Adult Material

I'm putting this here because I already have a good idea how it would go over in the Jediism section.

I need a little more than a "it's your choice. What do YOU believe?" kind of answer.

Specifically, I'm looking for insight into adult material: Viewing habits concerning videos, pictures, performances, graphic arts, comics etc.

Productive? Detrimental? What is excessive? Is abstinence willful ignorance? At what point is to it too much? Can it be too little? Can it be separated from physical needs and truly viewed as an art form? What about "play time" with ones own body? Is it in aid for a need or a drug for the addicted? If it can be either, where is the line? Does this material create unrealistic expectations? Does this material distance a person from real intimacy? Can it fulfill the physical need and thus remove an essential aspect of our interaction with others? Does it harm women? Does it harm men? Can it be uplifting?

The very nature of this thread is a sensitive topic but one that I feel is important to discuss, not only to help me address my personal concerns but also as something that should be discussed as a community. I request that answers be kept to the civil level in light of any who look up to us Jedi stumbling onto the thread with a parent over their shoulder.

What do you mean by adult material?

Pornographic in nature.

Insights into Adult Material, Really? It's obviously a personal choice, and one that has little relevance here....

Perhaps.

rugadd wrote: I'm putting this here because I already have a good idea how it would go over in the Jediism section.

I need a little more than a "it's your choice. What do YOU believe?" kind of answer.

Specifically, I'm looking for insight into adult material: Viewing habits concerning videos, pictures, performances, graphic arts, comics etc.

Productive? Detrimental? What is excessive? Is abstinence willful ignorance? At what point is to it too much? Can it be too little? Can it be separated from physical needs and truly viewed as an art form? What about "play time" with ones own body? Is it in aid for a need or a drug for the addicted? If it can be either, where is the line? Does this material create unrealistic expectations? Does this material distance a person from real intimacy? Can it fulfill the physical need and thus remove an essential aspect of our interaction with others? Does it harm women? Does it harm men? Can it be uplifting?

The very nature of this thread is a sensitive topic but one that I feel is important to discuss, not only to help me address my personal concerns but also as something that should be discussed as a community. I request that answers be kept to the civil level in light of any who look up to us Jedi stumbling onto the thread with a parent over their shoulder.

Not in most cases.

Constant viewing can be.

That is really determinate by the individuals psyche and ability to cope with reality.

To some yes, to me no.

Again, that is really determinate by the individuals psyche and ability to cope with reality.

In most cases I do not see the “need” for it at all.

Sure, I don’t see why an Asexual couldn’t.

As to play time, I have an active imagination and have no “need” for outside reference material. Again, I am stressing the word need.

Can be. There are disorders attributed to it.

Again, that is really determinate by the individuals psyche and ability to cope with reality. It would probably be better to consult a professional for an opinion?

I think if it’s something you and a partner participate/view together then maybe not. If it is used as a release or a fantasy escape then it could very well lead to that.

It could, but depending on the relationship a couple has it could help a couple to explore new avenues they may not have before and deepen the intimacy level.

I don’t think so, at least not in a healthy way.

I believe more often than not.

I believe more often than not.

By itself, I believe it offers a false uplifting or release similar to the use of alcohol or drugs.



Just my initial thoughts to your questions.
:S :whistle:

Rugadd, thank you for bringing this up. Its obviously a touchy subject, but one that all of us, to one extent or another, deal with.

I have taken a few human sexuality courses over the years, both for credit and not, and at one point toyed with the idea of becoming s sex therapist, another level beyond what I am currently certified. In answer to some of your questions, human sexuality is fluid, all pervasive (even if one chooses asexuality, or non gendered, that is still a choice). Porn is of course one facet of this, which itself comes in many, many flavors. It CAN be uplifting, an art form, but it seems to me just as often if not more so it can be seen as degrading. Its a matter of perspective. As are all things.

But I digress. You said you didn't want any cookie cutter, one side fits all answers, so here's mine.

We're jedi, not monks. Although we can be both in some cases. I'm not. I enjoy most things sexual, and I see no reason that others should not as well, as long as they are of age for their area, and they keep it safe, sane and consensual. This goes to viewing habits as well. There are lines. Reminds me, the other day my son whispered to his sister 'daddy and his gf have sex' and she laughed and told me. And I took it as a good opportunity to brush it off as yes, its no big deal, most adults do it, you will to one day, chill, bro. Try to lower the level of puritanical shame so prevalent here in the bible belt, at least among my offspring.

Hope that answers some of your questions.

I think it's personal choice but I would consider how your using adult material.
People sometimes hide in fantasy instead of living life. And people in magazines are not real life, they don't look that way outside of magazines.
Any other personal habits are 'personal' and not something I think we need to discuss.
The only time it harms others men or women is when you believe the illusion you see and expect it in real life.
In my opinion.

An important aspect to be considered is your current relationships. A single male will have different needs, obligations, and expectations than a married or committed male. Same can be said for females in different types of intimate relationships. Your habits will depend on not only your own desires, but those of the people around you. I have had multiple sex partners, but I have been in a committed relationship for 10 years and have only been with one partner during that time. We do include pornography in our sex life on occasion, but not frequently.

Some couples will have very active and adventurous sex lives that include pornography while other couples may have one or both members who are uncomfortable with it. Many single people are happy with a promiscuous sex life that includes very little intimacy or commitment. Pornography can play a part in satisfying the sexual desires that are not so tied to intimacy or emotion.

To me, it comes down to your ability to have open and honest communication with your partners about what you desire and what you expect out of a sexual relationship. A person should be honest about their use of pornography and how it enhances their sex life. It will help you decide if a partner is right for you and will result in a more healthy sexual experience for you both. Being honest with yourself about it will result in a more healthy use of pornography as well.

There's my opinions based on my experience, but I'm certainly not an expert.

I think there are far worse child-unfriendly (adult) things out there than pornography. Sex is a normal part of life. Public displays of it were common in the civilized world before, and even before civilization. We see it in animals for those of us who live with/near animals. Non-abrahamic religions usually celebrate it, etc. To reflect what others have said, people who abuse the screen may be affected by it, by making them more tolerant to what they watch.... But being more tolerant to stranger forms of sex doesn't really seem to be a problem, especially since to find porn, one has to look for it (unlike the other imo worst stuff on TV). In a way I think it breeds tolerance. There's porn of everything for everyone.... The mass media for "dirty" things.
And the fact is: it's the porn generation that is most tolerant of homosexuality, sluts and whatnot... The appropriate church-going pillars-of-society characters of the past are the ones who would steal babies from single moms and sending them to other countries, I don't think I need to mention what some did about mixed-race couples and children.... If you've browsed porn online or gone to a sex shop then you know people young and old, black and white do it, you's stumbled upon gays, lesbians, shemales and japanese tentacle monsters, things that, "before porn", you would have been taught to hate or repress without ever having the opportunity to know what it actually is.