The Style section of the Washington Post isn’t exactly a repository of old-fashioned small town values, which made staff writer Monica Hesse’s Nov. 12 article that much more surprising.
Her piece: “Publicly, a whole new lewdness,” related the stories of commuters, airline passengers and others exposed to “secondhand smut” – that is, people in the uncomfortable position of having neighbors watching porn in public on laptops and BlackBerrys.
“But the increasing popularity of laptops and handheld devices, and the prevalence of wireless Internet access, means there’s a greater chance of becoming a bystander to a complete stranger's viewing proclivities,” Hesse wrote.
One anecdote involved a woman who was on a long flight with her young children, when “her friendly seatmate cued up a cartoon on his laptop. Her four children were enthralled; she hoped listening in might keep them occupied. Then the cartoon characters started doing things that cartoon characters should not be doing. Naked things …”
In another story, a man in the stands at a professional basketball game was watching porn on his iPhone, leading Hesse to wonder if the problem is “the increasingly blurred boundary between public and private. If we are so accustomed to burying our noses in tiny screens, carrying our entertainment in and out of the house, perhaps people are simply getting confused as to where they are.”
Perhaps, but it is also part of the ongoing normalization of porn. It’s readily available on the Internet and cable TV, and nearly pornographic images are as ubiquitous on broadcast TV as they are at supermarket checkouts. Hesse claimed, “It’s practically a human rite of passage to have a roommate – a slobby college one – who loves [porn star] Jenna Jameson,” and unfortunately, that’s probably an accurate statement these days. But it’s a small step to go from watching smut with others in the room to watching it on a bus or subway.
Or while driving. The article mentioned the increasingly common experience of “Jess Mortimer, who spent an eternity stuck in a Beltway traffic jam behind some guy watching really acrobatic stuff on his SUV's television. (This type of secondhand viewing is prevalent enough to have earned its own terminology: Drive-By Porn. Several states have passed or proposed legislation dedicated to preventing it.)”
Despite refusing to pass judgment on “adult entertainment” (this is, after all, the Washington Post), Hesse wasn’t shy about describing “the general haze of gross that seemed to descend on the public space, the filmy yuckiness that made them wish the sprinkler system would spontaneously activate.”
And if it’s too much to ask that a Post story question the morality of porn, someone should have condemned the abject selfishness and irresponsibility – not just the inappropriateness – of watching porn in public.
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Lasting More Than Four Hours
November 12, 2009 - 15:32 ET by miss911ninjaI haven't experienced drive-by porn...yet. But now I just wish they'd get rid of those commercials which graphically describe a possible side effect of Viagra!
LOL miss911nija. I HATE
November 12, 2009 - 15:44 ET by MaximusBraveheartLOL miss911nija. I HATE those **** viagra and other inappropriate medical ads. Yes discuss it with your doctor, BUT NOT on TV in front of my kids! Total BS that they run these on TV. I am for free enterprise yet I find no benefit of med ads on TV. They just seem to drive up the price of drugs. The doctor knows and will give what is needed. M-B
"Ask your doctor if ______ is right for you"
November 12, 2009 - 15:49 ET by SickofLibsNo, I won't - that's what I'm paying HIM for!
Do I ask my plumber if this pipe fitting is right for me?
pipe fitting...I get it ;~>
November 12, 2009 - 15:56 ET by BKeyserpipe fitting...I get it ;~>
Gas With Oily Discharge
November 12, 2009 - 16:19 ET by miss911ninjaI agree, Max, that ads for medication have no place on TV, because it's like putting the cart before the horse when you're advised to tell your doctor if you experience double vision, grow hair on your tongue, or develop a full-body red angry rash after taking it. I mean, shouldn't you worry about that only if the doctor prescribes it? Talk about too much information!
