"Perversion for Profit"
From about 1965, here is an hysterical "public-service" film which, today, seems reasonably amusing: "Perversion for Profit (Part I)". In it you will find out the "truth" about the perverting effects of pornography, particularly gay pornography with which, apparently, one glance turns the glancer into a twisted communist of some sort. It's worth keeping in mind that this film is from a time when homosexuality carried considerable social stigma, in addition to being both illegal and an official "mental illness". But I hasten to point out that the perversions illustrated (literally–it's difficult to known filth when you see it unless you've seen it) in the film are not limited to homosexual ones. Oh deary me no.
The description tells us: "Anti-pornography film produced by financier Charles Keating, linking pornography to the Communist conspiracy and the decline of Western civilization." The stated party responsible for its production is the "Citizens for Decent Literature, Inc." (a very early form of astroturf, evidently). I was enchanted to see that it was presented by George Putnam, "outstanding news reporter". Wow! Who wouldn't like a byline like that! His visual aids, too, are state-of-the art for that pre-PowerPoint dark age.
From Mr. Putnam's mouth:
We know that once a person is perverted, it is practically impossible impossible for that person to adjust to normal attitudes in regard to sex. […] Never in the history of the world have the merchants of obscenity, the teachers of unnatural sex acts, had available to them the modern facilities for disseminating this filth.
Oh dear, and that was well before the internet ! Clearly we are deep into the end of civilization without even realizing it. Naturally, as a not-well-known pornographer myself, I chortle in deviant delight at these developments that help me distribute my filth and pervert the youth of America with it; I just wish there really were that much "profit" in it for me. My experience, alas, is more of the "Porn for a Pittance" type.
Of course, the main argument for stemming the tide of filth is along the "save the children" lines. However, I can't quite see what's actually upsetting the "Citizens for Decent Literature". Perhaps it was just another bid to get people all excited so that they'd contribute money to conservative causes.
There are several interesting theories presented in the film, including a sort of "gateway to depravity" theory, that a glimpse or two of one of these magazines will instantly lead young boys into investigating harder (if you'll pardon the expression) stuff.
[The Internet Archive link for those who don't see the embedded player.]
Now, not to feed your lustful flames but solely in the interest of education and awareness of this problem, here is the link to "Perversion for Profit (Part II)".
[Thanks to Michael Shermer for pointing this out to me.]
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on Friday, 8 January 2010 at 01.04
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Oh yes, that pillar of honesty and rectitude, Charles Keating.
Regarding the anti-porn effort, you probably nailed it with, "just another bid to get people all excited so that they'd contribute money to conservative causes." I also think people who push these campaigns view sexual interest/entertainment as dirty and can't deal with their own fascination or delight in it. So they make a big show of publicly denouncing porn and being activists against it.
on Monday, 11 January 2010 at 00.10
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Oh yes, SW, it's widely understood that way, I think, although those who really, really need to be told to stop effect a great deal of denial to overlook that understanding.