Perpetual escapism

Coach is Right ^ | 7/15/13 | Michael D. Shaw

[Oldpuppymax]

One definition of “pornography” deems it—The depiction or portrayal of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse (as by lurid details) a quick intense emotional reaction.

With but a moment’s thought, you can see that this will apply to many sorts of things besides sex. In fact, it is quite possible to develop an unhealthy voyeuristic/vicarious interest is such things as movies, sports, and current events (to name just three). Let’s consider each of these briefly:

While one may like a particular movie or admire the talents of a particular star, it is quite another matter to watch the Oscars every year with what could only be described as a “rooting interest.” Why should a typical viewer care who wins the...

[KosmicKitty]

to arouse ... a quick intense emotional reaction

Chocolate can do the same thing :-)

[avenir]

Bet you dollars to doughnuts that Coach has some interest we, using his definition, could assert as “pornography”. I read a review of SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE once that described the film as a charming “piece of real estate porn” (Keaton’s beach home).

Silly word games. Pornography is by definition sexual, period.

[jobim]

This was a very brief yet very insightful extended definition. Thanks for posting, OPM.

Coach's thesis comes at the conclusion, with "pornography"
defined as that which, through its ephemeral, transitory,
detached, cost-free yet immediately emotionally gratifying punch,
shields us, momentarily, from lives lacking in sufficient purpose
that we cannot keep a sustained interest in that which we actually
assert control over.

Tom Wolfe's essay "Pornoviolence" from about 40 years ago,
predicted that the new pornography would be saturated in violence.
He wrote this after the release of "In Cold Blood" and the emerging
Natl Enquirer-like new media of cheap thrills.