Free speech shouldn't include violent porn

[sarettah]

Originally Posted by RawAlex

This thread starts down the same road as trying to define obscenity.

That is because it is one and the same. The only porn that is illegal (other than kp of course) is that which is obscene.

So, whether porn is legal or not pretty much solely depends on whether it is obscene or not and of course, here in the US, that has been left to that wonderfully crystal clear standard of "community standards"

[miz_wright]

Originally Posted by sarettah

That is because it is one and the same. The only porn that is illegal (other than kp of course) is that which is obscene.

So, whether porn is legal or not pretty much solely depends on whether it is obscene or not and of course, here in the US, that has been left to that wonderfully crystal clear standard of "community standards"

Sarettah, thank you for understanding my point. You have become my Thursday night hero.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by sarettah

...So, whether porn is legal or not pretty much solely depends on whether it is obscene or not and of course, here in the US, that has been left to that wonderfully crystal clear standard of "community standards"

OK, next step, define community.

[miz_wright]

Originally Posted by Toby

OK, next step, define community.

That's kinda the whole point, though, isn't it? The entire legal status of porn is hinged on very tremulous definitions that can vary wildly and have no standard.

[RawAlex]

Originally Posted by Toby

OK, next step, define community.

This is actually the most important part of the new action by the DoJ. One of the most pressing issues will be the definition of community as it deals with the internet. The community of the internet isn't made up of nothing but bible thumpers and no-booze no sex mormons, but rather the entire population of the US (over the age of 18, as the under 18 crowd cannot access the internet without parental permission, because they cannot legally enter into a contract with an ISP).

Further, the internet (and internet porn) has been around for at least 12 years now (longer, yes, but commercial, call it 1995 or 1996 for real), which means that porn has long since been established within this community, including all forms from straight sex to fisting, cumshots to squirting, anal to plushies. The community that I see as a whole tolerates it in the same manner that we tolerate ignorant blogs, poor taste youtube home movies, Perez Hilton, and goatse.

I think that the DoJ is about 10 years too late on this one.