c argument is that pornographic images of women dehumanize them, reducing women to the body parts which sexually excite men. In doing so, pornography eliminates the basic humanity of women, placing them on a lower plane than men.
The same argument against traditional heterosexual pornography might also be applied to child pornography. Pornographic images of children reduce them to body parts, dehumanizing children in the eyes of pedophiles. Without a human image of children, pedophiles are able to "rationalize" their thoughts and acts. They see the children in the photographs not as autonomous human beings, deserving of respect, but as objects of gratification whose only purpose is to satisfy their sexual needs. This rationalization is then extended to the use of live victims.
Despite the now popular view of feminists as die-hard opponents of pornography, feminism was never completely unified with regard to pornography. Most feminists regarded the sexual revolution and the loosening of sexual mores as positive developments in western society, destroying the basic male-dominance in culture. Many, however, were dismayed at the misogyny in most pornography and argued that pornography was just another example of the societal emphasis on fulfilling the needs of men.
There are four basic objections to pornography in this second strand of feminist thought. First, the content and imagery of pornography are harmful to women, depicting their abuse and degradation. Second, women involved in the production of pornography are exploited and often physically abused. Third, pornography supports sexism by perpetuating sexual stereotypes, undermining the quality of sexual relationships, and promoting a climate in which sexual assault is tolerated. Fourth, pornography producers take advantage of manipulated men, thus propelling pornography through exploitation.
The first objection is obvious and straightforward. Since the lat...