Military's porn ban questioned

[sabra]

Source: USA Today

WASHINGTON — Ten years after Congress banned sales of sexually explicit material on military bases, the Pentagon is under fire for continuing to sell adult fare, such as Penthouse and Playmates In Bed, that it doesn't consider explicit enough to pull from its stores.

Dozens of religious and anti-pornography groups have complained to Congress and Defense Secretary Robert Gates that a Pentagon board set up to review magazines and films is allowing sales of material that Congress intended to ban.

"They're saying 'we're not selling stuff that's sexually explicit' … and we say it's pornography," says Donald Wildmon, head of the American Family Association, a Christian anti-pornography group. A letter-writing campaign launched Friday by opponents of the policy aims to convince Congress to "get the Pentagon to obey the law," he adds.

In an Aug. 15 letter to the groups, Leslye Arsht, a deputy undersecretary of Defense, said the Pentagon's Resale Activities Board of Review uses appropriate guidelines to review material for sale.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-11-04-Militaryporn_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

[ruiner4u]

1. rut-ro...

:popcorn:

[Lasher]

2. This is one problem I have with the military

Here you are trained and ready to kill other people and/or die yourself in combat, but when it comes to something like this they treat you like you're a child. At least 19 year olds can vote now.

[Renew Deal]

15. It's a job right?

That's what they say. Could you have porn at your job? Anyway, this is dumb. The troops deserve mountains of porn for the work they do. And I mean that as a compliment.

[heliarc]

16. Would you let your work ....

determine what you decide to read when you're in the comfort of your home bedroom? Soldiers deserve to have some respit from the workplace when their shift is over and they go to bed at night. IMHO.

[Toots]

42. Do you have a bed at your job?

Do you spend twenty four hours a day seven days a week at your job.. The military is not just a job..

[Renew Deal]

43. Tell it to the recruiters.

Again, I agree that they should be lavashed with all the porn they want. I'm just throwing what the recruiters say out there.

[Scout]

46. It's not just a job, it's an adventure! n/t

[tridim]

3. I'll bet anyone a thousand bucks that Donald Wildmon has more porn..

on his computer than 99% of the people in this country.

I have zero doubt he's a perv, just like all the other "do as I say, not as I do" Republican hypocrites out there.

[fenriswolf]

23. hehe the old

"i watch it because i want to know the face of evil" defense

[LoZoccolo]

4. .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuhOj2dQTrk

[pokercat999]

33. If you do, I'll bet you never go back to dogs.

[God23]

5. Great. I'll bet they have no probs with "Soldior of Fortune" or

Snuff Films are Us.

It's great to see entrails but not the human body.

[lvx35]

6. Good luck anti-porn crusaders!

Try telling consenting adults in the military that they don't have the rights any teenage boy with skinimax has and see how they take it. Also soft-core porn is almost a military tradition, going back to the sexy girls painted on WWII planes and such.

[noamnety]

34. Misogyny is a military tradition

as is homophobia. That's not in and of itself justification to continue it.

The military does a couple of things. One, it trains its troops to dehumanize people, so the troops will be willing to shoot them.
Second, it glorifies hypermasculinity (and devalues anything that might be interpreted as female).

The result is that women are routinely assaulted, both our own US troops who are women, and enemy women. Raping enemy women has ALWAYS been a staple of warfare, throughout history.

Distributing images that dehumanize women and eroticize violence against women (as even most mainstream porn does) makes the problem worse, not better, and puts the women in the military - and civilians in Iraq - at greater risk of assaults.

We don't need any more My Lai's, we don't need any more Haditha's. The military can't argue that they are doing all they can to eliminate violence by male soldiers against women if they are on the side selling films and magazines that depict rape in a positive way, and has been proven to desensitize people to violence against women.

[AngryAmish]

40. Do you have any proof that porn causes rape?

Because there has never before been more access to porn than nowadays and rapes are at an historic low in the US.

[lvx35]

47. Its an incredibly totalitarian idea that it does.

Just the thought that seeing naked women will turn men into rapists is utterly totalitarian. In fact, its USED to justify rape of women who don't completely cover themselves in extreme muslim areas, which is very clearly an aspect of the theocratic control structure. In a free country, people are expected to have discernment and take responsibility for their actions...Its only in a totalitarian state that people are expected to act exactly as Pravda tells them to, so all other media sources must be censored. Its bullshit.

[Crayson]

53. Probably the opposite

A guy who just wanked off over a magazine will not go into the street, stop a carfull of people, rape the daughter and kill the family.
He just wont have got any testosterone left for this.

On the opposite:
Starve them sexually and they will get all strange ideas!

[noamnety]

56. Suggested Reading

http://www.protectkids.com/effects/justharmlessfun.pdf

This is a summary of the studies, rather than just one individual study funded by one small group.

