|
original: 2003.06.10
revised: 2004.01.28
Is the Porn Biz Moral?
If you are reading this, I suspect you're just curious because, most people seeing "Discourse" might believe it is an opportunity to be moralized at. I have no intentions to preach, only a desire to ask a few questions and posture a few observations.
When I embraced this erotic journey, it wasn't because I was a sex maniac desperate for an outlet (although, I have to admit liking sex a lot doesn't hurt). Nor was it because of some fantasy that instant riches would soon be falling off our trees (I wouldn't mind if this adventure truly became a venue for financial independence, however). In fact, I knew this would be a very difficult road to embark on, so my investment is because of a sincere belief that erotic fantasy is a "healthy" way to enrich one's sexuality and that I might have a talent and perspective that can contribute to this enrichment.
I am, however, distressed at the level at which the adult industry is burdened by "shady character," leading to the understandable nastiness that occurs when technical errors beset some of my clients. The immediate assumption is that we are running a scam to steal their dollar, not that some honest challenge has beset the situation.
I, too, am ultra-cautious--having been out right "deceived" and "used" by supposedly Leading Adult Entertainment venues. Who said that someone established and big is necessarily ethical and honorable? A few experiences have turned that perception right around.
Obviously, fraud, chargeback abuse and unchecked kids have all contributed to a huge level of insecurity and cost for the virtual adult market. Tremendous crackdowns for financial self-preservation have become the focus of credit institutions. What does it take to recover from such costs, both those financial and of consumer confidence?
Who in the long run loses and wins from all this criminal terrorism? Would it be the adult credit card holder who is not able to freely buy what they want? Or the Small Business hopefuls who better be prepared to foot a pretty bill for their credibility? Is small business where most of the internet crime and scams emerge? Is it this "extreme infection" in the industry that justifies the VISA attack on free speech?
Does it seem I have a chip on my shoulder? Maybe so. As a provider of adult only entertainment, I for one, have gone out of my way to protect our clients from everything I detest in any Industry: spam invasion, poor customer service, obnoxious advertising and misrepresentations. But, because illicit demonstrations are so pervasive, with the pornography industry, as a whole, being the most popular target / source (?), by default, we also get to wear the scarlet letter of criminal aptitude--deservedly or otherwise?
Can erotic entertainment ever gain a legitimate place within cultural and business consciousness? How is Europe and Asia able to have such a freer attitude in this regard? Can American pornographic entertainment ever overcome the "seedy-dark-alley-perverted-decadent" label? Will it ever be "ok" to proudly say, "I work in the adult entertainment business" at the next PTA gathering?
Is it a paradox that the sex business generates so much income (seemingly, only for a big business few), but that it sports such a nasty reputation for scam and crime? Are there that many entrepreneurs and consumers being converted into perverted criminals by adult entertainment? Or is this multi-Billion dollar industry really supported by ordinary law abiding citizens who are forced to secretly obtain their desire from behind closed doors and psuedonyms where reputations are extremely inflated exaggerations?
Within my own experience, erotic fantasy is an elixir of variety and a shot of nourishment to an already rich love life with my heart throb, Sagemonn. It does not diffuse our passion for each other, nor invite irresponsible expressions that are dangerous to our relationship commitments. I don't think we are exceptional, either. We just can't be open about it without the confrontation of profound negative judgment. Therefore, an accurate perspective on the topic can not be conveyed nor obtained.
Pornography is like fire. It can be used for constructive and destructive purposes. As long as the media focus on crime in the Adult Industry raises it ugly head, it will continue to convey an inaccurate view that the criminal element dominates the business. The responsible citizen will continue to be denied uncensored access, judged negatively for their interests and punished for their attempts to take an open-minded stand, in spite of their harmless and innocent behavior.
Pornography is not inherently immoral--but, it seems to be prime ground for the criminal creep to exploit and an infinite well for biased media looking for a "shocking" headline. Yet another example of where the idiot few spoil it for the responsible majority?
| 