PORNOGRAPHY-II
PORNOGRAPHY EFFECTS, AS AN ETHICAL ISSUES AND RESPONSE FROM THE LENS OF MAJOR RELIGIOUS TRADITION.
Prelude
In Part-I we have discussed the
meaning of Pornography and the statistics related to this spellbound word. It
is needless to mention that pornography is rampant in our society where it
reaches all corners of society and almost every door. Due to enhancement in
technology and our ability to grasp in our fingertips in a go, we are more
vulnerable with this pornographic visual stimulation.
Effects
Here are some key
findings on the effects of pornography
The Family and Pornography [1]
(a) Married men who are actively involved in
pornographic elements feel less satisfied with their marital relations and
less emotionally attached to their wives. They were often upset by the
differences from visual stimulation.
(b) Pornography use is a pathway to
immorality, infidelity and divorce, and is commonly a major factor in these
family disasters.
(c) Among couples
affected by one spouse's addiction on pornography, two-thirds experience a loss
of interest in sexual intercourse.
(d) Both spouses who accept viewing
pornographic elements as tantamount to increase in desires and lust lead to
third party intrusion between them.
(e) Both spouses addicted in Pornography
viewing leads to a loss of good family ties and family relations tends to
subsides drastically.
The Individual and Pornography [2]
(a) Pornography is
addictive. Any Addiction is not a good term. Neuroscientists begin to map the
biological subtract of this addiction.
(b) Users often become desensitized to the
pornography they view, become bored with it, and then seek more perverse
forms of pornography.
(c) Men who view pornography on
regular basis have a higher tendency to abnormal sexuality, including rape,
sexual aggression, and other promiscuity.
(d) Men who were
addicted to pornography produces stronger concepts of women as
commodities or as "sex objects."
(e) Porn
incites more prominent sexual tolerance, which thus prompts a more serious
danger of fatherless births and sexually transmitted diseases. These, thus,
lead to even more shortcomings and weaknesses.
(f) Child-sex
offenders are bound to see erotic entertainment routinely or to be
engaged with its distribution.
Other Effects of Pornography[3]
(a) Many youths who view pornography at first feel disgrace, shame,
decline self-confidence, and sexual vulnerability, but these feelings rapidly
shift to unadulterated happiness and enjoyment with regular
viewing.
(b) Pornography and sexually
oriented businesses undoubtedly harm the surrounding community, primarily
increases in crime and decreases in property values.
(c) Pornography massively deteriorating
individual, marital, family, and social life. It is time for citizens,
communities and government to re-evaluate their laissez-faire approach.
Response to Pornography in Other Major Religious
Hinduism
According
to Sri Swami Sivananda in his book “Importance
of Brahmacharya” he stressed upon thinking of a woman, glancing at a woman
or her picture, and thinking of a sinful action towards a woman and its
impulses. And in Mental Discipline (Bhava) he gives much importance to
annihilate lust and sexuality and to abstains all forms of immorality and to
cultivate, stick and practice bhava tenaciously to glorified Brahmacharya. Lord
Krishna said “Sensuality destroys life,
strength, holiness, and devotion to the Supreme” and Manu-Smriti (Laws of
Manu) also reiterates “Let not a Brahmin
see a woman naked” [4]Therefore
Hindu saints and sages including gurus, swamis, rishis, and sadhus strongly
recommended to abstains/refrain from infidelities, immorality, and pornographic
elements.
On
the other hand, Kāmaśāstra-the science of love and sex (Indian sexology) and
Kāmasūtra-discourse on practical advice on sexual intercourse gives different
views and a breath of fresh air in terms pornographic rudiments. It is widely
believed to be just a manual for sexual intercourse and offers an insight into
sexual morals and ethics. Some strongly believes that it is root cause of
pornography industry with the classic of written pornography by Roman poet
Ovid’s Arsamatoria (art of Love) of 2nd century AD. [5]
Kāmasūtra does justice to its content and the purpose of the author and
understands as philosophy and ethic of pleasure.[6]
Kāmasūtra will continue to be a
debatable and controversial topic in regards to its stands to pornography.