Some excerpts:

A review study in 1994, based on 81 original peer-reviewed research studies (35 using
aggressive stimuli and 46 using non-aggressive stimuli), concluded that “the empirical
research on the effects of aggressive pornography shows, with fairly impressive
consistency, that exposure to these materials has a negative effect on attitudes toward
women and the perceived likelihood to rape.” The study also noted that 70 percent of
the 46 non-aggressive studies reported clear evidence of negative effects of exposure. page 7

A study in 1989 for the Canadian Department of Justice found that “high-frequency
pornography consumers who were exposed to the nonviolent, dehumanizing pornography
(relative to those in the no-exposure condition) were particularly likely to report that they
might rape, were more sexually callous, and reported engaging in more acts of sexual
aggression. page 8

The study found that more than twice as many men indicated at least some likelihood of
raping after exposure to this material – 20.4 percent versus 9.6 percent.

A 1989 review of a series of studies of “common” pornography found that its
consumption led to insensitivity towards victims of sexual violence, trivialization of rape
as a criminal offense, <-- this is a problem given the military's history of whitewashing rape allegations.

It is customary for pornography advocates to counter such findings by overstating them. For
example: “It is ridiculous to suggest that one look at Playboy turns a man into a rapist.” Of
course that would be ridiculous: it’s also not what the research is suggesting. Or: “Pornography
can’t compel anyone to act in a particular way.” True, and neither did liquor or tobacco
advertisements (now banned or restricted) compel anyone to buy their products. Or:
“Pornography doesn’t affect everyone the same way.” True, and neither did tobacco or liquor
ads – but their influence was undeniable.
What the research does show is that pornography is a strong, negative influence affecting
attitudes and behavior. It promotes the same attitudes towards women that breed sexual
harassment and destroy relationships. page 9

The whole thing is a good read, it's hard to limit myself to quoting just a few portions of it. http://www.protectkids.com/effects/justharmlessfun.pdf

[AngryAmish]

57. Porn may change attitudes, but is there evidence for banning porn = less rape?

No. A lot of the stuff in that report comes from the 1886 Ed Meese (Reagan justice dept.) study. I think it is fair to say that was a farce.

The central point is our society is saturated with tons of porn. Porn tapes are a way to become famous (Paris Hilton). In 30 seconds on my computer I could find the vilest pornography available, featuring simulated rape (one hopes) etc. Yet rape stats are plunging.

There are other theses out there. One could be that we are better at proving rape and putting rapists away for a long time. And few offenders could be responsible for many rapes. Or porn is a safety valve of some some sort. Or there are fewer people in the rapist population cohort (including the Frreakonomics theory that we have aborted many of the criminal class). Anyway, my point is saying porn causes rape just seems to be silly nowadays with the evidence we have.

[noamnety]

61. If it is a subject that interests you, I suggest reading the link.

In the meantime, I will repost this: A study in 1989 for the Canadian Department of Justice found that “high-frequency
pornography consumers who were exposed to the nonviolent, dehumanizing pornography (relative to those in the no-exposure condition) were particularly likely to report that they might rape, were more sexually callous, and reported engaging in more acts of sexual
aggression. page 8

[Progressive Friend]

51. Saying that "porn causes rape" is like saying that video games cause school shootings

It just isn't true.

[Crayson]

54. or saying "religion causes crusades" !!

In fact they DO!
That's why it's the most dangerous addiction available on the planet.

[noamnety]

55. Violent video games

Exposure to violent games increases physiological arousal.
Exposure to violent games increases aggressive thoughts.
Exposure to violent games increases aggressive emotions.
Exposure to violent games increases aggressive actions.

http://culturalpolicy.uchicago.edu/conf2001/papers/walsh.html

[Sin]

58. Humm maybe you should go here.

http://www.gamepolitics.com/

To Get a more balanced View on Video gamers before you start sounding like you drank some of the Jack Thompson Kool aid.

[Drunken Irishman]

65. So what do you advocate?

The goverment should ban the following?

Movies.

TV shows.

Music.

Plays.

Porn.

Video games.

Sporting events (they can get violent).

Sounds like Demolition Man.



Yeah, I think I'll pass on that. I'll enjoy my porn and violent video games (and I've never wanted to rape a woman or shoot someone) and you can purge yourself of these evils and live your pure lifestyle.

[noamnety]

66. I don't advocate using government resources

including military bases to market materials that promote male supremacy and domination of women to organizations with systemic and horrifying records of abuse against women.

There's a reason that when we do the sexual harassment training in the army, we don't end it by handing out porn magazines to everyone when they are leaving the room.

I also don't advocate using government resources, to include military bases, to market materials that promote white supremacy.

[Drunken Irishman]

67. Right, because it's all linked to porn!

Unbelievable.

