http://jackcentral.com- Erotic expression has existed, in a variety of forms, since mankind emerged. When erotica ceases to be an artistic enterprise and instead — let’s be real — fufills a more carnal purpose, it becomes porn. For all of its seediness, controversy and alleged danger, I believe pornography exists to fill a very specific niche in our society that isn’t going away anytime soon. At least not as long as human beings are sexual creatures who find a naked human body compelling. It is up to the individual, the viewers and the creators of pornography, to change the way erotica is viewed in this society.

There is sufficient proof that porn can be harmful. It can create unfair standards of beauty and sexual conduct. All of the possible dangers of porn are going to occur on an individual basis and are going to be privy to that individual’s personal choices and decorum.

One of greatest things about living in this society is the amount of uncensored media we are able to expose ourselves to. The downside to this is that no matter how careful we are there will be times when our personal tastes and ethics are offended. I believe it is better to risk offense than to remove completely certain media, such as porn and erotica.

If we’re to wage war on porn, then we’ll essentially be waging war not only on an unstoppable industry, but erotic expression in general. If we ban porn, aren’t we then going to have to ban lingerie? Or Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue? Those things don’t exist solely for their aesthetic value. They exist because they present a sexually pleasing and arousing image. And, news flash, sexual arousal isn’t something most people are going to ignore.
So rather than ban porn, a multibillion-dollar industry, why not work on changing the look and conduct of the adult film industry to something realistic and safe?

Consider the alternative porn movement. Porn has long been associated with sleaziness and tragedy, but alt-porn is changing that standard. These performers do not fit the unrealistic physical expectations of more traditional adult performers, and use their work as a form of healthy sexual empowerment. Consider Anna Flores, one of the foremost plus-size adult film stars in the industry. She’s changing the look and the aesthetic of porn to something more realistic, which, in turn, could alter the expectations of audiences.

In the end, I think it comes down to personal choice. If you don’t want to watch porn, don’t. If you do watch porn, then why not invest in the healthier side of the industry. I am sure there is a way to create porn that is safe and, perhaps, beneficial for the audience that chooses to watch it.