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Dismantling Pornography and Toxic Masculinity

In the United States, the prevalence of pornography and toxic masculinity has devastated

youths and young families. Pornography is portrayed through the representation of sexual

behavior. In contrast, toxic masculinity is portrayed through how social guidelines are

stereotypically associated with manliness, which often hurts everyone in society. Among the

devastating effects that have arisen from this include sexual abuse and incest. One of the popular

TV shows, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, has highlighted the presence of these issues in

American societies, thus bringing match attention to their dismantlement. Therefore, this essay

will explore how these issues have impacted our societies and how they can be dismantled from

society.

In the 21st century, with the emergence of the internet and social media, pornography has

become increasingly accessible even to teenagers. In society, there have been various arguments

on whether pornography is harmful or harmless. On many occasions, it has been linked to the

rise in sexual violence. In addition, pornography has been linked to the rise in the exploitation of

young people within the society. For instance, in a case that involved a mother in the state of

Florida who engaged in sexual acts with her children through encouragement from her husband

after they had watched pornography (Delgado, 20). Through pornography, women are portrayed

as objects for male pleasure through the enforcement of gender norms and expectations. In this
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regard, women end up being portrayed as inferior to men. Therefore, women are treated

negatively, leading to abuse and sexual harassment.

Furthermore, the prevalence of pornography can affect how men view themselves and

interact with others in society. According to Delgado (20), pornography can lead to people

having a different perspective on sexuality and intimacy, thus making it difficult for men to form

healthy relationships with their female partners. In this regard, men develop a breakdown of

social bonds, a rise in isolation, and loneliness as they find it difficult to interact with their

partners.

On the other hand, toxic masculinity is the harmful gender expectations and norms that

could lead to abusive and violent behaviors in women. The issue has been well portrayed in the

case of Harvey Weinstein, a suspect in many sexual assault and harassment problems by various

women in the United States entertainment industry. Weinstein's behavior was perpetuated by a

culture that values the dominance of males over women and thus perpetuates toxic masculinity.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit's depiction of the sexual assault and abuse cases

based on true stories is powerful. In one episode, for example, a young girl is abducted and

compelled to engage in child pornography (SVU Season 16 Episode 7). The filmmakers use this

episode to draw attention to the harm pornography can do to the most defenseless members of

society, particularly children. The effects of seeing pornographic material aimed at youngsters

may be devastating. Children pressured into pornography risk incurring physical, emotional, and

mental trauma. They may also have problems forming trustworthy connections with others.

Exposure to pornographic media may have negative effects on children's health and

development. Studies have indicated that young children exposed to pornography may have a
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warped view of sexuality and romantic relationships. They may also be more sensitive to drug

usage, mental health difficulties, and sexually risky behaviors.

The episode discusses the damaging effects of toxic masculinity on young women. In this

episode, a high school football player is accused of raping a classmate (Hollywood.com, np). The

inquiry shows that the child and his peers were immersed in a poisonous culture of masculinity

that glorified violent acts against women. The episode demonstrates the adverse effects of toxic

masculinity on young men who are pushed to adhere to damaging gender stereotypes and

women. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has also dealt with the topic of famous women who

have been harassed or assaulted on the show. In one segment, a famous actress accuses a

prominent producer of sexually assaulting her. This episode highlights the sexism and gender

inequality that persists in the entertainment business, particularly when it comes to women

speaking out about abuse.

To eradicate pornography and toxic masculinity, it is necessary to demolish their

foundations. Among these goals is spreading awareness about the importance of consent and

social tolerance via sexual education. This includes advocating for healthy relationships and

dialogue and dismantling harmful gender stereotypes and expectations. Providing young men,

who may feel compelled to adhere to toxic gender norms, with good role models is one strategy

for combating toxic masculinity. According to the NBC News, NBA star Dwyane Wade, who

has been outspoken in supporting his transgender daughter, is an excellent example. By publicly

displaying his affection for and pride in his daughter, Wade is working to eliminate

discrimination and prejudice.

Accountability for abusers is another strategy for eradicating toxic masculinity. For

example, Harvey Weinstein was prosecuted for decades of sexual misconduct in the
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entertainment sector. The #MeToo movement, Wang (230) argues, was launched by the charges

against Weinstein. It has helped to bring attention to the pervasiveness of sexual harassment and

assault across various professions and hold offenders responsible for their acts.
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Works Cited

Chan, Yang it-Toxic Masculinity in Singapore: National Service, Sexual Harassment

and the #Metoo Movement East Asia: An International Quarterly, vol. 39, no. 3,2021 pp 225-

238.

Delgado, Richard, and Jean Stefancic. Must we defend Nazis?: Why the First Amendment

should not protect hate speech and white supremacy. NYU Press, 2018.

Hollywood.com. (2013). ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Takes on ‘Legitimate Rape’ and a Terrifyingly

Effective What-If Scenario. Tickets to Movies in Theaters, Broadway Shows, London

Theatre & More | Hollywood.com. https://www.hollywood.com/tv/law-and-order-svu-

legitimate-rape-akin-59089649

NBC News. Dwyane Wade says trans daughter Zaya knew gender identity since she was 3 years

old. 2020. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/dwyane-wade-says-trans-daughter-

zaya-knew-gender-identity-she-n1138196

SVU Season16 Episode7 | Law and Order | Fandom. (n.d.). Law and Order.

https://lawandorder.fandom.com/wiki/SVU_Season_7