LOL - Gas With Oily
November 12, 2009 - 16:40 ET by MaximusBraveheartGas With Oily Discharge ... too funny; exactly! Yuk, and we have to hear it. Our kids have to hear it! Pharma may be a part of high medical care costs. They don't really want you well, healthy and natural since they don't sell many drugs then. Drugs are very important, but I think half are pushed and of dubious benefit.
This morning I was leaving the HVAC parts store and the guys were out loading a truck. It is very nice (70F) in Dallas this week so I said wow what great weather! The boss said "I don't like it at all, better hot or cold, we are in the heating and cooling business." That kind of shocked me at first, but was a good and practical lesson!
M-B
→ Like Fritos?
November 12, 2009 - 16:46 ET by Cool ArrowRemember when Frito-Lay switched over to Olestra? And they had a disclaimer on the bag warning of the possibility of "anal leakage"?
I'll bet that sold lots of extra bags.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Was that a problem, Tex, or
November 12, 2009 - 18:28 ET by Another Dead KennedyWas that a problem, Tex, or did you have to give up your Fritos?
→ Fooled ya' Drupal
November 12, 2009 - 18:36 ET by Cool ArrowYou're the guy who bought my "worn once" underwear on Ebay.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
It wasn't me, Tex. I don't
November 12, 2009 - 18:42 ET by Another Dead KennedyIt wasn't me, Tex. I don't buy anything from ebay. Crooks.
CA...
November 12, 2009 - 18:52 ET by danybhoyThat would depend upon the sorts of things you are into. Sadly, some people ARE into that sort of thing, & other things just as sick.
This sounds like a story for Red Eye, I would hate to hear Bill Schultz would have to say about this...with SE Cupp sitting next to him looking sick at the same time.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
I guess that means that
November 12, 2009 - 23:50 ET by ckc1227I guess that means that Frito-Lay products are inappropriate for kids. "Anal" is such a dirty word.
Cool: thanks for ID-ing that "anal leakage" thing for me
November 13, 2009 - 00:00 ET by SickofLibsI have this compilation/chunk of legalese disclaimers I have used to attach to emails to clients that have emailed me with dumb disclaimers as signatures. The 4th one from the end is "anal leakage" and I always thought it was made up:
Dry clean only. Sanitized for your protection. To be used in conjunction with a calorie controlled diet. Individual results may vary. Beware of dog. Pineapple 50c extra. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. Use only as directed. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Postage will be paid by addressee. Overseas model shown. Subject to approval. Apply only to affected areas. May be too intense for some viewers. Do not stamp. Use other side. May cause drowsiness. For recreational use only. Do not disturb. All models over 18 years of age. If condition persists, contact your physician. Wholesale only. No user-serviceable parts inside. Freshest if eaten before date on carton. Subject to change without notice. Times approximate. Simulated picture. No postage necessary if mailed in U.K. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of agreement. For off-road use only. As seen on TV. One size fits all. Contains a substantial amount of non-tobacco ingredients. Colours may, in time, fade. Slippery when wet. For office use only. Drop in any mailbox. Edited for television. List was current at time of printing. Not responsible for damages resulting from any defect, error, or failure to perform. Not to be taken internally. At participating location only. Not the Beatles. Penalty for private use. See label for sequence. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Do not write below this line. Lost ticket pays maximum rate. Add Toner. Place stamp here. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitized for your protection. Slightly higher west of Manchester. Employees and their families not eligible. Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show. Limited time offer, call now to ensure prompt delivery. You must be present to win. No purchase necessary. No free list. Shading within a garment may occur. Cleaners -do not empty. Use only in well-ventilated area. Keep away from fire or flame. Replace with same type. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does not include tax. Not recommended for children under five. Reproduction strictly prohibited. No solicitors. No alcohol, dogs, or horses. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. Not for resale. Call toll-free before digging. Driver does not carry cash. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Objects on screen may be smaller than they appear. Your actual mileage may vary. Promotional copy only -- not for resale. Always wear your safety belt. Cannot be held liable for damaged computer components due to electrical shortage. Not responsible for hair growth on palms of hands, blindness, hysteria, homosexual urges, warts, or eternal damnation caused by usage of this page. NJ 5c Deposit -- No deposit elsewhere. You must be at least this tall to ride this ride. May be harmful if you have high blood pressure, back problems, or a heart condition. Please rewind after use. There may be some variation in color and texture due to seasonal variations in ingredients. This page contains no preservatives, artificial ingredients, or meat by-products. Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program. Not for individual sale. Contains no MSG. Sale to or use by minors is strictly prohibited. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Keep out of the reach of children. Actual crustaceans not accepted as legal tender. Checks will not be honored. Please see your doctor if pain persists. May cause anal leakage. Not to be used as a floatation device. Judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Prices correct at time of publication.
