Negotiating Sex and Gender in the Attorney Generals

Negotiating Sex and Gender in the Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography LOLITA 張雅茹 李羽婷 陳婕方 王晨馨 孫宇辰

Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography 1985 “An imaginative attack on pornography” Chief target: sexually explicit images “They were dangerous because they might encourage sexual desire or act” “Have the power to spark fantasy, incite lust and provoke action” Goal: practice a traditional conservative agenda on sexually explicit images and texts

Uneven Witnesses Public hearing in 6 cities in U. S. in 1985 -1986 Conservative majority control the list of witness& widely criticized by their stereotype when finding the fact 77% witnesses support greater control(of sexually explicit materials) Witnesses have to meet the commission’s expectation Testimony of Larry Madigan “I would be a pervert, an alcoholic, or dead. ” use appropriate terms and rhetoric to display visual image and create convincing frame to intensify the degree of sexual shame

“Distributors of pornography” Distributors of pornography：Time, Coca-cola Divorce, extramarital sex, child abuse, homosexuality, excessive masturbation as evidence in the report

Gender Negotiations pornography immorality, lust and sin. feminists pornography violence and the degradation of women Conservative panelist consistently opposed proposals that feminists support for sex education or school-based programs to inform children about sexual abuse.

Conservative and fundamentalist feminist movement family breakdown and social disruption. Pornography was damaging because it promoted and advertised lust, sex “with no consequences, ” and “irresponsible” sex. Feminists Men dominance women victim, powerless

Anti-pornography feminists criticize gender inequality, male domination, and patriarchal institutions Conservative witnesses claimed that there is an epidemic of sexual violence directed at woman and children. Men are, in a sense, victims as well, since once their lust aroused, they are unable to refrain from sexual aggression.

The purpose of viewing porn Sexual pleasure & masturbation (private) 1. heterosexual men 2. not feature much violence Dutiful scrutiny & the pleasure of condemnation (public) 1. special-interest segment of the market 2. violence rather than immoral → typical & make no distinction

The frame of SM SM (nonconsensual sex)= inflicted force + violence unwilling victims male domination female submission

Rituals of Sexual Shame 1. “Victims of pornography” 2. • Accused Playboy Miki Gracia Dottie Meyer Enterprises and Hugh Hefner of encouraging drug use, murder, and rape…. • Association with Penthouse had been professionally and personally beneficial….

Rituals of Sexual Shame not to increase the safe place for women But to narrow what can be seen, spoken about, imagined, and- they hope-done.