Sex Panics and “Protecting The Children”

I’ve spent a bit of time mulling over this interview between Susie Bright and author Debbie Nathan (thanks to Violet Blue for the link). They discuss sex panics and censorship and Debbie bravely puts the question out there about whether there’s as much child pornography as popular belief (and the government) suggests.

It’s a question worth asking given that child abuse is being used to justify attacks on civil rights and censorship. I think it’s timely given what’s happening here in Australia with the government banning aborigines from accessing porn, linking it to child abuse in remote indigenous communities.

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Unfortunately people who only see things in black and white won’t see Nathan’s point. Questioning government statistics and the way the law deals with child pornography does not equal denial or support of the problem, which does exist. She’s simply suggesting that perhaps things need to be a little more transparent, especially when it’s being used to restrict freedom of speech or people’s rights.

They also discuss thought crime and porn “addiction.” It really is a good read.

I should add, I’ve hesitated about writing this post, because I needed to discuss the dreaded “CP.” But then I was considering how this is the excuse being used to harass the US porn industry via the 2257 laws – and to censor adult entertainment in Australia. Everything is connected. “Thinking of the children” is often the cry of censors and prudes.