Monday, January 21, 2008

Jan 21, 2008 by Midday Metro

Opening day of the Utah Legislature and I'm talking about porn. Actually, quite appropriate considering it was that august body which created Utah's Porn Czar. Although the PC is out of biz (b.2001 - d.2003), the amount of what just 20 years ago would have been considered soft-core porn in today's mainstream culture indicates perhaps an even greater need for the post today. Talking with Dr. Gail Dines during today's show was an eye-opener. She studies the impact of porn on pop culture. It's a domino effect that she traces from the 80s, the rise of MTV and highly-sexualized videos from the likes of Madonna to today's celebutantes who launch their "careers" with sextapes "leaked" onto the Internet. As soft-core porn has become mainstream, the porn industry has gotten more hardcore, says Dines. Young boys are now regular uses of porn, and young girls are feeling the pressure to perform like porn stars. While an adult conversation, I suggest anyone raising or mentoring young girls and boys should listen to this podcast. Dines also offers material via email: stoppornculture@gmail.com. And you can hear her speak Wednesday evening, 7 p.m., at Westminster College. It's free and open to the public, but no one under 18 will be admitted.

Update: Here's the Stop Porn Culture website. 

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