Reactions to Ross

I found Ross’ article to be a very interesting analysis of the transition of porn from a concealed, exotic fantasy to something that has become more accessible by a wider audience and therefore something almost “normal”. This new attitude towards the industry has drawn larger audiences, therefore generating new values, standards and economic opportunities.

Bridgette Bardot pioneered the break from the “good girl next door”. The creation of Playboy magazine created a similar breakthrough, as “its philosophy of fun and swinging promoted and celebrated the good life, ushering in a culture of consumption that represented a revolt against the stability of the suburban breadwinning life”. In this time of suburbanization Americans were starving for excitement. The pages of Playboy represented a drastic change from the cookie cutter ideal to which they were expected to strive. Like Bardot, Playboy represented the changing values in society as well as provided justification for a new type of lifestyle to be pursued out in the open which was formerly scorned.

Often, feminists object to the subjection of the stars on Playboy’s pages, just as they feel Bardot somewhat contributed to a reversal of the movement. These women were sold on the basis of their looks, rather than their thoughts and ability to make positive contributions to society. However, it can be argued that these woman used this as their basis to capitalize on the opportunity provided by their exposure to succeed. A woman who landed a centerfold in Playboy subsequently rose to fame and could use this to her advantage, be it economic or to raise awareness about an important cause.

Bardot was a controversial figure, porn is still debated today in regards to its morality and principle. Over the years it has become more widely available, however the question remains whether its accessibility and apparent popularity justifies its very existence.