I don't have an overwhelming problem with this. I used to make use of it years ago, however I am of quite a different opinion toward it now. I think that if a musician, or film-maker or such has put effort and creativity into something, taking the "back door" route of downloading their work for free undermines those very people. That's their bread and butter, and it's shitty to fuck with someone's bread and butter, especially if they are fortunate enough to be making a career they have a true passion and enthusiasm for! How many of you out there can honestly say that you find your job enjoyable and satisfying? If you do, you are in a small bracket.
People who do abuse the system clearly have no respect for the artists providing the media for them to enjoy. I feel a pang of shame that I ever did it at all. What I do take issue with, are proposed measures by ISP's to block pornography.
I can almost hear some of you now... *Gasp!* But the reason for this is very simple, and I shall come to it.
It is impossible to determine just how much of internet traffic is porn. However, according to Good Magazine, the (likely approximated) numbers read as follows:
- 12 percent of all Web sites are porn
- 25 percent of all search engine requests are for porn
- 35 percent of all Internet downloads are pornographic
- Every second, 28,258 Internet users are viewing porn
- 89 percent of porn is created in the U.S.
- $2.84 billion in revenue was generated from U.S. porn sites in 2006
- 70 percent of the Internet porn traffic occurs during the nine to five workday
- 260 new porn sites go online daily
In addition 2011, saw the word "Sex" get 338 million searches. The numbers are huge, aren't they?
Before we go any further, with regard to Porn, I can take it or leave it. I'm not overwhelmingly for, or against it, and my own interests in it are limited. It is proposed though, by certain groups, that all pornography be off limits as default by ISP's, with the option to "opt-in." The main reason highlighted by these groups is to shield these sites from the eyes of children.
I will not contest the fact that a child seeing sex before they fully understand it is not altogether wise, especially the warped fantasised version depicted in porno films. Sex is never like that. They never tell you in Porn films that there's more to making your partner happy than just wildly thrashing about like Twister players in a hurricane. They never tell you that if you do it in the car, there is always the chance that you'll accidentally disengage the handbrake. When the "sneaky couple having a quickie" are caught, people don't generally ask to join in for a bit of "mixed doubles." Moss, earth, stains and sand are four words that sum up the outdoors experience, and, unless things aren't going particularly well, your partner won't have that glassy, dead-behind-the-eyes look. Also, bear in mind, these people are hand picked for "what they've got" so to speak- they do not represent anywhere near the average sizes for anything at all. Thank fuck for that. (and I'm not the only one saying it)
However, doesn't this "opt-in" proposal just smack of lazy/poor standard parenting?
If you have a computer in your house, why are your young children being allowed access to it? If they do use it, why aren't you supervising them? If you cannot supervise them, why don't you set up passwords and parental controls on your internet security? (which anyone should have if they browse the internet as general safety) If you have a computer, and you allow your children to roam the internet unchecked, then you are a fucking moron. There are umpteen free guides, both with, and separate from the provider of your internet security detailing how to do such menial browsing safety procedures if you can't spare half an eye to watch your own child.
Much better I think, would be an "opt-out" which would allow families the decision to filter and block all explicit material. This would allow for people to protect their children, whilst at the same time preventing people who do enjoy watching porn from being stigmatised. Both camps catered for, would that be so difficult? They could ask you when you're taking out your broadband, and send existing customers out a letter with a number to call. Job Done.
In conclusion, there isn't much harm to the enlightened adult mind from (most) pornography- at least not to folk who have a modicum or common sense. What we do need to worry about is making sure it is viewed by the right people. However- parents- your child is your responsibility and no-one else's; so bear that in mind next time you mouth off about the evils of pornography corrupting their minds and childhoods.
And poke your indignation into any orifice you find pleasing.
