Erotic Art vs Pornography

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Recommended: sociological perspectives on pornography

Statement of Scope

Are erotic art and pornography the same? Is a controversial topic. Sometimes the concept of pornography is well accepted and also can be even conceived as an artistic expression of erotic pleasure. On the other hand, it can be characterized as sinful and obscene. But the topic of whether erotic art can being categorized as pornography gets into this worldwide debate. What are the factors that can affect their distinction? The Museum of Sex located at New York has caused polemic among the people who know about it. Can the exhibition pieces be pornography and as a result do they have a negative connotation? Can the Venus in a Mirror painting have a negative pornographic meaning? Can it be conceived as positive art of cultural nourishment? Similarities and distinctions between art and pornography are needed in order to eradicate their negative effects and to assimilate their positive benefits.

Armstrong, Elizabeth. “Identity And Competence: The Use Of Culture In The Interpretation Of Sexual Images.” Sociological Perspectives 49.3 (2003): 411-432. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Nov. 2013.

The main thesis of this empirical and theoretical essay is about how the categorization of something between the concepts of art and pornography depends of morals and aesthetic criteria. The essay was made base on a study applied to three hundred college students. An image of a couple masturbating was presented and different concepts a human classifications were created based on student responses. The relation of art being pornography or vice versa was testes among the student sample. Their answers and interpretations gave the distinction of something being porn, art or both in one. Those concepts that have been very debatable about their difference and similarities now are questioned in a different way. The idea of individuals giving their own point of view about a masturbating image, allowed to come with a human classification of: No artistic Conservatives, No artistic Liberals, Artistic Liberals, and Artistic Conservatives. Basically, the answer of something being porn or art comes from the background and personality of the individual experiencing a certain situation where sexual content is presented.

Blair, Leonard. “Ex Porn Star Vanessa Belmond Confesses Horrors of Seductive Porn Industry; Brings Porn-Loving Men Close to Tears With Story” CP Entertainment. The Christian Post, 23 October 2013. Web. 15 November 2013.

The main argument behind this article is to show the horrible experiences and consequences gained by a female ex porn star.

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