Big problem Quote by Dave Barry
““The big problem with pornography is defining it. You can't just say it's pictures of people naked. For example, you have these primitive African tribes that exist by chasing the wildebeest on foot, and they have to go around largely naked, because, as the old tribal saying goes: "N'wam k'honi soit qui mali," which means, "If you think you can catch a wildebeest in this climate and wear clothes at the same time, then I have some beach front property in the desert region of Northern Mali that you may be interested in." So it's not considered pornographic when National Geographic publishes color photographs of these people hunting the wildebeest naked, or pounding one rock onto another rock for some primitive reason naked, or whatever. But if National Geographic were to publish an article entitled "The Girls of the California Junior College System Hunt the Wildebeest Naked," some people would call it pornography. But others would not. And still others, such as the Spectacularly Rev. Jerry Falwell, would get upset about seeing the wildebeest naked.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Trouble with Pornography, The New York Times, 2002
The quote satirically highlights how cultural context determines what is labeled as pornographic, showing that definitions shift with perspective and intent.
In simple terms: What counts as porn changes with culture and intent.
Question assumptions about media labels.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journalism
- advertising
- artistic expression
- legal regulation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does context change moral judgments?
- When should humor be used to critique social norms?
Definitions can be manipulated to serve moral or political agendas.