The Problem With Porn
TABLE OF CONTENTS THE HISTORY OF PORN
1 2
Scope of the Problem
3 4
Ramifications
Statistics on Pornography
5 6
Appendix
Contributing Factors
12
Solutions
The Root Of The Problem The History of Porn Some people think pornography is a modern social issue common in our society since the first Playboy Magazine appeared in 1953. In truth, it has been around even before the ruins of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. when explicit statues and large frescos were discovered. The word pornography was officially added to the English language back in 1857 but it’s meaning and the extent to which it has spread throughout our society has changed. Originally, pornography included visual art and a small amount of written content depicting erotic behavior but as time went on, it found its way into films, videos and finally the internet which went global in 1991. When people hear the word pornography they may think of these past notorious symbols such as Playboy o r
imagine a bachelor party showing stag films. However, today pornography can impact the average person you see at work or the nice neighbor across the street who is secretly dealing with an interest that has spiraled out of control. Although pornography is found in numerous cultures and has been around for eons, it is the wide spread use and harmful addictive qualities that has caused the greatest concern. In considering pornography’s current role in society, author Rachel Grate wrote, “There may be nothing more simultaneously beloved and hated than porn.” (Grate, 2015) The opposition to pornography has a long history as well. In the 1700’s explicit books were censored or banned. Likewise, in the 1800’s organizations began to spring up working to address the problem and in 1957, The United States, Supreme Court affirmed that obscenity would not be protected by the First Amendment. Freedom of speech has long been the argument used by those in favor of pornography. Because of the complexity of the problem, the courts have basically allowed communities to set the standards for what is considered obscene. Unfortunately, arguments over the issue contin-
ue. On a positive note, in 1996 the Supreme Court enacted the Child Pornography Prevention Act (CPPA). This law made it illegal to possess or view child pornography. (Weisman, 2015) (Head, 2017) Today, mass media and the internet has made porn available to people in their homes, places of work, public arenas and even on cell phones. Even with technology filters and monitoring- many adults, teenagers and children are unintentionally exposed. One of the major driving forces behind the porn industry is profit. In 2015 over 4.3 billion hours of porn were watched on a single website. (fightthenewdrug.org) This is only one site. Can you imagine what the number would be if statistics revealed all sites and all forms of pornography? Some people assume that pornography is largely a form of harmless adult entertainment but current scientific research is telling a different story. The goal of this publication is to help inform and educate our communities and bring awareness to the issue of pornography which can negatively affect all of us. Individuals, families, employers and children are all at risk.
Contributing Factors Mass Media
Laws and Legislation
Proponents of Porn
Early and Excessive Exposure
Pornography before the world wide web was mostly found in magazines, books, stag films or brothels and primarily used by men. However, when the internet came into the picture its reach went beyond these mediums and could now be accessed by anyone using a search engine, including children. As far as government intervention is concerned, the focus primarily is on child pornography which is illegal and the growing problems with adult pornography are ignored. Even though in 1957 the Supreme Court ruled that obscenity would not be upheld by the First Amendment, the definition of what was considered obscene was not settled. The legislative panel agreed there was no justification for prohibiting the distribution of sexual materials for consenting adults. (Gould, 2010) According to The United Families Organization, there are plenty of advocates in favor of pornography such as The American Civil Liberties Union. This entity works hard to help the pornography industry operate without restrictions. Why? Because the porn industry gains personally and financially. (Durband,2008) Viewing pornography creates a condition for adults and children to have a change in their attitudes and perceptions of what healthy sexual relationships are. It teaches that women like violence and robs children of their innocence. Pornography is addictive and causes detrimental changes in the brain. For young developing brains, this could create a host of mental health and behavior issues. Billions of dollars are spent on porn and taken out of the economy which could be used for much better purposes. The amount of time wasted on pornography is downright scary. An annual report shared by EducateEmpowerKids.org shows these statistics. This is especially distressing when youth should be gaining an education and acquiring life skills. Early and repeated exposure has been shown to increase pornography addiction. These are only a few of the contributing factors which have caused the wide spread problems we face today.