[7]Sadhguru
Jaggi Vasudev answers about the Kamasutra and its misconception as pornography,
and explains that Sexuality was just another aspect of life, and Kamasutra was
not written as pornography, but rather as a textbook on sexuality.[8]The
Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali describes
the virtues that must be cultivated-abstention from lewdness and the action of the sense-organs and Yajnavalkya Smriti says
“He should never gaze a nude woman, a woman engaged in a sexual act, etc.”
thereby taking all these into consideration Hinduism negates pornography and
it's content.[9]
Islam
Pornography is directly opposed to the very heart
of Islamic teachings, which is highlighted by Taqwa to gain better self-control. Moreover in Quran it
strongly condemn pornography which we can glean on "Surely God enjoins
justice, kindness and the doing of good, to kith and kin; and He forbids all
that is shameful (immorality), indecent, evil(fornication), rebellious and oppressive (Quran 16:90). All
scholars agree pornography is included in the term Fuhsha and it is a
universally accepted immoral act which is Munkar.[10]Qur'an
24:30-31 also clearly states that they should avoid or forbid a lustful and
nakedness of human private part and fornication. All these justified for
declaring pornography haram(prohibited) in Islam. Shaykh Muhammad Nur Abdullah,
the Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis in Missouri succinctly
said “If someone is looking at someone committing Zina (sex outside of
marriage) whether it is in movies or pictures or the actual thing, it’s all
Haram(prohibited/forbidden), pornographic pictures, and movies are haram.
Muslims should not watch, sell or make such movies.”[11]
Sikkhism
Although
there is no direct prohibition of pornography in Sikhism, Sikhs argue that
pornographic books and films, prostitution, and lust lead to adultery.
Pornography is said to encourage lust (Kaam), which is a concept described as
an unhealthy obsession for sex and sexual activity. Kaam is classed as one of
the 'Five Thieves', personality traits which are heavily discouraged for Sikhs,
as they "can build barriers against God in their lives[12]
Buddhism
Like other religions, Buddhism has rigid,
elaborate rules about sexual conduct. Buddhists have the Third Precept – which is regarded as Buddhist Sexual ethics “Refraining from committing sexual misconduct/practicing contentment”.
In order to hold their virtue and dignity, they abstain from all kinds of
pornographic elements. Even to the lay Buddhist, they are undertaken as a
personal commitment to Buddhist practice, falling short is unskillful
(akusala). The Second Noble Truth teaches that the cause of suffering (dukkha)
is craving/desire or thirst (tanha), the craving for sense pleasures (kama).
Kama is identified as one of five hindrances to the attainment of jhana (state
of equanimity). Throughout the Sutta Pitaka the Buddha often teaches to abstain
from this craving or desire and all form of sexual morality and behavior, so
Buddhist regard pornography as a device or path to suffering.[13]
Pornography in Different Context
Government Response (Laws)
Under Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), “any material
which is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest or if its effect
is such as to tend to deprave and corrupt persons who view it,” is
pornography. Moreover, if caught purchasing, sending, publishing, or creating
pornography, you are in or at least a two-year jail sentence and or a
minimum of Rs. 2000 fine.[14]
According to Section 67 of the
Information Technology(IT) Act 2000, whoever publishes or transmits or
causes to be published in the electronic form any material which is lascivious
or appeals to the prurient interest or if its effect is such to tend of
deprave or corrupt persons who are likely, having regard to all relevant
circumstances, to read, see or hear the matter contained or embodied in
it; shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either
description or a term which may extend to Five Years and with fine which
may extend to One Lakh rupees and in the event of a second or the subsequent conviction with imprisonment of either description of a term which
may extent to Ten Years and also with fine which may extend to Two Lakh
rupees.[15]
It may be noticed that watching or
consuming pornography is not an offense as per the above law. All that
the law forbids is the publication or transmission of pornographic material.
