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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…” quote by Dave Barry
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““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.””

Dave Barry

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.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about media labels.

Themes

culture media ethics humor subjectivity

Mood

ironic critical playful

Type

satirical commentary humorous

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • advertising
  • artistic expression
  • legal regulation

Key Concepts

social norms contextual relativism satire

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does context change moral judgments?
  • When should humor be used to critique social norms?
A Different Perspective

Definitions can be manipulated to serve moral or political agendas.

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