Boston, March 2007
We are trying to publicize the conference as much as possible. Below is a conference
announcement that we hope you will post to lists, friends and anyone you think would be
interested. Our goal is to re-energize the feminist anti-pornography movement in light
of the changes in the porn industry over the last decade or so. If you need any more
information, please feel free to contact me.
Best wishes
Gail
Pornography and Pop Culture: Reframing Theory, Re-thinking Activism
The so-called “porn wars” that were fought over the feminist critique of contemporary
mass-marketed pornography derailed important academic and activist work. It is time to
move on by reframing our thinking on pornography, especially in light of the important
changes that have occurred in both technology and pop culture over the past two decades.
In the world of the internet, cell phone porn, Howard Stern and “Girls Gone Wild,” the
central insights of the critical feminist perspective are more important than ever. What
was once called soft-core pornography has become the norm in mainstream pop culture, while
hard-core porn has become increasingly accepted and increasingly misogynistic. What do such
economic and cultural shifts mean for feminist theory and activism, and how can we rebuild a
vibrant feminist movement that addresses the harms of misogynist images that help define
our culture, our visual landscape and our sexuality? These issues will be addressed at a national
conference on March 23-25, 2007, at Wheelock College in Boston. Titled "Pornography and Pop
Culture: Reframing Theory, Rethinking Activism," this conference will (1) feature recent feminist
theory and research on pornography, prostitution and pop culture, and (2) provide space for
collaborative discussion on how we can prepare the ground for building a broad-based,
energized and vibrant feminist movement that can address the harms of pornographic images in
the context of a more general political and cultural crisis.
For a full schedule and registration details, please go here to the
Wheelock College website.......
Gail Dines
Professor of Sociology and Women's Studies
Chair of American Studies
Wheelock College
35 Pilgrim Road
Boston, MA 02215
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