“Consumption of pornography on a personal device is frowned upon by
neither the Victorian vintage Indian Penal Code (IPC) nor the 21st
Century Legislation on Information Technology”, says journalist Manoj
Mitta. Mobiles have of late emerged as a major medium for pornography
around the world. Mobiles can advantage of greater privacy.
Unfortunately, the government or the law can do nothing about this. In a
recent amendment to the Information Technology (IT) Act 2000, the
government has given up the power to block pornographic websites purely
on the ground of obscenity. Now, the courts alone can block such sites. This
is because Section 69A, which came into effect on October 27, 2009, has raised
the bar for the executive power to block Porn websites. The government
can still block such websites but only if they create a “public order” problem, which is an unlikely probability.[16]
Indian Context
Most rural folks in India enjoy
access to pornography through VCD/DVD, magazines, occasionally the
Internet and of course mobiles. Thus, the porn fever is not limited only to
urban contexts as might be considered. The metropolis of Chennai, along
with Delhi and Mumbai has been noticed as one of the key porn industries
in the nation. However, looking at the past none of these should surprise us.[17]
The Past
There were innumerable temples depicting erotic as well as
pornographic images of all kinds of sexuality practiced by humans, gods, and goddesses. Distinguished literature and religious volumes such as
Kama Sutra, Ramayana, Upanishads, and Puranas are worth mentioning at this
point.[18]
The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana is a
book containing detailed instructions on sexual activities and methods.
It is the first literary classic in the world on the matter of sex. It teaches
that the final aim of sexual pleasure is spiritual. Generally considered
a great work of erotica, Kama Sutra also appears to be striking
literature of pornography.[19]
According to Dr. Chatterjee,
pornography is replete in the Ramayana, especially in the older unedited
versions. Upanishads and Puranas to provide details on sexuality and sexual
activities. There are many stories of sexual activities of gods and
goddesses in this literature. Thus, one can find a great history of
erotica and pornography in India where both temple arts and religious
literature are characterized, largely, with pornographic elements in
their contents, nature of appearance and descriptions.[20]
The Present
Reflecting on the present scenario,
we find Indian Movie makers have been increasingly looking for ways to
bring more nudity and more shock-values that are sexual into their films, even
taking time to recruit actors and stresses with these particular skills.
They are researching American adult movie methods and techniques to assist
in the production of Bollywood’s own versions. This though raises the
question of when does a film becomes pornographic or when is it erotic. To be
sure, while erotica encapsules the embodiment of wanting of desire, an
invitation to go on a journey of exploration, pornography is nothing more
than a stripped-down version that will take persons into a void and it removes any pleasures and eventually suffocates love. Erotica or erotic is a
positive element in life experience; it is not as pornography, a negative
and destructive one.[21]
In Defense of
Pornography
In spite of
its explicit harmful effects, pornography has been defended from various points
of view. According to the so-called Evidence Argument[22],
pornography has no effect upon a person’s character and that it is not
harmful. The Therapeutic Argument believes that pornography can help overcome various sexual problems including frigidity and impotence. The Social
Benefit Argument holds that legalizing pornography can reduce sex crimes
and the porn market. The Moral-inversion Argument attempts to present an alternative to traditional morality by replacing love with hatred, by deforming what is beautiful, and praising ugliness. Similarly, the Ideological
and Liberation arguments believe that pornography can serve as a vehicle
to overthrow the old repressive culture, the coldness of the anti-sexual
philosophy of traditional morality. Finally, the Civil Liberties Argument
defends pornography as part of the issue of the freedom of speech.[23]These
defenses add to the challenges of pornography demanding a serious response.
Pornography as an Ethical Issue
Pornography is a major problem both
in society in general and among many Christians in particular. Viewing
pornographic material precipitates marriage breakups and can produce
cocaine-like addictions. It has contributed to both common and violent crimes,
including rape and murder. It becomes a grave issue.
