Many people make use of it, but few will admit that they do. In the United States pornography is highly controversial.
Some pose that it is inherently evil and immoral while others contend that it is liberating and useful. These opposing positions were argued by two Cal State Fullerton professors at a debate called "Porn: What's it good for?" The event took place in the quad at noon Tuesday as part of the ongoing celebration of Women's History Month.
In front of a group of about 50 students, philosophy professor Amy Coplan argued her position on the issue.
"We have to quit being super uptight about sexuality," she said. "It's still super taboo."
Coplan said that while she does not approve of all forms of pornography, she does believe its benefits outweigh the negatives.
Sexuality is a normal, healthy and natural thing, Coplan said. Women can use pornography as an educational tool to learn about their own sexuality.
"Most of us don't learn that much about sex," she said. "We don't learn that much about how [to] get off."
In a culture where talking openly about sex is not generally accepted, pornography can provide women with information about sex and masturbation that they may not have access to otherwise. Pornography can act as a guide for women to pleasure their partner and themselves, Coplan said.
"Boys don't have to live without an orgasm, we shouldn't either," she said.
Coplan also argued that sexual women are traditionally viewed negatively. She said pornography helps break that "cultural stereotype about women."
Scott Galloway, professor of philosophy, took the anti-porn position in the debate and argued that it has harmful effects on women.
"Pornography has been associated with sexual violence. [It] causes violence toward women," he said.
He said that a study showed that men who were exposed to pornography for a period of a few weeks experienced "attitudinal changes." They exhibited more insensitivity toward female victims of sexual crime than men who were not exposed to pornography. These men also tended to blame the women for the crime and give more lenient prison terms to the offenders.
"If it changes people's minds … doesn't that show that it's an evil?" Galloway said.
He also argued that people who consume pornographic products are contributing to the exploitation and abuse of women in the adult entertainment industry.
"Even women in the industry will admit that women suffer because of their sex acts," Galloway said.
Photography major Corey Granados said that while leaning on the side of Coplan, he was still conflicted about the issue as he watched the debate.
"I don't think everything is good across the board, [but] I think there are some positives to [pornography]," Grenados, 22, said. "It helps people express their sexuality. It can help you to have a better understanding of yourself."
