least in the moment). And, let me tell you, it is not a valid option when Hustler-style images are on-screen to turn to one’s offspring and try engaging in a philosophical discourse on body image and self-worth. No, what you really want to do is smash the screen!
Many hold that it is not just rude but downright wrong to smoke in public places where others might be affected. Fair enough. Seems to me that we ought to hold that it is just as rude — sorry: wrong — to display pornography in such a way that it might affect others who are not seeking it out.
My call is for people who are entering the public square (that is, when people make statements and create or link to images in public ways) to just remember that. It’s not prudery; it’s respect for those around us.
This is a good conversation, and I am glad it is taking place. I hope it continues. Thanks everyone.