Scope of the Problem In 2014 a study using the brain scans of 64 porn users, revealed that increased pornography use, shrinks brain matter in the areas of decision making, impulse control and motivation. Pornography addiction has been equated to drug addiction requiring increased exposure and more intense content to have the same response. Additionally, one peer reviewed report found that 88% of the scenes presented in pornographic material are violent and show aggression which has been linked to greater incidence of rape. The Family Research Council reported that individuals who collect and distribute pornography were also found to have committed over 13 other child sexual abuse offenses on average. When pornography becomes an addiction, fifty-eight percent reported they had financial difficulties and one-third reported job loss.
ing culture, pornography addiction has become a widespread problem. No longer is pornography limited to adult shops or magazines hidden away in a drawer, but it is openly accessible on the internet and through other means. This in-
This huge industry isn’t just profiting from a handful of sex addicts. In the United States, about 107 million people view pornography at least monthly. Perhaps even more surprising is not just the quantity, but the demographic of pornography viewers. What has sometimes been assumed to be a male issue is affecting females in surprisingly high numbers. One study found that 1 in 3 women watch porn each week, with 1 in 10 women watching pornography on a daily basis. Pornography’s impact is spreading not just to women, but also to children. The average age of first exposure for boys is somewhere between ages 11 and 13. As creased accessibilmany men, women, and children ity has led to what is now a are exposed and become addicted booming industry. As of 2015, the to pornography, this has a large impornography industry worldwide pact both on individuals and society made an estimated $97 billion dol- as a whole. lars. These revenues add up to be more than all the top technology (endsexualexploitation.org) (fightcompanies -- Microsoft, Google, Am- thenewdrug.org) With increasing access and a chang- azon, and more -- combined.
Statistics on Pornography The United States has the highest website host rate of pornographic materials at compared to other countries.
60%
65% of high school students
admit to unsafe, inappropriate, or illegal activities online (Market Wire. November 6, 2006. i-SAFE Inc. December 12, 2006 http:// www.marketwire.com/mw/r…e_ html_b1?release_id=180330).
48% of Kindergarten through 1st grade students report-
ed seeing something online that made them uncomfortable. 72% percent said they told an adult about it. This means that one in four children did not. (Rochester Institute of Technology, 2008)
63% of teens said they hide what they do online from their parents. (Harris Interactive-McAfee 10/2008)
42% of Internet users aged 10 to 17 surveyed said they had
seen online pornography in a recent 12-month span. (Wolak, Janis, et al. “Unwanted and Wanted Exposure to Online Pornography in a National Sample of Youth Internet Users.” Pediatrics 119 (2007); 247-257.)
9 out of 10 children between the ages of 8 and 16 have viewed pornography on the Internet. In most
cases, the sex sites were accessed unintentionally when a child, often in the process of doing homework, used a seemingly innocent sounding word to search for information or pictures. (London School of Economics January 2002).
Ramifications There are many organizations who report why pornography can no longer be thought of as harmless adult entertainment. United Families International explains why pornography is considered a public health crisis. Social science research shows some of the problems associated with repeated exposure:
• Divorce and failed relationships • Unhealthy sexual behaviors • Violence, victimization and aggressive behavior • Poor self- esteem and negative body image • Increased drug abuse • Addiction • Increased human trafficking, prostitution and child abuse • Detrimental impact on the brain
In the case of children living with a parent who is addicted to porn, can mean they receive less attention, are at risk for being exposed to pornography, may be subjected to poverty due to job loss, and suffer the disruption of a broken home due to divorce. These are not new concerns. When the U.S. government requested a commission report back on the issue of obscenity during the Nixon administration. On October 24, 1970, Nixon, being disappointed with the outcome of the report said, “America is great because she is good-and if America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” (Gould,2010) He recognized early on the degrading value of pornography even before the onslaught of the current mass media markets we know today.
Additionally, the clinical director of Masters and Johnson who works with 14 and 15- year old young men addicted to porn commented “Spending ones’ puberty on porn can have life-long implications.” He went on to explain that it sets the stage for how they feel and what they think about sexuality. Finally, one ramification that parents must be aware of are the scams and tricks used by pedophiles. They use pornography to lure children through internet chat rooms often pretending to be someone younger. They establish a relationship with the child or teen and gain their trust. Then, the child is introduced to porn and lured into online participation. Later they may be exploited and coerced fearing their photos and participation will be exposed.
