Porn 101: Eroticism, Pornography and the First Amendment

Is the sex depicted in pornographic movies a reflection of what happens in real life? Do such movies exploit their female and male actors? Should pornography be held responsible for misconceptions about women and sex, or for violent behaviour in men? What is obscenity? What is the difference between the erotic, the pornographic, and the artistic? Should society heed the constant calls for censorship, or is pornography a form of speech that, though objectionable to some, is deserving of Constitutional protection? These questions and more in the controversial pornography debate are pondered in this wide-ranging collection of essays by both scholars and those who work within the porn industry, from actors and actresses to directors and writers, including even top First Amendment attorneys. The effects of pornography on its audience - one of the most heated topics - are examined in depth with all available international data, while tell-all stories from behind the scenes of the industry provide unique insight into porn’s production. An all-inclusive volume, Porn 101 ranges from gay to straight pornography, from sadomasochism to phone sex, and includes discussion of the special issues raised by child pornography.