I'm just glad you're not in control of the government, or we'd have little freedom at all. So you want to ban something that "promotes" male supremacy, which means you'd probably be content with them banning Play Girl, too? Why stop there? Let's ban cigarettes and alcohol from army bases, as well. I mean, that promotes an unhealthy lifestyle and the government shouldn't market that, right? But let's not stop there. We can't market violent video games on bases, either, since that could promote a violent lifestyle (heh, forget for a second that they're actually in the military). Ban any entertainment which offers the slightest glimpse of female/male nudity (can't have the government advocating any type of nudity, right?). Then we'll ban masturbation, since obviously when men masturbate they think of women nude and that could lead to the domination of women and abuse, right?

Let's just strip them of anything and everything. When they're not out fighting, they can just sit in the dark and dream about clouds and bunnies (but nothing sexual, wouldn't want to promote sexuality).

[noamnety]

68. kudos on seeing through the feminist agenda.

Yes, that's exactly the goal, to ban all masturbation, and force everyone to think about clouds and bunnies.

Darn, I thought I had disguised that so well, too.

:eyes:

[Drunken Irishman]

72. Sure sounds like it.

So porn bad, violence good?

[noamnety]

73. Ah, you've seen through the VFP agenda as well.

Yes, I'm a big supporter of violence. That's why I use the VFP avatar. You're very perceptive.

:eyes: :eyes:

[Drunken Irishman]

74. So then why pick on only porn?

I offered up an idea to ban anything violent, yet you ignored it. So it is all about porn, right?

[Progressive Friend]

71. Don't worry, the "lesbian separatist" types are not representative of real feminists

Real feminists support equal economic and political rights for women. "Lesbian separatist" extremists hate all men, heterosexuality, porn, etc. There are very few of those extremists in the real world though.

[Apollo11]

59. Where's the violence in Penthouse magazine?

There is more violence in most cartoons and kids shows on TV.

And that's before we start playing video games.

Soft porn prepares young men for the shock of seeing women without any clothes.

Without this kind of advance information, we would have no idea what to do.

[SyntaxError]

60. Most porn doesn't depict rape in a positve way...

that's screwed up shit that weird people use for their jollies. Penthouse and playboy do not have such images(at least from what I've seen)

[kimmylavin]

7. Are you kidding me?

Religious groups are complaining that they're selling pornography to soldiers?

Soldiers being sent to kill other people? Not a problem.
But soldiers (away from home, away from wives/husbands) getting their rocks off to soft core porn IS a problem?

What color is the sky in their world???

[LynzM]

13. Bingo. You hit the nail on the head.

Killing is fine, but sexuality, that we've got to put a stop to. :banghead:

[Akoto]

8. Somebody get the 'not this shit again' guy picture.

You can train them to fight and kill, but porn is an issue? Oh, the headache.

[Frank Cannon]

37. ...

[cboy4]

9. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. These are adults, and they should be

allowed to purchase porn on their own time on military bases.

What's the big deal?

It pisses me off beyond belief how these religious groups constantly stick their noses in other people's lives!!

That Donald Wildmon character from the American Family Assoc., and all of the other Christian nuts should mind their own fricken business and stop taking their frustrations out on everyone, just because they can't get laid.

[MetaTrope]

10. Wow, glad I got out of there years earlier

But yes, by contrast, the recreation center of the base I trained at had TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE playing constantly on its VCR.

[DCKit]

11. Wingers hate SEX 'cause they're so bad at it. They're generally ugly too. nt

[Nomad559]

12. The bible has pornography In It

does he think that bibles should not be allowed on military bases?

:)

[heliarc]

17. Begat Begat begat begat and begat again! nt

[Renew Deal]

14. Donald Wildmon doesn't support the troops.

These guys are getting their heads blown off and Wildomon is worried about porn on the bases? What a scumbag.

[Gen. Jack D. Ripper]

18. I wish these people would cut the moral crusade crap

Stop trying to force others to live the way you think they should.

[okoboji]

36. moral crusades

it's funny how when they mention the word "morals" it only seems to mean about sex. What happened to honesty?

[gatlingforme]

63. Honesty and morals ??? you kidding? Republicans and honesty?? haha

[onehandle]

19. If you expect me to get shot at, don't deny me the chance to see some tits.

We're not talking about an underage audience here. We're talking about our fighting men.

Why won't fundies support the troops?

Let them see some tits and for God's sake, let them come home!

[cboy4]

21. LOL, I should use your subject title as my new

sig line!!

[Javaman]

20. Nothing more than the usual repuke mantra: Death good, sex bad. nt

yet somehow these nutjobs keep reproducing...
:shrug:

[Dem_in_Nebr.]

31. Reproduce???

I don't think they reproduce, I think they clone!