Pornography leads to decreased
sensitivity toward women and increased aggression. It also leads to a decreased
ability to build healthy relationships or experience a lot of sexual
satisfaction; users are increasingly unable to properly link emotional
involvement with sex. Indeed, porn fosters enhance unhealthy views about human
sexuality. Most porn portrays women as sex-obsessed, mindless objects, promiscuous
and subordinate. As feminist scholar Catharine MacKinnon proposes, the prevalence
of pornography begs the question: Are women human? Though that question seems extreme,
ask yourself if a good society can intentionally engage in a medium that
portrays half of its members in such a derogatory manner.[24]
We are increasingly desensitized to a discussion about porn use and regulation, even as research proves the
effects of pornography are life-altering, and stories of sex exploitation,
psychological problems, and abuse dominate inspections into the porn
industry. Many people embrace fair-trade human trafficking in the porn
industry, but few consumers express concern about porn industry
operations, and its employees and victims.[25]
Pornography causes aggression to
individuals because it destroys the natural relationships found between
individuals and also destroys the normal spatial relationships. It starts to
build aggression in the individual, which over long periods of time can
foster a state of aggression known to eventually act out in the public arena. [26]
[1] Fagan,
Pat. The Effects of Pornography on Individuals, Marriage, Family and Community.
Research Analysis under Family Research Council.
[2] Fagan,
Pat. The Effects of Pornography on Individuals, Marriage, Family and Community.
Research Analysis under Family Research Council.
[3] Fagan,
Pat. The Effects of Pornography on Individuals, Marriage, Family and Community.
Research Analysis under Family Research Council.
[5] Shaji
George Kochuthara, KĀMA WITHOUT DHARMA?Understanding the Ethics of Pleasure in
Kāmasūtra . Journal of Dharma: Vol. 34.
No. 1, January-March 2009, 69‐96.
[6]
Ibid.
[7]
Pornography in Ramayana Dr. Charles claims that ramayana contains much
pornographic material and cannot be read in public. He gives the following
examples. Rama's description of Sita's beauty which is lewdly detailed (refer
to C.R.Srinivasalyengar's translation of Aryana Kandam, Chapter 46).
[9] https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/questions/15138/what-is-hinduisms-view-on-porn.
[11] https://medium.com/@Allaboutyouwithrifa/pornography-in-islamic-perspectives-3caa63d028f3.
[12] http://www.sikhwomen.com/Guru_Quotes/Guru_on_sexuality_lust.htm.
[13] Robert Aitken Roshi, In The Mind
of Clover: Essays in Zen Buddhist Ethics (New York: North Point Press, 1984), 41-42.
[14] Sahayog.
Sahayog India. 25 October 2014. http://www.sahayogindia.org/
[15] Sahayog.
Sahayog India. 25 October 2014.
[16] Manoj
Mitta. Watching pornography no offence: IPC and IT Act.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Watching-pornography-no-offence-IPC-and-IT
Act/articleshow/8613854.cms?referral=PM
[17] Shivraj
Mahendra, A Christian Response to Pornography (Delhi: ISPCK, 2012), 21-24
[18] Mahendra,
A Christian Response to Pornography... 23
[19] Mahendra,
A Christian Response to Pornography... 24
[20] Mahendra.
A Christian Response to Pornography... 25
[21] Mahendra.
A Christian Response to Pornography...26
[22] John
H. Court, Pornography: A Christian Critique, (Illinois: InterVarsity Press,
1980), 13-16.
[23] John
H. Court, Pornography: A Christian Critique... 16-29.
[24] Wagley,
Rachel L. Pornographic Ethics. 28 March 2011.
http://www.thecrimson.com/column/democracy-of-the
dead/article/2011/3/28/porn-pornography-moral-doeful/
[25] Wagley,
Rachel L. Pornographic Ethics. 28 March 2011
[26]
Geisler, Norman L, Contemporary Issues and Options (Grand Rapids: Baker
Publishing, 2010), kindle.
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