The Art of Feminist Pornography

Blonde girl. Large breasts. Thin Waist. Male Gaze. Pornography.

In a 2014 TedEX, Erika Lust, self-proclaimed feminist pornographer argued that “it is time for porn to change”. In an age of social media and post-feminism, this sentiment has never been truer.

The objectification of women in film has become the topic of conversation for many women around the globe. It is nothing short of exhausting, contemplating the gender roles that are assigned to man and woman when it comes to pornography; the female presented as a sexual object for the pleasure of the other on screen characters and for those watching the film.

Why does society deem necessary to gift the male character as the controller of fantasy and dominate the gaze? Why is it that we as a society have an unspoken notion that it would be absurd for anyone but the female to be the subject of sexual objectification in pornography?

Despite still having a long way to go, our culture’s views towards women and equality is changing and progressing, whether it be in the workplace, at home or in politics. Yet, pornography has stood frozen in time, oblivious to the social advancements that are happening every day.

Not only does the unevolved nature of pornography deter from the development we have made as a culture that strives to accept and love all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation and gender, it also poses a threat to the sexual maturation of our children. The dawn of the internet has made the viewing of pornographic images and film an accessible source of sex education for the younger generation. Now we must ask ourselves the question: is this how we want to teach the youth of today about gender roles and sexual relationships? Yes, porn is meant to arouse but does that limit its ability to educate?

And so, what is the special ingredient that can aid and allow for the positive transformation of adult film-making? What is the secret recipe for the revolution of porn? Well Erika Lust suggests that porn needs more women to participate… but this time behind the camera, allowing viewers to understand sex from a female perspective.

“The sex can stay dirty, but the values have to be clean” – Erika Lust for TedEX

By: Monica Sgouros

Youtube (2014). It's time for porn to change | Erika Lust | TEDxVienna. [video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9LaQtfpP_8 [Accessed 15 Feb. 2017].