Alton, Mo. – Most people have, by now, realized that Alton has a store on the square that sells pornography, among other things. One tends to turn away from the idea. But is the store a good thing for our community? Will it bring tax revenue? Will people’s lives be better because of its presence? Is it better to allow porn in our town for revenue and to help those who need medical marijuana or vaping supplies? Many reports have been done, and none look promising for Alton. Here are four reasons that allowing porn in a community does not benefit the residents.
Negatively Impacting Relationships
Research consistently shows that porn consumers are twice as likely to report later experiencing a divorce or breakup. There is no substitute for connecting with real people.
Porn may help breed unrealistic expectations about the physical aspects of sex. Pornographic films and pictures promote unrealistic images of “beauty” by portraying very ‘slim’ and very ‘young’ people. Some advocates worry that these expectations can contribute to low self-esteem, especially among women, or cause people to have unrealistic expectations of their sexual partners.
Porn Harms Sexual Function
Research routinely shows that compulsive pornography consumption is associated with sexual dysfunction for both men and women. It can also warp sexual expectations in unhealthy ways.
Porn Normalizes Abuse
According to a study that analyzed porn titles alone, one out of every eight titles described acts of sexual violence. Research also indicates that as few as 1 in 3 and as many as 9 in 10 porn scenes contain physical violence or aggression.
Porn Fuels Sex Trafficking
Manipulation and coercion are unfortunately common in the porn industry, which legally qualifies as sex trafficking. There is no viable way for a consumer to guarantee that the porn they are watching is genuinely consensual and free of abuse or coercion.
With these reports in mind, one needs to decide if a pornography store in downtown Alton will benefit the citizens of Alton. Will residents be safe? What will the community look like in five years as the store grows? Let the city council know your opinion at the next meeting, Monday January 13, at 5:30 pm at city hall. Call city hall beforehand if you want to speak publicly.
