The Porning of America

Sarracino and Scott argue that we no longer have to purchase pornography to get porn because we increasingly live porn in our daily lives. Resolutely pro-sex, they contend that, to make the most of our hard-won sexual freedom, we must thoughtfully-and honestly-evaluate what is both liberating and damaging about porn.Written with an expansive grasp of the highlights of pornographic history and a mastery of narrative argument … a fascinating view of the changing popular culture surrounding American life. —J. Edward Sumerau, Metro Spirit

"[Not] a finger-waving anti-porn diatribe … [the authors approach] the material with a particularly clearheaded sociological gaze." —Jer Fairall, PopMatters

"I'm thrilled with this book. . . . Comprehensive and thought-provoking, this is a must-read if you want to understand porn and our culture." —Al Goldstein, founder and former publisher of Screw magazine

"Whether it's the sexualization of girls, a pimp lifestyle, or Abu Ghraib, there's no dismissing the influence of pornography on our sensibilities, desires, and fantasies. . . . [A] brave, nuanced book that tells a story we don't want to know but can't, for the life of us, ignore." —Lyn Mikel Brown, coauthor of Packaging Girlhood