Solutions to the Problem These are not pleasant descriptions of what can happen when pornography is viewed as acceptable and a normal part of society. So, what can we do? As educators, parents, families, spouses and community members we can become educated and take action. Prevention is an important strategy in the fight against pornography problems. In 2002 the National Research Council (NRC) stated that teaching children internet responsibility is a critical component to any effort in protecting them from pornography. In an article explaining the importance of educating youth about this topic the author uses the analogy of pool safety. “Swimming pools can be dangerous for children. To protect them, one can install locks, put up fences, and deploy pool alarms. All of these measures are helpful, but by far the most important pool protection measure for children is to teach them to swim.” (Thornburgh, 2004) Arming children with knowledge about online safety and teaching them skills and safety strategies can go a long way in helping them become proficient and responsible users of the internet.
SOLUTION ONE:
E ducational strategies
better equipped to use their time more productively and can evaluate content. There is a need for the development of educationally appropriate, interesting and safe content for children of all ages. The idea is that children may be more inclined to use this type of quality material instead of inappropriate content. (Thornburgh, 2004)
1.) Teaching youth to make wise choices. Helping them take control of their online experience by choosing where they go, what they see and what they do. Developing skills to be skeptical and discriminating consumers of information. Letting them make some decisions and encouraging personal 4.) Conversations are Key- Making character traits of trust and responsi- time for appropriate conversations bility can be a valuable tool. geared to the age of the child is of great value. Pornography is a touchy 2.) Vigilant adult and or peer su- subject and one that many parents pervision. We can’t teach if we’re not feel reluctant to talk about. There are there. Children need involvement as many, many organizations, educationthey learn the guidelines for safety and al documentaries, interactive websites use. A framework for conduct can be a and booklets available for families to part of home use as well as school, li- use as a guide in starting appropriate brary or work places. Adults can model and helpful conversations. Teachers, these values in the way they use the librarians and counselors can also use internet themselves. (Rules and guide- the materials when guiding students lines included in Appendix) on internet use. Conversations are important not only for youth but some 3.) Fostering media skills and de- organizations have practical informaveloping quality content. When chil- tion for adult support as well. (Protect dren become media literate they are Young Minds)
5.) Schools- Schools are a resource for parent involvement and may be able to host events which bring community awareness to the problem and dangers of online pornography. School libraries can also post helpful resources for parents on their library page and include digital books in their collections that teach technology use and safety. Most importantly, schools can make sure the filters on their computers are effective at blocking obscene content and that adequate monitoring is in place.
A recent newscast from WBRC FOX6 News, reported about a school in Alabama. Despite being equipped with filters, they were receiving pornographic content on a popular search engine called EBSO. The complaint came from several students who reported the problem. (To view the clip) http://endsexual-
exploitation.org/articles/investigation-report-school-ebsco/
sion (FCC) as well as report obscenity crimes to the Federal Justice Department in Washington or to local 6.) Citizenship- As members of authorities. Additionally, we can sign a community we can all strive to petitions that urge our government create a higher community stanto enact and enforce strict obscenity dard. HOW CAN WE HELP? by filing laws in our nation. (Focusonthefama media indecency complaint to the ily.com) Federal Communications Commis-
SOLUTION TWO:
R ecovery resources There are several ways that we, as a community, can come together to support and help those suffering with a pornography addiction. Pornography addictions can be fought and those suffering can find happiness again. As a community we musts be aware of the resources we have available to us. One of the many ways that communities are coming to together to help those addicted to pornography and fight the growing scourge is by getting behind support groups that have a base in spirituality. These programs might be likened to Alcoholics Anonymous but they are for people with sexual addictions instead. Some of these programs cost money and some are free.
Fortify- A Step Toward Recovery
The basis of this program is helping people to have “the knowledge and tools necessary to see pornography for what it is –harmful, addictive, and completely unnecessary. (fortifyprogram.org)
Fortify is a multi-step program that is through fightthenewdrug.org. It is found at fortifyprogram.org. It is free to youth from 13-20, and they charge a one-time fee of $39 for One difference here from other those 21 and older. step programs is that the last step
is called “becoming a fighter”. “Our goal in Fortify is not to rehabilitate a bunch of sorry people. Rather, it is to equip, arm, and unleash an army of courageous Fighters to secure their own freedom and then to do some good in this world.” This is about getting the information about how harmful pornography is out to everyone.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers another one of these programs. It is called The Addiction Recovery Program – 12 Steps to Change. The 12 steps are arduous and take a while to complete if it is being done properly. Step 1 – “Honesty – Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable.” Step 2 – “Hope – Come to believe that the power of God can restore you to complete spiritual health.”
in the name of Jesus Christ, to proper priesthood authority, and to another person the exact nature of your wrongs.” Step 6 – “Change of Heart –Become entirely ready to have God remove all your character weaknesses.”
