I was involved in a discussion of porn on a favorite feminist bulletin board a while back, and it turned out that some people were against porn, for many reasons - mostly that it was a degradation of women. A definition of porn was called for - and it was basically defined as images of naked women in sexual acts.

Well, why does porn have to be images of women? Why do people think that? In an attempt to answer my own question - it's because society deems it so. People who sell porn don't think women want it. So they sell it to men, by using women. Even the porn of naked men is sold to other, gay men, not women. Strange, no? At least, I consider it strange. You people may not.

But, there is definitely porn out there for women. You just have to dig to find it. And I'm certain there are women who find at least some of it exciting. Of course the average gal wouldn't like the mainstream crap - it's aimed at guys. What guys and gals want are usually very different. Typical porn flick: Sad attempt at plot. Blow job. Cum all over girl's face. Fuck. Interminably long close up shots. Occasional girl-on-girl action. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

BOORRRING! And pretty gross, if you ask me. What girl wants to see that shit? Not me. And I'm in favor of reasonable porn.

Everyone is different, too. Some people don't like visuals. Some do. Same with audio and text. So whatever works for you. If you don't like porn, don't look at/watch/read it. I consider it to be images of PEOPLE as sexual objects. Because, face it, we all are. Sexual, I mean.

I don't know if I'm a feminist. I'm not sure what the hell that even is. I know I rebelled against statements such as "love, honor and OBEY," from as early as 8, that I believe in the power of the individual, that all of us should be treated equally - regardless of race, creed, gender, or otherwise - until we prove that we deserve to be treated differently.

And I also believe that photos and videos of consenting adults engaging in sexual activities, seen by other consenting adults, are harmless and can be enjoyable if viewed in a mature, controlled environment. I assume everyone involved in the creation of these materials is a consenting adult - that which is created without consent is evil and wrong. Porn in the hands of - or, god help us, about - children is evil and wrong, and those who put it there shall burn in hell.

But anything between consenting adults - I keep repeating that because they are key terms - is perfectly acceptable. In my oh so humble opinion.

Erotic stories are a different area, I think. Because no one real is involved - just a writer. Anything can happen. It's fantasy. No one is hurt. Can that be considered degrading? Exploitive? If so, then I ask - exploitive or degrading of whom?