urfavgrlblgger

-someone asked if i feel this applies to homosexual bdsm dynamics as well and finally here’s my answer

The original critique primarily addresses the ways in which patriarchal violence is repackaged as 'liberation' in mainstream kink culture, particularly in heterosexual dynamics where male dominance is normalized.

However, the question of whether this applies to homosexual BDSM relationships depends on the context. While such relationships exist outside the direct framework of heteronormativity, they are not necessarily free from broader societal power structures that shape desire.

sure it’s “choice” but consent under patriarchy is coerced by default… conditioned from birth to submit, to please, to accept pain as his form of intimacy

its pumped into every aspect of mainstream media, normalizing it so thoroughly and, not to police your sex life but it’s about recognizing that if your pleasure depends on the ritualized humiliation of women, then your pleasure is political, and your politics are weak

- I provided summaries, repost with your thoughts…add your own recommendations!! 🩷🩷

“Pornography and power in Michel Foucalt’s thought” by Bohdana Kurylo (2017)

Looks at foucauldian perspectives and foucault's concept of biopower and that of his critique of the repressive hypothesis

Also focuses on the power dynamics of pornography and its discourse and representation as Foucault's ideas regarding the production of knowledge and regulation of bodies is applied to this form of thinking

"The Sexual Liberals and the Attack on Feminism" edited by Dorchen Leidholdt and Janice G. Raymond (1990)

Critique of postmodern sexual liberalism which is in defence of prostitution and pornography, collection of essays (some are not of relevance), mainly regarding the cultural exploitation of women by proxy of pornography

“Sexualisation of young people review” by Linda Papadopoulos (2010)

Looks at the direct effects of pornography on cultural conditioning from a empirical psychology viewpoint

“Pornography consumption and cognitive affective distress” by Michal Privara (2023)

Discusses internet pornography, emphasising the significant long term effects of porn on both individuals and societal perceptions of gender roles and sexuality

“Feminist critique of the feminist critique of pornography, a essay” by Nadine Strossen (1993)

Point of critique - opposing view perchance>

Strossen discusses how the anti-porn stance is counterproductive and desires a more nuanced view which recognises womens various responses to such frameworks, ew.

“Pornography and rape: a casual model” by Diana Russel (1988)

Relationship between porn consumption and rape, contribution of cultural conditioning of men ergo that of women by proxy, discusses the normalisation of sex based violence, objectification and dehumanization, reinforcement of patriarchal gender norms through identities being subsumed and subservient in conventional pornographic representations

Also discusses the rape myth acceptance (RMA) which is the acceptance of false beliefs, stereotypes, and statements regarding rape (so antiquated and ew)- interesting to look at the illinois rape myth acceptance scale, and also the REAL scale which is the Rape Excusing Attitudes and Language Scale

“Internet pornography: a social psychological perspective on internet sexuality” by William Fisher and Azy Barak (2001)

Examines the accessibility and anonymity of online porn and how this contributes to widespread use and its impact on individuals alongside within the broader context of society

Psychological effects and also the potential desensitisation and normalisation of certain sexual behaviours and attitudes

“Sexuality, pornography, and method: ‘pleasure under patriarchy’” by Catherine MacKinnon (1989)

Intersection of sexuality and pornography, discusses porns potentiality to shape societal attitudes towards sex and power, influencing both the sexes in their perceptions of sexuality and a way in which upholds oppressive societal frameworks…

“A dyadic approach to pornography use and relationship satisfaction among heterosexual couples: role of pornography acceptance and anxious attachment” by Megan Mass, Sara Vasilenko, and Brian Willoughby (2018)

BIT RANDOM _ NOT DIRECTLY RELATED

Looks at how higher pornography acceptance is associated with greater relationship satisfaction, while higher anxious attachment was linked to lower satisfaction, looking at both individual and partner use of pornography

“Against proper objects” by Judith Butler (1993)

Draws from her seminal work. Gender trouble, and gender performativity, also looks at political implications

Grounded in philosophy as well, looking at phenomenology and poststructuralism

“Pornography as a biopolitical phenomenon” by Aura-Elena Schussler (2016)

Discusses how pornography functions as a foucauldian biopolitical phenomenon, how such power and knowledge intersects to control bodies, porn existing in this framework to produce sexual subjectivities

Looks at discussions on discipline, surveillance, and normalisation of sexual behaviours

Beauty Pageants have been the battleground for discourse regarding that of gender, power, and identity within the broader context of feminist movements, reflecting the societal obsession with female beauty which acts as the manifestation of patriarchal control over women’s bodies.

The origins themselves of beauty pageants and contests can be traced back to both the mediaeval period but also to that of ancient mythological traditions where female beauty was the focal point of cultural narratives, for instance contests as such were referenced in greek mythology; symbolising the roots of such idealisation and competition of beauty. However, the modern americentric beauty pageant which is relevant as a case study owed much of its development and early cultivation to P. T. Barnum who endeavoured to host a beauty pageant in 1854, although it was met with public disapproval it is said to have laid the groundwork for future pageant cultures. Barnum’s vision shifted the idea of the beauty contest from a mere cultural ideal and towards a commercialised spectacle.

This rise within mass media and popular culture is what gave rise to the emanation of Miss America in 1921 as it was originally brought about in order to extend Atlantic City’s tourist season. Evolving from a local promotional event and into a national spectacle, it became a symbol of American values surrounding beauty, femininity, and success. Leading to the commodification of female bodies and the reduction of them to objects of male desire through pageant cultures.

In somewhat ironic fashion, pageant culture shares a historical lineage with that of the women’s suffrage movement, wherein the suffragists of the early 20th century used pageantry as a means of political activism. And when the pageant, Miss America, was initially established in 1921 they used a sash which was their most recognisable and integral feature yet instead of bearing the political slogans that their predecessors fashioned, their sashes were adorned with the names of cities and states.

Naomi Wold sets forth the idea of a so-called “beauty myth” as a more modern means of control in the wake of the gains made by the second wave feminist movement. Her argument hinges on the basis that beauty is not universally or naturally standardised but a cultural construct designed to enforce and maintain gender hierarchies.

She introduces the notion of the “iron maiden” which describes the unattainable ideal of beauty which entraps women in relentless cycles of both self doubt but also regulation.

This is corroborated later by Bordo who analyses the body as a site of cultural inscription and aligns this with Wolf’s contention that female bodies are the vessels of patriarchal control. Bordo expands on this through her evaluation on how eating disorders, cosmetic surgery, and body modifications all reflect the pressures which discipline female bodies into conformity with patriarchal ideals.

balls?