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Friday, June 13, 2008

Truth About Smut

Book Review

What's the Big Deal About Pornography?












Reviewed by Andrew Marshall

Tuesday, Jun. 10, 2008
What industry generates more than $90 billion a year, more revenue than Google, Microsoft or Apple? What industry receives $3,075 in online sales from more than 28,000 people every second?

This same industry once only survived from those bold enough to walk to a shady area of town to buy a magazine or see a movie. Now, this industry dominates screens, books and magazines everywhere.

It's the industry of pornography, and Dr. Jill Manning's book is here to tell us why it is such a big deal.

In her book, What's the Big Deal About Pornography?, Manning seeks to "arm you with truths the pornography industry does not want you to know." Manning is a practicing marriage and family therapist in Denver. The book is an "expanded version" of therapy sessions held with a group of adolescent boys who had a pornography addiction.

One of the major strengths of the book comes from Manning's clarity. There is no question as to what pornography is or what its effects can be. Manning's argument is compelling, convincing and critical.

The book begins with her definition of pornography, which is more specific than what many teenagers might think.

Manning writes that "pornography is material specifically designed to arouse sexual feelings in people." This comes from more than graphic Web sites and late-night cable television programming. She identifies music videos and other media as pornographic though they are not commonly labeled as such.

Manning leaves no excuse and has no toleration for pornography in any of its forms. She claims that it "hinders a person's abilities to make clear choices" and can "distort a person's outlook on bodies, relationships, sexuality, and gender."

Short vignettes appear throughout the book describing the experiences of teenagers who have suffered from the effects of pornography. Some begin to struggle in their relationships; others are expelled from their school; still others have encounters with sexual predators on the Internet.

Often after one of these vignettes, Manning will ask questions to the reader about the situation. She also includes spaces throughout the book for readers to write thoughts or ideas to her prompts. The interactivity the book provides is engaging and could prove beneficial, particularly for those with a pornography addiction.

While the focus of the book is on what pornography is, and on its detrimental effects on individuals and society, Manning also addresses subjects that directly relate to pornography. Masturbation, sex education and how to achieve a healthy lifestyle are all highlighted in the book.

The book does not explain what to do if the reader one day encounters pornography, but rather, what to do when the reader encounters it. She mentions practical ways of avoiding pornography and what to do when it shows up (such as identifying it, covering your eyes, literally leaving the room or turning off the computer, and telling someone you trust about the experience and how you felt).

Manning is an academician, but her writing is clear and simple. She uses lists and bullet points throughout the book that add to its aesthetic appeal. The book could be beneficial for adolescents, young adults and adults alike, with or without a pornography problem. Manning focuses on adolescents but also discusses what to do if a spouse or parent has a problem with pornography.

The details in the book are another forte - everything from the shocking statistics to the eye-opening section about the awful lifestyle porn stars live. After reading the book, one cannot help but feel repulsed that such a thing as destructive as pornography could have its grip so tightly around the youth of society.

Manning lays out the ominous truth about pornography's prevalence in our society and its many negative impacts, but also offers many solutions and ways to escape from its snares - individually and as a community.

Manning, who received her doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from Brigham Young University, has researched the effects of pornography for academic and political institutions. In 2005 she testified before the U.S. Senate regarding the problems of pornography.

Published: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 12:40 p.m. MDT

1 comment:

  1. I'll be sure to pick up a copy of her book. I've always found her research helpful and I'm looking forward to finding out what she has to say.
    Luke Gilkerson
    Internet Community Manager
    Covenant Eyes
    www.CovenantEyes.com

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