[Kolesar]

22. Right-wingers can manipulate them to vote for monsters, but will lose on this one

I think that most young men have a keenly tuned sense of what is appropriate in the world of pornography by the time they join the military.

[greiner3]

24. Wikipedia has an article on him;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Wildmon

It's not a great tribute to god's chosen anti-anything. However I can't tell if it's written by one of his supporters either. :rofl:

He graduated from Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi, in 1960. In 1961 he married Lynda Lou Bennett with whom he has two sons and two daughters. From 1961 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Army. He was ordained as a minister of the United Methodist Church in 1964 and served as a pastor until 1977, when he left the pastoral ministry to campaign against pornography and violence in the media. He gained his Master of Divinity (MDiv.) from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, in 1965.

Throughout the late 1970s, Wildmon actively protested television shows with questionable content that he felt promoted immoral lifestyles. He spoke against such programs as Three's Company, Charlie's Angels, Magnum P.I., Cheers, M*A*S*H, and Dallas. He once called Flamingo Road the worst show on television and Morgan Fairchild the worst actress ever.

Wildmon has been accused of anti-Semitism for his views on the so-called "theocidal curse", and the role of Jewish people in the media. In 2005 Wildmon threatened that if the Anti-Defamation League criticizes the Religious right, "we just won't support Israel anymore" <1> He has also claimed that "Jews favor homosexual rights more than other Americans

[Kemet]

25. PTSD

I guess they could get ptsd... no one wants that to happen.
The only fluid allowed in a dream is blood obviously.

save lives, bring them home.

[AX10]

26. So they are adults when they go into battle, but are...

little children when it comes to porn and liquor. I see.
Right Wing Hypocrisy strikes again!

[rAVES]

27. bunch of idle idiots.. nothing better to give out about.

[ckramer]

28. Why buy when one can watch it for free from

YouPorn

[Crowman1979]

29. What is the point of the porn ban?

It means less money for the PX! If your lucky there usually is a place that sells porn mags, DVDs and other stuff outside of base or at the nearby town. Plus there is the net. Seems that the Right Wingers are going against the laws of economics, denying the PX the neccessary dollars to have a wider variety of products available to servicemembers.

[Flabbergasted]

30. American Family Association: "Porn Bad; Senseless Violence fine."

[Journeyman]

32. Kick. . .

[ohio2007]

35. I can see the Iraqi's getting their shorts bunched up when they learn porn is being sold

in Iraq !

[noamnety]

38. all things considered

can you blame them? Porn is what we've modeled a lot of our prisoner abuse on.





They would have a right to be upset if we gave lip service to the notion that we think this is horrifying, we are doing everything in our power to put a stop to this and to teach our soldiers that this is wrong - and then at the same time we are claiming that because our troops are doing hard work, they deserve to consume "mountains" of these images.

[Triana]

44. sexual abuse and prisoner abuse/torture....

....is one and the same - all stemming from a patriarchal 'war' mentality.

[MindPilot]

70. THAT is most certainly true...but it has no connection whatsoever

to guys enjoying the sight of women's bodies.

[MindPilot]

69. Yeah, they thought that up all on their own after looking at Playboy

You are one of the regular anti-porn radfems and I usually read your porn-causes-rape rants with a bit of amusement, but this time you are REALLY reaching deep into the causal absurdity bin. :rofl:

[tanyev]

39. I'll start listening to Donald Wildmon just as soon as he does a couple tours of duty.

[kskiska]

41. Perhaps Clarence Thomas could rule on it

He's always come down on the side of porn in his court decisions.

[saigon68]

45. Yes "Old Long Dong Silver" rides again

LOL

[Triana]

48. You all need to read Stan Goff's 'Sex and War'

http://www.feralscholar.org/blog/index.php/category/aa-buy-sex-war/

Pick up the clue phone.

[noamnety]

49. It's actually online free at the moment

http://www.insurgentamerican.net/books/sex-and-war/

(People should still buy it if they can to support him as a writer.)

[Triana]

50. Awesome! Passing that info along. Thanks! (n/t)

[noamnety]

62. I wish everyone in this thread would read it. (nt)

[TygrBright]

52. Ohfer petesqueeks....

...they're getting all bent outta shape about TITTYMAGS???

Come on...

Seems to me the military has done a pretty decent job walking the line on this one, excluding the really hostile, creepy-type stuff, but keeping a few comparatively harmless tittymags. I mean, we ARE talking about a population of enlisted that are by a substantial majority male and in the, uh, 'hormonally intense' stage of life, right? And we're sending them to get their asses shot off? And then telling them they can't fantasize about Miss November?

Cripes. Small minded self-righteous hypocritical weasels...

disgustedly,
Bright

[Marnieworld]

64. Well then stop airing Limbaugh too then

He's a form of Hate Porn I think. His words are more harmful than any boob-filled mag any day.