The Philosophy of Entertainment, Pornograpy, Sex, and the Evolution of Virtual Reality

a reply to: AlienView

I agree also, it does happen but then we must draw a line if we are to protect people.

Where do we start:
Music?
Video games?
Porn?
Movies?
Role playing games?
Art?
Books?
TV?
Clubs?
Forum Websites?

All these have been accused of the same thing also, at one time or another. There are a lot of sick people in this world, we should be focusing on THEM, not what they are focusing on.

originally posted by: AnteBellum
a reply to: AlienView

I agree also, it does happen but then we must draw a line if we are to protect people.

Where do we start:
Music?
Video games?
Porn?
Movies?
Role playing games?
Art?
Books?
TV?
Clubs?
Forum Websites?

All these have been accused of the same thing also, at one time or another. There are a lot of sick people in this world, we should be focusing on THEM, not what they are focusing on.

Yes AnteBellum that is true. And in fact an argument can be made that by watching violence or even sex for that matter it might act as a kind of catharsis [ie. 'the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music.']. When I watch particularly violent mainstream movies I don't feel in the least bit violent and if anything I think that that often purges people of violent tendencies. The same 'might' be argued for porno movies and the plethora of deviant sex acts that those sites show. BUT what motivated me to start this thread is the one big difference - the acts 'are taking place' and 'real people' are being subjected to them - If they enjoy it, or at least don't mind it, i don't care - And if one takes a liberal view some of the S&M stuff could be viewed as erotic - But again some of it looks to me like some real person is being 'tortured' to the extent where it very well might be dangerous to their well being - sure you can argue any sex act could be dangerous [say someone has a weak heart] but that is life. So the same main question should real torture of a human being be allowed for the sake of profit

Dr. Moreau: What is the law?

Dr. Moreau: Have you forgotten the house of pain?
Sayer of the Law: You! You made us in the house of pain! You made us... things! Not men! Not beasts! Part man... part beast! Things!

-H.G. Wells "Island of Lost Souls" (1932)

I am disturbed by the people calling for a separation of the internet, especially at a time when there is such a huge fight going on to to save the internet from censorship. An internet split might sound good in theory but that opens way to many doors for the people who are trying to control the internet. I would rather not put my ability to be on ATS in jeopardy.

It is up to parents to put controls on their kids devices and monitor their internet usage but more importantly instill values in them.

As for porn goes. As long as all parties are consenting and able to consent so be it. It is up to the consumer not to misuse the product.

a reply to: AlienView

That is true and I do believe 'real' snuff porn or torture porn is illegal everywhere. The fake stuff is very much disclosed to be fake(I worked as a cyber nanny for a short time). The news is also real by real people, recently the executions by IS have been broadcast everywhere and there is much worse on the internet; car accidents, fights, caught on video type clips, executions, etc. This is our world right now, I wish it was an idealized vision created by humanity, but it isn't. Some of the worst atrocities ever seen have taken place in Africa, Germany, India, Japan, etc. if we turn a blind eye to the grim reality of our world, we would be simply lying to ourselves. Brushing subjects under the carpet, in my opinion is a bad idea and will only create a planet of people blind to these subjects.

I have an 7 year old daughter, when she gets older I have to explain to her men may try to put something in her drink to make her sexually compliant. Do I WANT to have this conversation with her? Absolutely not! But if I don't talk to her, how can I make sure she is aware of the situation other then hope she stumbles upon it in the news before it really happens. Awareness, IMO is never a bad thing.

Trust me I'm not being overtly argumentative on this subject, I have seen every illegal act somehow tried to be made legal, by shifting reality. For example, some of the worst people in society in my books are pedophiles, producers of porn know there is a huge market for showing underage sex with minors, but it's illegal. So they find a short, small statured baby looking 18 year old(I've even seen them go through great extents to find women with a specific diseases that makes them look much younger then they actually are) and then make a movie. The girl in question may look 10 or 12 but in actuality she's 18 and it's legal for publishing.

Does art imitates life or does life imitates art?
The answer to this question would mean the answer to yours in this subject. Unfortunately there is no answer, so we are stuck somewhere in the middle.