"I am for free enterprise
November 12, 2009 - 23:48 ET by ckc1227"I am for free enterprise yet I find no benefit of med ads on TV. They just seem to drive up the price of drugs.The doctor knows and will give what is needed."
I think we should do away with car commercials too. Car dealers know what to do. They'll let you know what car you need. No beer commercials either....bars will hook you up. Tide commercials? Naaaah, Wal-Mart has got your back. Besides, those commercials just seem to drive up the price of Tide, cars, beer, etc.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but
November 12, 2009 - 15:42 ET by BKeyserCorrect me if I'm wrong, but isn't the main purpose of porn to illicit a certain physiolgical response? Aren't you supposed to attain a certain- condition- through it's use? And if so, why would a crowded airplane or a basketball game be your ideal place for this?
BK I think we have a new
November 12, 2009 - 17:18 ET by Radical1979BK I think we have a new cause of auto crashes coming up!
And I sure wouldn't want some guy sitting next to my daughter on a plane watching this because my husband would beat the, well you know, out of him.
STRANGE BUT TRUE...
November 12, 2009 - 18:55 ET by danybhoyThere were reports a few years ago here in the TwinCities of a guy who used to drive around with lesbian porn going on the screens in the back of his headrests. He was'nt watching, but he had it going for everyone else.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
Classy
November 12, 2009 - 16:08 ET by SpikerAir travel has become horrendous enough without having some jerk in a certain "state" in the next seat watching porn.
But who's lobbying the
November 12, 2009 - 17:22 ET by Another Dead KennedyBut who's lobbying the nation's airports to stop selling Playboy and all the other porno mags in their bookstores and convenient stores? Portable porn is nothing new.
Watch if there is any
November 12, 2009 - 16:37 ET by ForeverOnTheRightWatch if there is any legislation, anywhere, prohibiting the public viewing of porn the ACLU if not liberals will claim that it's a violation of free speach to prohibit it. The viewer or listener is NOT speaking, so they do NOT have the right to view porn in public!
What is she complaining about?
November 12, 2009 - 17:13 ET by Tugboat PhilIsn't Larry Flynt the Obama Culture Czar?
Gun Control - The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound.
I don't know about that
November 12, 2009 - 18:23 ET by nwahsBut he's all over Bourbon Street. This past Sunday, before the Saint's game, a large group of us went to the French Quarter to people watch and get some beignets at Café du Monde. We had a few kids in tow, but Decatur Street is usually pretty tame. Well the line was so long to get in, we decided to head over to get breakfast at Krystal's on Bourbon Street. I recommended Brennan's. If we were going places and not eating, why not go someplace expensive and not eat?
Its been a long time since I've been down there, but I was shocked to see Larry Flynt has three clubs on Bourbon now. The ads contain no nudity, but the models are in very graphic positions. We kept the kids very engaged in conversation as we passed each one.
Ever been to NYC? Remember
November 12, 2009 - 18:28 ET by Another Dead KennedyEver been to NYC? Remember Times Square up until the mid to late 90s when Disney took over? Wall to wall porn ads and strip clubs, with pretty graphic material visible everywhere. Come to think of it, pretty mainstream parts of Europe are like that.
