Sex, is simply a factor of human nature. It may be used for financial profits, pleasure, intimacy, and curiosity among other situations. Yet, sex outside of the bedroom, such as pornography, often has a negative connotation associated with it, when in reality there are more important things to be concern about than who is watch porn. For example, sex trafficking, human organ harvesting, illegal governmental spying, among other aspects in life are far more important to be concerned about than how many times a college freshman reaches climax each night.
In fact, porn has this “magical” concept about it, where it is instantly accessible on demand, both on the telly and the Internet, and may be easily dismissed as soon as it was called upon. Seeing countless people have sex within minutes of each other in this digital age, could very have be the naughty dream of someone from decades ago: purchasing particular magazines are out of date when one could instead watch the newest up to date videos. In order to keep this staged reality “alive,” the porn industry calls upon real people in the world to step up and create new artistic works involving other people, with their bodies as the canvas. Prostitution, escorts, and sex performers are just as real and human as people who are viewing the products or mediums which those artists have created. As long as the sex between one, two, or more persons is a mutual agreement of consent, the activity of pleasure and thrill should not be blown out of proportion for what those people decide to do, whether if it is publicised or if it remains private.
Known as Miriam Weeks while working to earn her degree on campus and Belle Knox when earning additional income through adult videos, the life of this university student far from beer-pong and pizza. Making her stage name known in the porn industry and out into the media, has brought a deal of attention to Weeks. Her decision to enrol in the adult film industry for mature viewers has unfortunately twisted in various directions of support and immature shaming. An episode of The Young Turks considers the rude and unnecessary responses Weeks had received early on after her identity had been publicly recognised. One of the hosts, Cenk Uygur, remarks on her situation by voicing, “…she says ‘How dare you expose me for doing porn!’ that makes no logical sense. What do you think was going to happen when you did porn? So, I don’t quite get her argument.” While his comment is a bit dull, it is reasonable. The world of porn holds this image where the actors and actresses are only real when their work is being viewed, otherwise they are simply fictional character who are “stuck” in a world of always having a great time. However, when the artist is “discovered and located,” such as Weeks on her campus, people seem to lose their minds as they realise what they see as fantasy is actually a reality: people who do porn are among the same people who view the porn.
The hosts look further into the negative comments Weeks has received after being exposed on campus. A few comments from a no longer valid WordPress blog revealed mixed thoughts from other students attending Duke University. Of the remarks shown, the statements are rude and harsh. Ana Kasparian declares the Internet is riddled with negativity and people attacking others with their words. She goes further to state, “… even if she was doing Mother Theresa type work, there are always going to be trolls that are gonna say something hideous and heinous” (College Girl Outed As Porn Star...). It’s fine to have individual thoughts about a situation or a current event, however, commentaries become unacceptable when the people involved in the topic of discussion are attacked on a personal level, to their personal nature.
A segment of The View interviewed Weeks with a series of questions regarding her decision to enter such a line of profession. To establish her foundation, Weeks reasoned her decision to become involved with adult films was due to her yearly fees of $60,000 to attend the University. $60k is not pocket change. This is more money than a multitude of people earn here in the US over the course of a calendar year. As a college student myself, I do understand, judgement-free, why she would even dare to consider such a side profession. By all means, becoming a porn actor/actress is indeed a bold decision: the type of choice one would need to seriously think through prior to enacting. I, myself, do understand financial aid has its limitations regarding how much it will fork over each year; for some people, it’s simply not sufficient to entirely cover the tuition rates and other fees involved with attending whichever higher education. For her to essentially tell the world she has resulted to pornographic films to pay for her education, is an evident indicator there is a problem with the educational system here in the US and any other country where students are in the same situation as her. It’s beyond silly the price tags for higher education results in students being more focused on maintaining their financial bills than their initial purpose of attending the institute.
Weeks was further asked a serious of other questions, with short answer replys. It is understood her young viewing of porn since the age of twelve has influenced her view of the industry, not only because of the rates of compensation but also because it allows women to have a say about their bodies due to the “controlled environment” and scenes involved with porn (DUKE University 'PORN STAR'...). While she agrees she has the availability to chase after other options to earn money, the realm of porn is very well “too easy” of an opportunity to ignore.
She has the right mindset of managing her financial fees while earning her education, yet the reactions from those around her cause her situation to simply appear out of place. Although, if she is truly earning the money to earn to education, I don’t see why this should be a problem at all. I understand why people may see this as untraditional or a sublime “profession,” but then again, there’s a demand from the sea of viewers who visually consume the product she is producing.
