Whether we watch it or not, aggressive pornography is affecting women’s lives.
Around 90% of online porn videos are aggressive; around half show women being verbally abused. These portrayals – of violence against women as enjoyable – are now so widely viewed that they are normalising everyday sexism. Regular porn use is linked to sexually aggressive behaviour including coercion and harassment.
Before they turn 12, one in four New Zealand children have seen porn at least once: most of them were not looking for porn when they came across it. Teenagers who have viewed porn, no matter what their gender, are more likely to think of women as sexual objects and to hold sexist attitudes.
We know that there are more ethical forms of pornography, but this is a tiny proportion of the total. Our panel will look at how mainstream, violent and misogynistic pornography is affecting us.
Moderator – Paula Penfold, Investigative journalist, Stuff
Panellists include:
* Prof Nicola Gavey – Feminist Psychology
* Dr Jade Le Grice (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa), Kaupapa Māori & Indigenous Psychology Lecturer/Researcher
* Jo Robertson – relationship counsellor; TheLightProject.co.nz (Young People and the New Porn Landscape)
* Lizzie Marvelly (Ngāti Whakaue), NZ Herald columnist, activist, editor Villainesse
• How is mainstream porn affecting women’s lives?
• How does it feed rape culture?
• How can we reduce the harm to young people and women?