No
November 12, 2009 - 18:38 ET by nwahsI've never been to New York, but I do remember reading a few articles about cleaning up Times Square. Never been to Europe either. I went to Chattanooga last year :)
Well traveled I ain't.
Eh, NY is overrated anyway ;
November 12, 2009 - 18:46 ET by Another Dead KennedyEh, NY is overrated anyway ; )
But get your butt to Europe when you have the chance. Then you can see how miserable those socialists really are.
Larry's New Gig
November 12, 2009 - 23:16 ET by miss911ninjaTugboat Phil, if Larry Flynt is the Obama Culture Czar, Glenn Beck will expose him. Ooops, did I say "expose?"
Only an idiot....
November 12, 2009 - 17:25 ET by Kingfish17Only an idiot would display porn in front of kids. Your chances of getting into serious trouble are extremely high.
Did they mother file a complaint when they guy played "porn" on his laptop in front of her children? If those had been my kids I would have informed the flight attendents, and if they didn't take action I would have sued the airline. Maybe it wasn't really as bad as this story makes it out to be.
Filing a complaint is Plan B.
November 12, 2009 - 20:25 ET by CO2MakerPlan A is to reach over and slam the laptop shut. If his hands are on the keyboard, he gets his finger hurt. When you do this, you say, quietly so the kids don't hear, "Turn that sh*t off, a**hole, or I'll hurt you worse."
Good advice. That'll
November 12, 2009 - 20:29 ET by Another Dead KennedyGood advice. That'll pretty much do it.
"Maybe it wasn't really as
November 12, 2009 - 23:36 ET by ckc1227"Maybe it wasn't really as bad as this story makes it out to be."
Maybe it didn't even happen at all, which is where I'm leaning.
I agree 100 percent with the WAPO reporter
November 12, 2009 - 20:53 ET by shawn228Porn should be legal and should be protected free speech and expression. However it is just pure stupidy to view it in public where it can affect others.
Porn should be viewed at home and it is a persons responsiblity to make sure children to do not get their hands on it. It is one thing to do the nasty with you partner at home, but it is basic common sense not to do it on a playground in full view of children.
"And if it’s too much to ask that a Post story question the morality of
porn, someone should have condemned the abject selfishness and
irresponsibility – not just the inappropriateness – of watching porn in
public. "
Perhaps because that is not what the article is about and we see enough of those from people like Pat Robertson?
lol Shawn
November 12, 2009 - 21:02 ET by botgi'm gone for weeks and here you are still promoting porn
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
Hey botg... Where the
November 12, 2009 - 21:07 ET by bigtimerHey botg...
Where the heck ya been, thought I'd see ya around at least the start of regular season.
Good to see you though...hope all is well...been gone for awhile myself for a bit moving and all.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
been taking a breather BT
November 12, 2009 - 21:11 ET by botgfrom too much Obama, like the old saying
God grant me the strenght to change the things i can, the patience to endure those i can't, and the wisdom to know the difference
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
Why hello Bruce
November 12, 2009 - 21:08 ET by shawn228were you gone? :-)
no i've been around spidey
November 12, 2009 - 21:12 ET by botgbut i just thought hey pron IS legal, you can get the Playboy channel or any number of other ones
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
Your right Brucy
November 12, 2009 - 21:14 ET by shawn228It is legal, just the way I like it. I was agreeing with author that just because it is legal, it is extremely irresponsible for it be around children, did you have any problem with that statement?
i usually am
November 12, 2009 - 21:19 ET by botg:)
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
:-)
November 12, 2009 - 21:28 ET by shawn228Just like how I still can't stop talking about porn, you still can't answer direct questions :-P
why if i answered all your
November 12, 2009 - 21:34 ET by botgwhy if i answered all your questions where then would your thinking be? i will not be responsible for your brain atrophying
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -- Chief Justice John Roberts
Well, who can argue with
November 12, 2009 - 21:35 ET by shawn228Well, who can argue with that logic my friend? :-)