The two news segments greatly vary upon the quality of their analysis of Weeks. The group questions addressed on The View held a greater feeling of comfort when identifying her individual situation. Combining the perspectives of multiple people adds a bit of weight, which is needed when interviewing the person everyone else is already talking about, often without that very person. Although, bombarding the person of interest may not always lead to quality responses, as observed with the answered provided by Weeks often being above the surface and simply phrased. While I'm sure she practiced the responses she would give to a variety of possible questions, it was evident to me she wants to defend herself, yet also completely retract from this type of media attention. I would not say she is camera shy, but rather she is not the type of person who is a talk show personality. On the other hand, The Young Turks really just evaluated the situation and analysed a few of the comments made towards her. Of course, it would have made a difference in the types of questions they asked, and even their responses towards her situation, if she were additionally interviewed. It's clear there is a difference in our tone of voice when we talk about a subject with the person involved, and when we dissect the situation without their presence.
which involves porn or sexual activities, just as some people are athletes, relators, maids and so forth. While this initial “surprise” occurred a few years ago, this will be, nearing if not already, well enough time for Weeks to have graduated from a four-year university. Whether she earns her degree and pursues her interests as “a lawyer in civil rights” will be up to her.
On another note, starting fresh in the sixth season of Degrassi: The Next Generation, Manny went through a period in her life where she wanted to be desirable and wanted, in order to further spark her sought-after future as an actress. In a condensed summary, she ends up exposing her breasts and exclaiming "I'm going to be an actress, like, academy award winning. And you can sell this [video] for a million dollars 'cause I am going to be FAMOUS!" while under the influence at a party to a classmate who recorded the event and shared it with the Degrassi student body. Sure enough, she received negative comments and remarks about her behaviour, although she ultimately stood up to her haters, acknowledged her mistake and moved on, just as everyone else did. A rad Degrassi Mini entitled "Notorious" also shares this particular concept, and the message it creates is very well put together (Degrassi Mini...). Some days are bitter, however, they will all come to an end.
The two news segments greatly vary upon the quality of their analysis of Weeks. The group questions addressed on The View held a greater feeling of comfort when identifying her individual situation. Combining the perspectives of multiple people adds a bit of weight, which is needed when interviewing the person everyone else is already talking about, often without that very person. Although, bombarding the person of interest may not always lead to quality responses, as observed with the answered provided by Weeks often being above the surface and simply phrased. While I'm sure she practiced the responses she would give to a variety of possible questions, it was evident to me she wants to defend herself, yet also completely retract from this type of media attention. I would not say she is camera shy, but rather she is not the type of person who is a talk show personality. On the other hand, The Young Turks really just evaluated the situation and analysed a few of the comments made towards her. Of course, it would have made a difference in the types of questions they asked, and even their responses towards her situation, if she were additionally interviewed. It's clear there is a difference in our tone of voice when we talk about a subject with the person involved, and when we dissect the situation without their presence.
Whether or not they are considered “good at it,” some people really do have a profession
On another note, starting fresh in the sixth season of Degrassi: The Next Generation, Manny went through a period in her life where she wanted to be desirable and wanted, in order to further spark her sought-after future as an actress. In a condensed summary, she ends up exposing her breasts and exclaiming "I'm going to be an actress, like, academy award winning. And you can sell this [video] for a million dollars 'cause I am going to be FAMOUS!" while under the influence at a party to a classmate who recorded the event and shared it with the Degrassi student body. Sure enough, she received negative comments and remarks about her behaviour, although she ultimately stood up to her haters, acknowledged her mistake and moved on, just as everyone else did. A rad Degrassi Mini entitled "Notorious" also shares this particular concept, and the message it creates is very well put together (Degrassi Mini...). Some days are bitter, however, they will all come to an end.
Works Cited
"College Girl Outed As Porn Star & The Bullying Begins..." YouTube, uploaded by
The Young Turks, 25 Feb. 2014, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q3fHxi2R5c.
Accessed 9 Apr. 2017.
"Degrassi Mini 102 - Notorious." YouTube, uploaded by Degrassi - The Official
Channel, 16 Jan. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1_vJVI-ScU. Accessed 9 Apr.
2017.
"DUKE University 'PORN STAR' Belle Knox Goes On 'The VIEW' To DEFEND Her Career
Choice." YouTube, uploaded by Hezakya Newz& Hip-Hop, 17 Mar. 2014,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vklR9KV-THM. Accessed 9 Apr. 2017.
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