Discussion Night: Feminism & porn/erotica

Disclaimer: 1. We are aware that this can be a difficult theme for asexual feminists to relate to, we do not intend for this discussion night to be excluding and therefore we would like to hear the opinions and experiences of people who identify as such too.
2. Some of the sources for the preparation of this discussion night debate anti-porn views. We are aware that these are problematic, for instance in perpetuating sex workers' shaming, and therefore we do not support such implications. We do believe that it would be irresponsible, on the other hand, to completely exclude anti-porn positions, as they are part of the debate that we want to have. At the discussion night we will delve into why these views are harmful and why we do not agree with them.

The subject of porn/erotica is one of the classic divisive topics in feminism. Opinions and arguments continue to go at each other on wether it is a way of perpetuating male dominance and violence over women, or just a consenting performance of healthy sexual desires that can actually be liberating for its participants. The issue is more complex than this of course. The plethora of themes, types and modalities in porn and erotica makes for a diversity that would be reductive, if not impossible, to cathegorize in dichotomic ways. Furthermore, all the interesting work being done by rising alternative artists, as independent directors and queer, ethnical diverse, non-gender conformist, body positive performers; has been contributing for a democratization and expantion of what porn means, beyond the mainstream.

So where do we stand now? How can feminism come to terms with this form of entertainment without turning a blind eye on its potential harms? And how do we do this without ignoring the empowering capacities of it, and its potential for liberation and exploration of a diversified sexuality?

Please come join us for another discussion night, to discuss this subject with an open but respectful mind, and don't forget to prepare by reading AT LEAST 3 of the following suggested sources:

Why the dichotomy between porn and erotica is false and destructive
https://theestablishment.co/why-the-dichotomy-between-porn-and-erotica-is-false-and-destructive-686602f5c63f

CW: anti-porn article
Without porn, the world would be a better place
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/24/pornography-world-anti-porn-feminist-censorship-misogyny

How I became a feminist porn star
https://jezebel.com/5984021/how-i-became-a-feminist-porn-star

How romance novels came to embrace feminism
https://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/03/beyond-bodice-rippers-how-romance-novels-came-to-embrace-feminism/274094/

How to make ethical porn in an industry built on racism and fetishization
https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/aev8ga/how-to-make-ethical-porn-in-an-industry-built-on-racism-and-fetishization

ENTRANCE FEE: €2 (at the door)

Please do not forget to get your tickets on EventBrite! Check out the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.nl/o/the-feminist-club-amsterdam-14002287671