Step 3 – “Trust In God – Decide to Step 7 – “Humility – Humbly ask turn your will and your life over to Heavenly Father to remove your the care of God the Eternal Father shortcomings.” and His Son, Jesus Christ.” Step 8 – “Seeking Forgiveness Step 4 – “Truth –Make a searching – Make a written list of all persons and fearless written moral invento- you have harmed and become ry of yourself.” willing to make restitution to them.” Step 5 – “Confession – Admit to yourself, to your Heavenly Father Step 9 – “Restitution and Rec-
onciliation – Wherever possible make direct restitution to all persons you have harmed.” Step 10 – “Daily Accountability – Continue to take personal inventory, and when you are wrong promptly admit it.” Step 11 – “Personal Revelation – Seek through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and to have the power to carry it out.” Step 12 – “Service – Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.”
Did You Know • On Google, the word spiritual is defined as “relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.” • Support groups are defined as “a group of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice.
SOLUTION THREE:
L egal action
Filtering: While acknowledging the harms of pornography is a great first step, it should be just that: a step. As governments come to realize how damaging pornography can be to society, they can take further action to address the problem. Of course, addressing the problem of pornography must be done within a framework of allowing for freedom of speech. Thankfully, the Supreme Court has upheld some laws to protect children that still protect speech. In an effort to protect minors from exposure to pornography, federal law re-
remaining 25 states to adopt similar legislation is an important way to address the challenge of pornography from a legal standpoint.
Holding Pornography Producers Accountable: Several states -- including Going even one step further Utah, South Dakota, Arkansas, and than filtering, legislation could hold most recently Tennessee -- have pornography producers accountable officially recognized pornography as for the damage their material causes. a public health crisis through an ofPornography addiction can lead to ficial resolution. While a resolution serious personal consequences, such is not legally binding in the way that as ruined relationships and even laws are, it shows that policymakjob loss. Pornography producers ers take the threat of pornography should not be allowed to stand idly seriously. This acknowledgement of by while their consumers bear such pornography’s harms is an importlife-changing consequences. ant step towards overcoming the This past year, the state of Utah enproblem. According to Dr. Tim Rarick, acted a law that would allow minors professor of marriage and family, to sue pornography producers for educating lawmakers about porany physical or psychological harm nography’s harms is one way to shift quire that comes to them. This law says the culture and promote real legal that that in order to avoid liability, porchange. comnography producers must provide Additionally, legally recognizing the puters in conspicuous warning labels and try danger of pornography can prompt public libraries and schools have to verify the age of someone acimportant conversation in commufilters. While this is a noble effort, cessing the pornography. Allowing nities and government. Governor many teenagers have their own mo- individuals grounds to take legal Gary R. Herbert of Utah, the first state bile devices or laptops. In fact, one action for any damage caused will to declare pornography a public study found that the average child encourage pornography producers to health crisis, said, “[Pornography] gets a phone at age 10, and 64% of take precautions, protecting minors is rampant, yet it thrives in secrecy children can access the internet with in particular through these warning and silence. Today’s bills will start their own laptop or tablet. labels and age verifications. an open discussion, bringing its Many states have realized this, and As the government comes to better very real dangers to light.” Having a so currently 25 states require not understand the personal and societal state government publicly recognize just computer filters, but filters on harms of pornography, perhaps legpornography as a problem will open the wireless internet itself for public islation could outright require such doors to important discussions, both libraries and schools. This will enwarning labels for all pornographic in the government and in communi- sure that kids are safe in these public material. Enforcing this type of ties themselves. settings from inadvertent exposure legislation could be difficult, but to hard core pornography and other creating such legislation could result damaging content. Encouraging the in important cultural changes.
April Ellington My name is April Ellington. I’m a 46-year-old college student, wife, mom, and school bus driver. I love to learn and read. I am the mom of four sons. I have an awesome daughter-in-law and two adorable grandchildren. I’ve been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my entire life. I’m a native Texas but have called Ohio my home for the last twenty-one years.
