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Evaluation of visual erotica by sexual liberals and conservatives

1972; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 8; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/00224497209550742

1559-8519

Douglas H. Wallace, Gerald Wehmer,

Media Studies and Communication

The existence of graphic depictions of sexual behavior, commonly referred to as obscenity or pornography, has long been considered to be an important social issue by many people in our society (Gagnon, 1967). However, the level of concern evidenced by these laymen was not reflected in social science research until quite recently. In 1967, the Presidential Commission on Obscenity and Pornography was established by then President Lyndon Johnson. In 1970, the Commission issued its final report (Commission, 1970), which contained, and has since stimulated, considerable empirical research on issues relating to visual erotica. The reception which has been given the Report by the official government its rejection by the U.S. Senate and by President Nixon-causes one to wonder whether the Commission was guilty of an act of omission or commission; if in fact it was guilty of anything at all. It is the thesis of this paper that a number of the same socio-political considerations which account for the differences between sexual liberals and conservatives in their evaluation of visual erotica, should, in large measure, account for the government's reactions. Morse Peckham (1969), in his book Art and Pornography: an experiment in explanation, presented a linguistic analysis of the various reactions to the existence of erotica in our society. He noted that the public appears to take one of two polar positions with respect to the issues of the existence of erotica and its availability. Those who regard the production and viewing of erotic materials as a legitimate means of expression were called Intellectuals, while those who viewed the same activities as a violation of important social mores were labeled Anti-Intellectuals. The author stated that the Intellectual is commonly seen as defending the existence of erotica, even though he personally may find it distasteful or contemptuous. This is because he finds that any: