"The Butterfly Effect" with Jon Ronson
The issue of porn- and whether or not it is empowering or demeaning- is one of the most controversial and debated topics in feminism. While some feminists see porn as a means for women to explore and celebrate their sexuality, others think that porn and the porn industry are disgusting, sexist, and exploitative. The truth is likely somewhere in the middle; while some independently produced porn may feature willing participants who truly want to engage in porn, mass produced porn can and does perpetuate harmful ideas about women, sexuality, and consent. Additionally, porn actresses have often been abused within the porn industry, despite the appearance of consent. For a basic overview of different feminist views on porn, follow the link below:
But this post isn't about whether porn is good or bad, feminist or anti-feminist. This post is about "The Butterfly Effect," a podcast/audiobook created by Jon Ronson, whose works include The Men Who Stare at Goats and The Psychopath Test.
"The Butterfly Effect" follows the story of the creation of free online porn starting with Fabian Thylmann who, as a teenager in the 90s, came up with the idea of providing porn for free. Thylmann later went on to own the company that runs both PornHub and RedTube, the two most prolific free porn websites.
Throughout the seven part series, Ronson interviews Thylmann and the tech wizards with whom he works, porn filmmakers and actresses in the San Fernando Valley, and people who have been directly or indirectly affected by the porn industry. Though Ronson approaches each interview and each situation with a healthy measure of curiosity, at no point does he pass judgment on the people with whom he is speaking nor on the concept of porn.
I am currently just over halfway through the series, and find it very interesting. It is, at times, funny, sad, thought provoking, frustrating, and angering. Although he does not approach the subject of porn through a feminist lens, Ronson's inquiry into the world of free porn is an inherently feminist topic and can be evaluated with this in mind.
For anyone who wants to listen, it is available through Audible, with the link below:
Some material in the series may be triggering, so please use discretion.
What are your thoughts on porn, and particularly on free online porn? Is it harmful to have porn so easily accessible? If so, who does it harm? Children? Filmmakers? Actresses?