Topic:
As a group we discussed several topics that could have been chosen. Some of the topics were: Divorce, Abusive Relationships, and Pornography. Pornography was an easy choice for me to make. As the mother of four sons, I’ve personally seen how pornography can take hold of a person and have negative consequences in his/her life. I made the choice to be proactive in fighting pornography several years ago when a couple of my sons fell into its trap. In today’s society, pornography is so easy to find and it ruins lives. It’s no longer enough to sit back and hope that it doesn’t happen to someone you love. It’s time to shout it from the rooftops and let people know what negative impacts happen because of pornography.
Task:
My task for this project is to be Writer 3. I researched the ramifications that pornography has on people and society. They are many. I found that there are many ramifications that are easy to see and understand but there are many more that people probably do not know or understand. As an example, it’s easy to see how pornography might impact a relationship negatively. On the other hand, many people are not aware of how pornography damages the brain.
Research: I did most of my research online although I also included some of my own personal experiences. A great resource is : • Home.” Fight the New Drug. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017. It includes a lot of documented research about the harmful effects of pornography use. It also includes testimonials from people about their own situations with pornography. • Hilton, Donald L., and Clark Watts. “Pornography Addiction: A Neuroscience Perspective.”Surgical Neurology International. Medknow Publications, 2011. Web. 21 June 2017. • “Statistics: Porn’s Impact on the Brain (older Archives Available Here).” Enough Is Enough: Impact on the Brain. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 June 2017. Contain great information on the affects of pornography on the human brain. “26 Shocking Porn Statistics Most Men Don’t Know.” Husband Help Haven. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 June 2017. I found this resources to have great information about pornography use and it’s negative affects on relationships.
Several resources documented pornography statistics. • “Covenant Eyes.” Porn Stats | Covenant Eyes | The Leaders in Accountability Software. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 June 2017. • Public Health Crisis of Pornography.” National Center on Sexual Exploitation. N.p., 02 May 2017. Web. 21 June 2017. When discussing the effects of pornography I would be remiss to leave out how it affects girls. The resource for that is Orenstein, Peggy. “How Porn Is Changing a Generation of Girls.” Time. Time, 31 Mar. 2016. Web. 21 June 2017. I used addictionrecovery.lds.org for information on the church’s recovery program and fortify.org for information on a less religious recovery program.
Personal Reflection: My personal belief is that pornography is a scourge on our society. It ensnares a person into an addiction that only brings pain and suffering. Pornography is teaching our children a falsehood about what sex is and how it should be done. For many youth, this is the only education about sex that they get. It is no wonder we have so many divorces and abusive relationships in the world. I once heard my grown son say that it is no longer good enough to teach our children what to do “if” they stumble upon pornography; we have to teach them what to do “when” it happens because in this world it will. He was right. Pornography is more readily accessible than ever before. It used to only be available in smutty magazines or books. Now it is on TV, every computer and electronic device. It is my opinion that the makers of pornography work really hard to find ways to trick people into looking at their product. That is why we must be so vigilant in our fight against it. I almost feel that we need to raise a Title of Liberty like Captain Moroni that says, “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children” (Alma 46:12). We need to actively fight this in any way we can. The best way I feel that we as a society can fight pornography is to become educated and to educate the younger generation as well. It isn’t a learning tool, it isn’t something that enhances a marital relationship (as many believe), and it isn’t good for anything. Those are the things that pornography isn’t, here is what pornography is. It’s ugly, it’s abusive, it’s addictive, it ruins relationships, and it is a precursor to infidelity. Join with me in fighting against pornography and everything it stands for.
Lorilynn Phillips Lorilynn Phillips works as an elementary school librarian in Riverside California. She has been married for 34 years and she and her husband are the proud parents of three married children and one grandchild. Working on a degree in Communications has been both fun and challenging. She loves reading, music, and traveling. Her goal is to be an advocate for children.
Topic: Selecting pornography for the topic was very difficult. I was not drawn to the topic for any special reason but my team thought this was an important issue to address and I agreed. Now that I have a better understanding of the issue, I can wholeheartedly agree that it’s an extremely important and timely topic for our society today.
Task: My task -Writer Number 1. I researched the history and background of pornography. I also researched the nature of the problem and solutions to help prevent more people from becoming addicted to pornography. My focus was on prevention through education; especially for children. I interviewed two Addiction Recovery (AR) Missionaries who work with pornography addicts and their family members and spouses.
