Let me talk to you about pornography

What is pornography?

"pornography, representation of sexual behaviour in books, pictures, statues, films, and other media that is intended to cause sexual excitement. The distinction between pornography (illicit and condemned material) and erotica (which is broadly tolerated) is largely subjective and reflects changing community standards. The word pornography, derived from the Greek porni(“prostitute”) and graphein (“to write”), was originally defined as any work of art or literature depicting the life of prostitutes." https://www.britannica.com/topic/pornography 

I have read about and looked at examples of "pornographic" material. Arousal is a signal of feelings arising from images, words, imagination -- all coming from feelings inside you as you deal with images and words. 

Arousal begins with you and your body, subject to stimulation from seeing or reading about your sexuality. The way to become friends with your own sexual desires is to witness them, learn about what's normal, what's desirable and what is healthy.

Yes I am an old lady now and have had many years to learn about my own sexual desires. Sexuality is only a problem when we want to control a group of others. I don't wish to control young minds but I'd like to stop those who want to exploit the innocent. Laws to protect the vulnerable have limited power because it is the criminality around exploiting the vulnerable that does the most harm. The rapists,  thieves and the killers. To avoid most of the harm we can instil the notion that your body belongs to you. Get to know it. Either in private or with the help of those who are trained to care for you.

Pornography only has the power to give you ideas, the sex trade is harmful because someone wants to make money out of your sexual desires. Please get to know your body and mind. Take responsibility for your desires and how you express them. 

This sounds reasonable but there are many who want to exploit and it's those who we do  need to engage with. If we find ourselves in a web of activity that makes us uncomfortable, afraid, or questioning our desires, stop and think about it. Don't blame others for your feelings and thoughts. 

Most public conversations are about the harm done by society seeking to control the innocent. Let's educate ourselves and take responsibility for our own actions. Instead of locking up the conversation, let's talk about it and see if we can encourage our population to take care of their own integrity.