Addressing Pornography and Prostitution Issues

These topics are often avoided and frowned upon. But in this Q-A article, let’s delve into them so we can have a more balanced viewpoint regarding their implications.

Q1: Could pornography be perceived as a form of art?

A1: While some artists during ancient times do create sculptures and paintings depicting pornographic scenes, it can be quite hard to declare sexually themed videos and movies today as creations of art. Whether a pornographic creation today should be declared as an art form or not should be dependent only on a government institution devoted to the scrutinizing of such kinds of media.

Q2: Are the regulations currently implemented by the government regarding the distribution of pornographic media strong enough?

A2: While government officials all over the world are doing their best to regulate the usage and consumption of sexually explicit material, the existence of digital technology makes it extremely difficult for them to uphold the laws that surround the issue. From a layman’s point of view, the fact that pornography can be easily accessed by anyone via mobile devices means that the current regulations in addressing pornography are not strong enough.

Q3: What are the effects of nonviolent sexually explicit material among the viewers?

A3: Although nonviolent sexually explicit material seems to be more attractive than violent ones, they can still participate in the heightened arousal of people which could lead to sexual crimes or high cases of teenage pregnancy.

Q4: What are the effects of violent and degrading sexually explicit material among the viewers?

A4: Most conservatives may argue that rape cases increase in number due to the prevalence of pornography. But according to most law enforcers, drugs and alcohol are actually the main reasons. Sexually explicit material might actually push some people to commit heinous crimes, but they would only perform such an act when they are intoxicated by addictive substances.

Q5: Is it sexual misuse if people engage in cybersex or virtual sex?

A5: While some married couples do engage in cybersex while being away from each other, some sex workers actually offer their services online via nude shows through streaming videos. Cybersex can be healthy among married couples but could lead to embarrassing outcomes when not executed properly. Thus, virtual sex can be declared as a form of sexual misuse.

Q6: Should pornography be legalized instead of just censoring it?

A6: Because it is highly impossible to totally ban pornography as long as the internet exists, pornography should be legalized and taxed by the government. However, strict regulations against it must be issued, and parents should do their part as well in restraining their minor children from accessing sexually-oriented material.

Q7: Is it wrong to choose to become a sex worker?

A7: If prostitution is legalized in a certain country, then choosing to be a sex worker might just be acceptable. However, there are certain aspects like the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and familial issues that the worker might deal with. Because of the issues surrounding morality and personal dignity, nobody should be encouraged to become a sex worker.

Q8: How commonplace is prostitution as a problem/profession?

A8: Prostitution might be more of a problem in third-world countries but the first-world ones also contribute to the situation. Because many view it as just a seemingly harmless act compared to drugs or violence, it will still continue to be very commonplace regardless of where you are.

Q9: What are the most common types of prostitutes?

A9: The most common types of prostitutes are the streetwalkers – those who wait for clients while sitting on the streets or by approaching them in their vehicles; and the brothel prostitutes who thrive in private rooms where they perform their services. Lately, they are replaced by B-girls who work in bars and recreation centers.

Q10: How can you identify a prostitute in the making?

A10: Male prostitutes, are mostly driven by loneliness or feelings of inadequacy. In the cases of the female ones, it is mostly about the desire for quick and easy money. Generally, the reasons of female prostitutes seem to be the dominant reason for choosing the profession.

Q11: Is there really a high customer demand for sex workers and prostitutes?

A11: As long as sexual urge exists as a human need, there will always be a demand for sex workers. As to the level of the demand for it, it is not of course as important as other needs. However, the fact that it is common in any country makes it clear that the demand for it will always be high.

Q12: Can human trafficking and prostitution be totally solved?

A12: The best term to be used for this question is “regulated” instead of “solved.” Why this problem is so hard to combat is due to the fact that the people themselves would offer their services to the furthering of human trafficking. Because of severe poverty, some people would resort to being instruments for prostitution and white slavery. Since that is just a reality, human trafficking and prostitution will never be totally solved.

Q13: Should prostitution be legalized in every country?

A13: Because it is totally impossible to combat prostitution, every country should just consider legalizing it. The ethical and moral issues surrounding it might be very hard to address and implement, but for the sake of peace and order, prostitution should be legalized.

Q14: Has prostitution worsened the spread of sexually transmitted diseases?

A14: Yes. In spite of the relentless awareness campaigns of using safe sex paraphernalia, the transmission of sexual diseases is still one of the “hardest-to-deal problems” of any society. Although some people do get infected even though they haven’t engaged with prostitutes, the role that prostitution plays in the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases is very undeniable.