Research: Durband, Denise. “The Harms of Pornography.” United Families International. United Families International, June 2008. Web. 23 June 2017. http://unitedfamilies.org/issues-and-answers/guides-to-family-issues/ the-harms-of-pornography/ “What Can I Do About Pornography in my Community or on my computer and/or on my computer?”. Focus on the Family, 7 July 2013. Web. 04 July 2017. http://family.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/438/~/ what-can-i-do-about-pornography-in-my-community-and%2For-on-my-computer%3F Gould, Gretchen Brooke. “Obscenity and Pornography: A Historical Look at the American Library Association, the Commission on Obscenity and Pornography, and the Supreme Court.” UNI Scholarworks. University of Northern Iowa, 2010. Web. 20 June 2017. http://scholarworks.uni.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1221&context=etd Head, Tom. “A Brief History of Pornography: From 5200 BCE to Today.” ThoughtCo. CEO- Neil Vogel, 28 Feb. 2017. Web. 23 June 2017. http://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-pornography-721217 “Latest News.” Educate Empower Kids. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 June 2017. https://educateempowerkids.org/latest-news “MediaSmarts.” E-Parenting Tutorial: Keeping up with Your Kids’ Online Activities. Canada’s Center for Digital and Media Literacy, 1996. Web. 21 June 2017. http://mediasmarts.ca/tutorial/e-parenting-tutorial-keeping-your-kids-online-activities
Research Cont.
“Resources: Struggling?” National Center on Sexual Exploitation. NCOSE, 26 Jan. 2016. Web. 23 June 2017. http:// endsexualexplotation.org/resources-struggling/ Thornburgh, Dick, and Herbert Lin. “Youth, Pornography, and the Internet.” Issues in Science and Technology 20, no. 2 (Winter 2004). http://issues.org/20-2/thornburgh/ Weisman, Carrie. “A Brief But Totally Fascinating History of Porn.” Alternet. N.p., 5 June 2015. Web. 23 June 2017. www.alternet.org/sex-amp-relationships/brief-totally-fascinating-history-porn Grate, R. (2015, April 6). 11 Quotes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think ... Retrieved July 10, 2017, from http://www.bing.com/cr?IG=D1AA7BAE0A1B41E19BF162E931523F0A&CID=15DAB7C573486C1C1F74B D7E724E6D2F&rd=1&h=-LAXVQdibMSqLD8VvAiV_yFqN1Xuk69pzSY00op_j3g&v=1&r=http%3a%2f%2fpandawhale.com%2fpost%2f61273%2f11-quotes-that-will-completely-change-the-way-you-think-about-porn&p=DevEx,5064.1 Websites: 1. www.uncommonhelp.me 2. www.growthtrac.com/overcoming-pornography-addiction/ 3.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyld=125382361 4. http://www.whiteribbonweek.org/ 5. http://mediasmarts.ca/tutorial/e-parenting-tutorial-keeping-your-kids-online-activities Books: The Mind Polluters by Jerry R. Kirk (includes a step-by-step plan for combating pornography in your community) $1.88 on Amazon Books Apps: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lifeteen.victorybook&hl=en android app from google play. (For purchase) Organizations: 1. http://fightthenewdrug.org/ 2. https://protectyoungminds.org/resources/ 3. http://www.shessomebodysdaughter.org/no-more-pornography http://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-q-and-a/parenting/cell-phone-guidelines-for-kids
Personal Reflection: During my research, I more fully understood the magnitude and depth of the pornography issue in our country and in the world. The United States Supreme Court once stated that pornography was found to have no redeeming social value. Indeed, it is not only void of any value but to the contrary is harmful to men, women and children. Like a dreaded disease it should be avoided at all costs. Pornography addiction dims the intellect, tarnishes ones’ character, damages relationships, steals time and money and is the companion to many other detrimental social problems such as drugs and prostitution. If the information in this booklet can help even one child from choosing the path of pornography in their life then I would rejoice with gratitude. One insight I have gained during my study of this issue is how vital conversation is in addressing the problem. Those who have struggled for years with addiction and those who know nothing of the problem benefit when they can talk about what is true and what isn’t. Truth is a powerful tool. The other important thing I learned during this project was how each of us can make a difference in our communities by using our knowledge, attitudes and actions to influence others for good.
