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There's only one good test of pornography. Get twelve…

“There's only one good test of pornography. Get twelve normal men to read the book, and then ask them, ''Did you get an erection?'' If the answer is ''Yes'' from a majority of the twelve, then the book is pornographic.” quote by W. H. Auden
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“There's only one good test of pornography. Get twelve normal men to read the book, and then ask them, ''Did you get an erection?'' If the answer is ''Yes'' from a majority of the twelve, then the book is pornographic.”

W. H. Auden

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A provocative test for pornography is whether most men experience arousal while reading it.

In simple terms: Test porn by asking men if they get aroused.

Key Takeaway

Use this test to gauge explicit content.

Themes

sexuality media ethics humor controversy

Mood

provocative humorous critical

Type

rhetorical satirical

When to use this quote

  • evaluating books
  • discussing media impact
  • teaching media literacy
  • debating censorship
  • examining humor in critique

Key Concepts

subjective arousal censorship cultural standards

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is arousal a reliable measure of pornographic content?
  • What are the limits of such a test?
A Different Perspective

Responses may vary widely across cultures and individuals.

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