While Will Martin’s guest column from last Thursday titled “Pornography isn’t evil” claimed to attack pseudo-scientists, their methods typically involve the misuse of statistics, logic and oversimplifications, all of which were unfortunately themes in Martin’s article.

When citing that porn viewing causes more aggressive sex, the author defines that as meaning “more enjoyable” or not “passionless.” This very chauvinistic re-definition is ridiculous, especially given much evidence that porn often leads to unrealistic sex expectations, a more male-centric intercourse, and fixation on climax rather than the buildup. This is not spontaneity; it is being given a ridiculous how-to based on a very male-centric industry.

Martin then states that “there is also no real evidence that males who view pornography are more misogynistic,” which implies to me that no research was ever done. There are actually countless studies that do show a statistically significant increase in misogynistic behavior in relation to porn viewing even to the extent that interacting with women becomes notably affected.

Next, Martin turns toward masturbation, which is another discussion entirely. Masturbation without porn is a fantastic exercise in understanding personal fantasies and desires, while porn-driven masturbation leads to a “there’s the stimulus and that’s the climax” approach, which again is not good for one’s sex life. Then the author attempts to use masturbation statistics as a surrogate for porn statistics on which to base reasoning, defying any definition of logical analysis.

Additionally, while supposedly attacking the “right wing,” it is unfortunate that the author doesn’t realize how much of a Capitalist idea pornography is: By commoditizing sex, porn turns sex into something we feel we somehow have a given right to at a cost. Is this true of other aspects of our social life? Are we able to buy friends? Would society be better off if we did? As such, society should be wary of purchasing consumer sexuality when there’s a whole world of healthy social sexuality out there for one to express oneself within.

Lastly, let me state that I am not a conservative, and I by no means hate porn, but I do realize it is a very powerful medium with very real negative and positive aspects that need to be considered on an individual basis.

Blanket statements such as the closing of Thursday’s article do no good to our society, and should always be looked at with caution.

Brandon J. Hathaway is a University graduate student. Please send comments to [email protected].