Elizabeth Eaton Warner I am a senior at Brigham Young University - Idaho studying marriage and family, with an emphasis in advocacy and policy. I am passionate about strengthening and protecting family units in order to strengthen communities and the nation. My husband and I are expecting our first child in November.
Topic:
Some of us in the group have had personal experiences with the subject, helping loved ones with their pornography addictions. We recognized that it’s an increasing issue in the United States. I’ve personally done a lot of research on the subject for a child and family advocacy class, and I also presented a public speech on the topic.
Task:
I researched and wrote about the scope of the problem. I interviewed one of my professors, Dr. Tim Rarick, who has studied the impact of pornography extensively. I also presented solution three, researching and writing about how to address pornography from a legal perspective.
Research: In my research, I came across many sources with information regarding pornography’s impact, how the legal system works, and what some states have done to address pornography legally. Sources from Solution Three Section: Source 1: “Straight to the Point: Setting Advocacy Priorities.” Pathfinder International, 2011, www.pathfinder.org/wp-content/ uploads/2016/10/Straight-to-the-Point-Setting-Advocacy-Priorities.pdf. Accessed 29 June 2017. Explanation: This source has some good information on the process of advocacy and what it really means to advocate for something. Source 2: “The Governor of Tennessee Just Officially Declared Pornography a Public Health Crisis.” National Center on Sexual Exploitation, 21 June 2017, endsexualexploitation.org/articles/ Explanation: This source highlights the four states that have signed a resolution declaring pornography a public health crisis. Source 3: Rarick, Timothy. Interview. By Elizabeth Eaton Warner. 27 June 2017. Explanation: In interviewing Dr. Tim Rarick, I learned more about possible legal solutions and the importance of being involved in the fight against pornography. Source 4: “Governor Signs Anti-pornography Bills Declaring Public Health Crisis.” Utah.gov, Utah Governor Gary Herbert, 2016, governorblog.utah.gov/2016/04/governor-signs-anti-pornography-bills-declaring-public-health-crisis/. Accessed 27 June 2017.
Explanation: In this source, Utah’s governor explains how signing the resolution will open doors to start conversations about the issue of pornography.
Explanation: In this source, Utah’s governor explains how signing the resolution will open doors to start conversations about the issue of pornography. Source 5: “Filtering in Federally-funded Public Schools and Libraries.” US Legal, internetlaw.uslegal.com/pornography/federal-restrictions-on-cyber-porn/filtering-in-federally-funded-public-schools-and-libraries/. Accessed 27 June 2017 Explanation: This source simply explains existing federal filtering laws in regards to public schools and libraries. Source 6: “Kids & Tech: The Evolution of Today’s Digital Natives.” Influence Central, 2016, influence-central.com/kids-techthe-evolution-of-todays-digital-natives/. Accessed 27 June 2017. Explanation: This source has statistics about how many kids own cell phones and can access the internet on their own devices. Source 7: Price, Michelle L. “Senate Panel OKs Bill to Block Pornography on Library Wi-Fi.” Deseret News, 1 Feb. 2017, www. deseretnews.com/article/865672332/Senate-panel-OKs-bill-to-block-pornography-on-library-Wi-Fi.html. Accessed 27 June 2017. Explanation: This source explains Utah’s legislation that extends filtering in public libraries to wi-fi, not just library computers. Source 8: Weir, Kirsten. “Is Pornography Addictive?” Monitor on Psychology, vol. 45, no. 4, Apr. 2014. American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/monitor/2014/04/pornography.aspx. Accessed 29 June 2017. Explanation: This source examines some of the data about pornography addiction, as well as some of the consequences that can come from it. Source 9: Utah, Legislature, Senate. Cause of Action for Minors Injured by Pornography. 2017. 2017 Legislature, General Session, Senate Bill SB 185. Explanation: This is Utah’s bill holding pornography producers responsible for harms that come to minors. Sources from the Scope Section Source 1: “Things Are Looking Up in America’s Porn Industry.” NBC News, 20 Jan. 2015, www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/things-are-looking-americas-porn-industry-n289431. Explanation: This article shows how much revenue the pornography industry generates globally. Source 2: Family Watch International. “Pornography Is Destructive to Individuals and Society.” Family Watch International, www.familywatchinternational.org/fwi/policy_brief_porn.pdf. Accessed 22 June 2017. Explanation: This document lists many of the ways that pornography harms individuals and society.
