How the porn industry targets children – Julie Bindel & Pala Molisa | Action Men

Summary

In this episode of 'Action Men', Julie Bindel engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pala H., a retrained Body Mind therapist and former accounting PhD, about the intersection of feminism, sexual exploitation, and the sex trade. Pala shares her experiences growing up in a politically active family in Vanuatu and her observations on the erasure of early radical feminist critiques. They discuss the impact of pornography on young minds, the business model of the porn industry, and the importance of addressing the darker aspects of patriarchal culture. The conversation emphasizes the need for intergenerational dialogue within feminism and the challenge of bridging the gap between different feminist perspectives.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The impact of the sex trade on young minds is a concern, with the industry targeting children to secure lifelong customers.
• 🌍 Pala Melisa's background in accounting for sustainable development and retraining in Body Mind therapy shaped her views on sexual exploitation.
• 📚 The importance of radical honesty in personal lives is emphasized as a feminist principle, connecting the personal to the political.
• 👩‍💼 Pala's mother was an advocate for women's rights in Banatu, influencing her understanding of the intersection of feminism and decolonization.
• 📖 Pala's essay on breaking the silence on prostitution and rape culture highlighted the role of racism, colonialism, and imperialism in the sex trade.
• 🎓 The erasure of early radical critiques of patriarchal culture in academia is a concern for Pala, who seeks to bring these discussions back to light.
• 🧠 The powerful influence of sexual drives on human psychology makes the shaping of young minds by pornography particularly concerning.
• 💰 The business model of big porn companies is likened to that of tobacco, aiming to create lifelong, dependent customers.
• 🔄 The dopamine cycle and addiction are key factors in the escalation of pornography consumption, leading to a demand for more extreme content.
• 🚫 The public discourse on these issues is often hindered by shame and blame, rather than constructive conversation and understanding.
• 🌈 The need for unity and dialogue within the feminist movement across generations and ideologies is emphasized to address current power structures effectively.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented about the business model of big porn companies?

The main argument is that big porn companies target children's minds during their formative years, specifically between the ages of four and adolescence, to shape their sexual preferences and ensure lifelong loyalty as customers. This is likened to the strategies used by the tobacco and tech industries.

How does the guest, Pala, connect her personal background to her views on feminism and sexual exploitation?

Pala's mother was a vocal advocate for women's rights and was part of the leadership that took Vanuatu to independence. Pala grew up witnessing her mother's struggle against patriarchy and the marginalization of women in politics, which influenced her understanding of feminism and the need to challenge sexual exploitation and discrimination.

What is the significance of the term 'radical honesty' in the context of the conversation?

Radical honesty is significant as it refers to the need for open and candid discussions about sensitive topics like sexual exploitation and discrimination. It emphasizes the importance of being truthful in both personal and political realms to effectively address and combat these issues.

How does the essay written by Pala in 2015 contribute to the conversation on prostitution and rape culture?

Pala's essay contributes by highlighting the elements of racism, colonialism, and imperialism inherent in the system of prostitution. It critiques the left for not addressing the abuse and exploitation of women of color, Indigenous women, and black women within the sex trade, pointing out the need for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to feminism.

What is the 'dopamine cycle' mentioned in the discussion, and how does it relate to pornography consumption?

The 'dopamine cycle' refers to the neurological process where dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released in response to stimuli. In the context of pornography, it suggests that as consumers become desensitized to certain content, they seek out more degrading and violent forms of pornography to maintain the same level of excitement, thus creating a cycle of addiction.

How does the concept of 'cultural amnesia' apply to the erasure of early radical critiques of patriarchal culture?

Cultural amnesia describes the phenomenon where significant historical critiques and intellectual contributions, such as those from first-generation radical feminists, are forgotten or overlooked over time. This leads to a lack of awareness and understanding of the roots and evolution of feminist thought, which can hinder progress in addressing current societal issues.

What is the main criticism of public discourse on topics like sexual exploitation and pornography?

The main criticism is that public discourse is often built on the politics of shame and blame, which is counterproductive. It is argued that effective communication requires understanding and acknowledging each other's common humanity, rather than demonizing or shaming those with differing views.

What does Pala suggest as a solution to the disconnect between different generations of feminists?

Pala suggests that there should be a concerted effort to bring different generations of feminists together for open and honest dialogue. This includes recognizing the unique experiences and perspectives of younger women, while also acknowledging the historical context and contributions of older feminists.

How does Pala propose engaging young men in the conversation about women's liberation and male violence?

Pala proposes that engagement should start by entering the world of young men and building trust, rather than immediately asking them to adopt a political stance. By genuinely getting to know them and their experiences, a more authentic and empowering dialogue can be fostered.

What is the key message Pala wants to convey about the role of agency and choice in the context of the sex trade?

Pala emphasizes the importance of recognizing the agency and choices individuals exercise, while also challenging the notion that freedom and choice can emerge from lives heavily restricted by social class, racism, and patriarchy. She argues that both perspectives are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the issues.

How does the conversation address the issue of ideological infighting within feminist movements?

The conversation points out that ideological infighting and the inability to connect across different factions of feminism can be detrimental to the movement. It calls for a conscious effort to address biases and work towards unity in the face of common goals, such as dismantling patriarchy.