Against Pornography: The Feminism of Andrea Dworkin: Film Presentation and Discussion

Abstract

This BBC-produced documentary follows anti-pornography activist and feminist thinker, Andrea Dworkin from her home in New York City to a lecture in Portland, Oregon to benefit the Council for Prostitution Alternatives. The film presents parts of a radio interview, segments of Dworkin’s public speech, interviews with Dworkin and her colleagues, and conversations between Dworkin and women who have been involved in prostitution and pornography. Though relatively unknown and little viewed in the US, the documentary was highly popular in England, watched by more viewers than any other program in the Omnibus series; it was also syndicated throughout Europe and Australia (http://www.nwmindia.org/newsmakers/andrea_dworkin.htm).

In this session, we will view the documentary and discuss the relevance of Dworkin’s thinking in the contemporary conversation about women, pornography and prostitution. Of particular interest are how Dworkin’s articulation of the damage to women incurred in the making of pornography challenges the notion of “harmless fantasy,” the ongoing discussion about how challenges to pornography interact with the Constitutionally granted right to the freedom of speech, and the debate within feminist circles over the role of pornography in contemporary sexism and violence against women. Participants are invited to share their remembrances of Dworkin and her impact on their work.

Sharon L. Barnes, PhD
University: University of Toledo, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary and Special Programs
Location: Toledo, OH
Title: Against Pornography: The Feminism of Andrea Dworkin: Film Presentation and Discussion