Research cont. Source 3: Luscombe, Belinda. “Porn and the Threat to Virility.” TIME, 31 Mar. 2016, time.com/4277510/porn-and-thethreat-to-virility/?iid=toc_033116. Accessed 22 June 2017. Explanation: This article includes information about how widespread pornography use is, as well as some of the personal consequences such as erectile dysfunction. Source 4: “Study Finds That 1 in 3 Women Watch Porn at Least Once a Week.” The New York Times, nytlive.nytimes.com/ womenintheworld/2015/10/22/study-finds-that-1-out-of-3-women-watch-porn-at-least-once-a-week/. Explanation: This article shows that women, not just men, use pornography regularly. Additional Resources www.yourbrainonporn.com - Information about how pornography affects your brain and how you can change it back endsexualexploitation.org/publichealth/ - Information about negative impacts of pornography www.pornharmsresearch.com - More research and statistics about harms of pornography www.familywatchinternational.org/fwi/policy_brief_porn.pdf - General overview containing research about harms of pornography utahcoalition.org - Videos and educational resources about pornography azfamilycouncil.org - Resources to help families combat pornography
Personal Reflection: In learning more about the legal aspect of pornography, I was pleased to see how many states are trying to tackle the issue. While there are limitations on the kind of legal restrictions that can be enacted, there are still plenty of feasible options to implement. I am hopeful that enacting such legislation will help shift the culture, making pornography less of an issue. I had already studied quite a bit about the harms that come from pornography. I’ve tried to educate others about these harms through blogging, speeches, and simple conversations. However, researching the legal side helped me realize that there is even more I can do. I often intend to be involved politically, but finding the motivation to do so can be difficult. This research has helped me understand more about the legislative branch in the United States. We as a people really are intended to have a voice. If I want to really help in shifting the culture and addressing this issue, it is my responsibility to get more involved politically as well. Thankfully, some organizations already advocate for this issue. But I can do my part to add my voice, educating legislators in addition to educating my peers. While this issue book was composed for a class assignment, protecting the family is much more than checking a box to me. I want to do the best I can to protect my home from pornography by educating my kids about healthy relationships and sexuality, as well as warning them about the dangers of pornography. As I continue to educate others and begin to get involved politically, I hope to protect other families as well.
Angie Claire Joseph Angie is Junior at BYU-Idaho, she is majoring in Communications with an emphasis on Advertising and Public Relations. One of her favorite pastimes is reading, she also really enjoys writing and hopes to develop her skills into becoming a playwright in the future. Angie was born in Brooklyn. NY but only lived there for a few months. She has moved many times and because of this us fluent in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Topic:
Within the group we changed the desired topic a few times but felt like this one related to each of us in a personal way. Pornography affects us in all aspects of our lives and is an ever growing problem within families. Personally, I have met a few people who have struggled with this addiction and notice how readily available it is even in my own life. It’s something that is being normalized and accepted by society regardless of the serious consequences.
Task:
My task for this project was Editor. I mostly spent my time on InDesign and Photoshop seeing what colors and pictures worked best, how the layout would be, I also got feedback from the other group members and graphic ideas. I tried to use colors that would emphasize the seriousness of the issue at hand, darker, more sinister even, colors and designs.
Research: My research consisted of mostly image searching. The majority of my images came from google.com with the usage rights set to “labeled for reuse with modification” or “labeled for reuse” Free use websites also used: https://pixabay.com/ https://www.pexels.com/ https://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/
Personal Reflection: This project was interesting because my focus wasn’t necessarily research or compiling information so I just had the chance to read through the facts and the actual data. It was almost like I was just a person that had stumbled across this information and it was rather astounding. The amount of pornography out there, how readily available it is, and how much it is being watched. I never imagined something so filthy would be so close to home, it really affects everyone. From the editor’s perspective it was interesting figuring out how I would portray the same message of a double life, of darkness, of the outreach of pornography. Visually portraying such a strong topic was hard but also really fun at the same time. It was like giving a face to pornography, how it looks just like regular people. It’s not back alleys and shady side deals anymore, it’s the guy next to you in class, the girl that always smiles at you in the hallway, the woman bagging your groceries. This problem is much bigger than I ever imagined.