Porn in the Modern Era: How Erotic Art Culture Shaped Society

As the sexual revolution swept across the USA and Europe in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, the culture of erotic art and porn played a significant role in shaping society. From feminist porn to the impact of iconic activists like Hugh Hefner, Betty Friedan, and Gloria Steinem, erotic art culture had a profound influence on the social and cultural landscape of the time.

The Sexual Revolution and Erotic Art

The sexual revolution and the feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s were both significant social and cultural movements that helped to de-stigmatise pornography and to promote a more positive view of sexuality.

These movements were fuelled by a number of factors, including the availability of the birth control pill, the growth of the counterculture movement, and the civil rights and anti-war movements.

During this time, many people, particularly young people, began to challenge traditional attitudes towards sex and sexuality. The sexual revolution, which was fuelled in part by the availability of the birth control pill and the growth of the counterculture movement, encouraged people to explore their own desires and to reject traditional norms and values.

The sexual revolution challenged the conservative values of the time and paved the way for new ideas and movements surrounding sex and sexuality. Erotic art played a significant role in this, with many artists and creators pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas.

Some notable examples of erotic art during this era include:

• Film: Deep Throat (1972) and Behind the Green Door (1972) were some of the most popular erotic films of the time. Both films challenged traditional gender roles and portrayed sex in a new light.
  
• Literature: Henry Miller’s Tropic of Cancer (1934) and Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying (1973) were two novels that challenged traditional notions of sex and love. These works explored female sexuality and sexual liberation.
  
• Photography: Robert Mapplethorpe’s controversial images challenged societal norms and taboos around sexuality. His work sparked debates about censorship and artistic freedom.
  

The Rise of Feminist Porn

As women began to play a more prominent role in the sexual revolution, feminist porn emerged as a response to traditional pornography. Feminist porn challenged the objectification of women and aimed to portray sex in a more authentic and positive way.

To promote their views on sexuality and pornography, both the sexual revolution and the feminist movement took a number of different actions. Activists organised protests and demonstrations, wrote articles and books, and worked to change laws and policies. They also worked to create new forms of media, such as feminist porn, that celebrated alternative forms of sexuality.

Some notable feminist porn films from this era include:

• The Opening of Misty Beethoven (1976), directed by Radley Metzger, challenged the traditional male gaze and centred on a female protagonist.
  
• Room in Rome (2010), directed by Julio Medem, explored a lesbian relationship and challenged traditional notions of love and sex.
  

Watch Ilsa Fay’s micro film, The Erotic Heart on YouTube

 

Iconic Activists and their Impact

• Hugh Hefner: Hugh Hefner was the founder of Playboy Magazine, which was launched in 1953. His magazine challenged conservative values and brought sexuality into the mainstream. Hefner was a vocal advocate of the sexual revolution and helped to promote a more open and accepting view of sexuality.
  

• Betty Friedan: Betty Friedan was an American feminist and writer who is best known for her book “The Feminine Mystique,” which was published in 1963. In the book, Friedan argued that traditional gender roles were harmful to both men and women, and she called for a new understanding of sexuality and gender. Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique (1963) sparked the second wave of feminism and challenged traditional gender roles.

• Gloria Steinem: Gloria Steinem was an American feminist, writer, and activist who played a significant role in the feminist movement. She co-founded Ms. Magazine, a feminist magazine, and she was a vocal advocate for women’s rights and equality. Steinem’s Ms. Magazine (1972) advocated for Larry Flynt, founder of Hustler magazine, who challenged censorship laws and fought for freedom of speech.
  

• Annie Sprinkle, a sex worker turned activist, who fought for the rights and recognition of sex workers and challenged societal norms around sex and sexuality.
  

The Cultural Impact of Erotic Art

The social and cultural impact of erotic art during this era cannot be overstated. Over time, attitudes towards sexuality and pornography began to shift, and people became more open and accepting of a wide range of sexual expression. While there is still debate and disagreement about the role of pornography in society, the sexual revolution and the feminist movement helped to create a more open and accepting climate for discussing these issues.

Some of the most significant cultural impacts of erotic art during this era include:

• Challenging gender roles and stereotypes
  
• Promoting sexual liberation and freedom of expression
  
• Contributing to the mainstreaming of pornography
  
• Advocating for the rights and recognition of marginalised groups, including women and sex workers

Today, pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry that is consumed by people all around the world. It is often controversial, with many people seeing it as degrading to women or as contributing to unhealthy attitudes towards sex. Others argue that pornography can be a healthy form of artistic expression that celebrates human sexuality and desire.

The Legacy of Erotic Art Culture

As we look back on the social and cultural impact of porn in the modern era, it’s clear that erotic art played a significant role in shaping society. From feminist porn to iconic activists, erotic art culture challenged traditional values and taboos and paved the way for new ideas and movements surrounding sex and sexuality.

If you’re interested in exploring the legacy of erotic art and film, be sure to check out the EROTICA Film Festival, held annually in June. With a wide range of films and artistry to explore, it’s a great opportunity to expand your horizons and appreciate the beauty and creativity of the human body.